Sharjah Charity delegation concludes Benin visit

The visit aimed to monitor the Charity’s projects implemented on the ground, assess the needs of beneficiary communities, and strengthen cooperation with local partners. This ensures that aid reaches those who deserve it and that projects achieve their humanitarian and developmental goals.

Assessing projects and community needs

Ali Mohammed Al Rashidi, Head of the External Projects and Aid Sector and head of the delegation, stated that the visit was an important opportunity to directly observe the projects implemented by SCI in the Republic of Benin and listen to the beneficiaries’ needs.

He added that the visit also explored opportunities for expanding priority projects. He emphasized that field monitoring is a fundamental pillar of the association’s work, as it allows for the evaluation of project impact and the identification of the actual needs of beneficiary communities. This, in turn, helps direct donors’ contributions towards projects more closely aligned with the needs of the population.

Supporting education, water and development projects

He added that the delegation followed up on a number of educational and development projects during the visit. The tour included inspecting mosques, classrooms, and wells, and assessing the needs of several areas for new projects. They also discussed supporting projects related to mosques, classrooms, teacher sponsorship, and water projects. The delegation held meetings with a number of officials and charitable and humanitarian organisations in Benin, focusing on ways to develop charitable work and enhance cooperation to better serve the beneficiary communities.

Empowering low-income communities

He noted that the delegation distributed 30 sewing machines to low-income individuals as part of income-generating projects aimed at providing them with tools and empowering them to rely on their skills to provide income for their families. He emphasised that this type of project represents a crucial step in transitioning beneficiaries from a state of need to one of productivity and self-reliance. The delegation also launched the “White Hands to Combat Blindness” campaign in the city of Barakou, in coordination with relevant authorities, with the goal of supporting those suffering from eye diseases and helping them regain their ability to live better lives.

Food and medical assistance

He noted that the delegation returned to follow up on the campaign’s results, meet with beneficiaries, listen to their concerns, and oversee the distribution of medications through the Benin-based Humanitarian Action Organization team. They also distributed 202 food baskets to low-income families and delivered 500 school bags to sponsored orphans. In addition, they monitored several implemented projects and assessed the needs of the areas visited.

Focus on sustainable humanitarian impact

Al-Rashidi emphasised that the delegation learned about the needs of residents in remote areas, which motivates the association to continue developing its interventions to combine emergency relief with development projects and health and education initiatives. He pointed out that the goal is not limited to project implementation but extends to ensuring its impact, sustainability, and ability to improve the lives of beneficiaries.