His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched the Mothers’ Endowment campaign. This campaign aims to honor mothers in the UAE by establishing a sustainable endowment fund worth AED1 billion ($272.26 million). The fund will provide support for education globally, benefiting millions of individuals.
The Mothers’ Endowment campaign, which coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, recognizes the pivotal role of mothers as the first teachers of their children. They nurture generations and impart essential knowledge that lasts a lifetime. The fund will serve as a perpetual charity on behalf of all mothers in the UAE.
The campaign’s primary objective is to honor mothers by enabling individuals to make donations in their mothers’ names. By supporting educational and vocational systems, the campaign also aims to enhance the education and skills of individuals in underprivileged communities. This initiative will create sustainable pathways to improve living standards and empower individuals to enter the job market, thereby fostering stability and driving development within their communities.
Fostering values of honoring parents and kindness
Furthermore, the Mothers’ Endowment campaign promotes the values of honoring parents, kindness, and solidarity within the community. It highlights the significant role of UAE mothers in nurturing their families and supporting their children’s education. Ultimately, the campaign solidifies the UAE’s reputation as a leader in charitable and humanitarian endeavors. It establishes a sustainable endowment that provides educational and empowerment opportunities for underprivileged populations worldwide.
In a post on platform X, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stated, “My dear brothers and sisters… The holy month of Ramadan approaches, and as has been our tradition of launching humanitarian campaigns, from the people of the UAE to the world every year, today we launch the Mothers’ Endowment; an education endowment fund valued at AED 1 billion, which acts as an ongoing charity in the name of all mothers in the UAE.”
الإخوة والأخوات . . يحل علينا شهر كريم . . وجرياً على عادتنا السنوية في إطلاق حملة رمضانية إنسانية من شعب الإمارات .. نطلق اليوم "وقف الأم" .. وقف تعليمي بقيمة مليار درهم صدقة جارية عن الأمهات في دولة الإمارات ..
الأم جنة .. والأم طريق للجنة .. وندعو الجميع بالمشاركة في هذا… pic.twitter.com/XgKLPP3m6F
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 4, 2024
“A mother is a synonym of heaven, and her satisfaction is the path to heaven. We call upon everyone – young and old, men and women – to be part of this endowment. Let us make our mothers happy, please our Creator, and practice fasting this Ramadan amidst blessings, love and kindness. May God protect the UAE and UAE mothers,” added His Highness.
Moreover, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid went on to say, “Knowledge is hope. It is the gateway to a better life, shaping capable individuals and advancing nations. Our role in the UAE is to ensure that people worldwide have access to education, hope, and a chance at life. We must contribute to building a better future globally.”
Supporting vulnerable populations worldwide
Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, the Secretary-General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), emphasized that the Mothers’ Endowment campaign reflects His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision of sustainable giving, generosity, and support for vulnerable populations worldwide. Al Gergawi stated that the campaign aims to make a tangible difference and improve the lives of those in need by providing basic necessities and safe opportunities for living, working, and learning.
Aligned with UAE’s culture of giving and generosity
The Mothers’ Endowment campaign aligns with the values of giving and generosity deeply ingrained in the UAE community. It showcases the nation’s ongoing efforts since its establishment to extend aid to disadvantaged communities and help millions worldwide receive quality education, a fundamental human right. This noble cause remains a key humanitarian priority for both the UAE and MBRGI. The new endowment campaign embodies this commitment.
The Mothers’ Endowment campaign also builds upon the success of previous Ramadan campaigns launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid over the past four years. These campaigns include the ’10 Million Meals’ in 2020, the ‘100 Million Meals’ in 2021, the ‘1 Billion Meals’ in 2022, and the ‘1 Billion Meals Endowment’ in 2023. These initiatives have garnered significant response and surpassed their targets in terms of donations and beneficiaries worldwide. The Mothers’ Endowment campaign for education support continues this trajectory of impactful community initiatives.
Impacting millions of lives
The proceeds from the Mothers’ Endowment campaign will support the education of millions of individuals worldwide. The funds will equip them with the necessary tools and skills to lead independent and dignified lives. Allocation of the funds will be carried out in collaboration with humanitarian organizations. The campaign targets individuals seeking education and vocational training in underprivileged communities, ultimately promoting stability and well-being.
The Mothers’ Endowment campaign for education support will operate under the umbrella of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the largest foundation in the region dedicated to humanitarian and development work. By raising the bar for community initiatives, the campaign builds upon the success of previous Ramadan campaigns, including the ’10 Million Meals’ and ‘1 Billion Meals’ initiatives. These campaigns showcased social solidarity and support for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to combat hunger globally.
A structured approach to charitable work
Introducing the Mothers’ Endowment campaign for education support, a platform that offers a well-organized and structured approach to charitable work. This campaign provides an easy and streamlined method for sustainable giving that aligns with Islamic values and teachings. It taps into the inherent human inclination to do good and aims to foster social solidarity as part of a broader humanitarian movement, based on the belief that the welfare of one individual is interconnected with the welfare of all.
Drawing inspiration from Quranic verses and Islamic teachings that emphasize the importance of honoring mothers and the value of knowledge, this campaign solidifies the UAE’s prominent position in the realm of regional and global humanitarian efforts. It showcases the compassionate nature of the Emirati community, which is quick to support various humanitarian initiatives. By prioritizing the empowerment of underprivileged individuals and communities through education and skills development, this campaign serves as an exemplary model of charitable endowments.
Challenges in ensuring quality education
Despite global endeavors to achieve the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda, the fourth goal of ensuring quality education faces significant challenges. Reports warn that without urgent and sustainable measures, 84 million children and youth will remain out of school by 2030. Furthermore, 300 million children will lack basic reading, writing, and math skills, impeding their personal growth and future educational and employment opportunities.
According to a recent UNESCO report, there are currently 263 million children worldwide who are not enrolled in school. This figure includes 61 million primary school-age children (5 to 11 years old), 60 million middle school-age children (11 to 14 years old), and 142 million high school students (15 to 19 years old).
Established in 2015 to consolidate various initiatives sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) encompasses more than 35 humanitarian, social, and development initiatives and organizations. Its primary focus is on vulnerable and disadvantaged communities globally, with the objective of advancing education, combating poverty and diseases, and promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence.
MBRGI is dedicated to fostering a culture of hope throughout the Arab world. It actively addresses urgent humanitarian and development challenges while investing in human capital as the primary driver of progress and development.
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