Sharjah students launch 43 initiatives to support vulnerable children

Students from 15 private schools in Sharjah are taking the lead in a new humanitarian campaign, organising 43 fundraising and awareness activities aimed at supporting vulnerable children around the world.

The initiative, titled An Impact That Changes the Story, is being organised by the Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation (KSQF) in collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA). Launched recently, the campaign seeks to turn students’ concern for children facing hardship into meaningful action, giving them an opportunity to contribute to humanitarian causes while developing leadership and organisational skills.

Rather than limiting young people’s participation to donations or school events, the initiative places students at the centre of planning and delivering activities designed to raise funds and awareness about children’s rights.

Students take charge as young humanitarian leaders

Selected participants will serve as Impact Leaders, taking responsibility for planning and overseeing activities under the supervision of their schools and with guidance from KSQF.

They are also encouraged to bring classmates and parents into the initiative, extending its reach beyond individual schools and creating opportunities for entire school communities to participate. Ali Al Hosani, Director General of SPEA, said the campaign complements the authority’s Ithraa Maher project, which focuses on translating classroom learning into practical experiences.

Through their involvement, students will have opportunities to strengthen leadership, communication, planning and problem-solving skills while developing a deeper understanding of humanitarian responsibility. SPEA also plans to document students’ experiences and provide campaign ambassadors with an opportunity to share their work during a panel discussion at the Education Summit.

December bazaar to raise funds for child protection

At the heart of the campaign is a broader effort to support KSQF’s child protection programmes and highlight the dangers confronting children affected by poverty, conflict and exploitation. The foundation works to protect children from abuse, violence and exploitation, including forced labour, child marriage and human trafficking.

KSQF Director Lujan Mourad said the initiative aims to help young people understand that their ideas, commitment and collective efforts can make a meaningful difference in protecting the rights of other children. A major highlight of the campaign will be an Impact Bazaar in December, organised in collaboration with RUWAD, Sharjah’s entrepreneurship support organisation. Students will have an opportunity to showcase and sell their artwork, handmade products and other creative work, with the proceeds directed towards the foundation’s humanitarian projects.

By combining student-led fundraising with awareness and practical learning, the campaign seeks to nurture a generation that sees humanitarian action not simply as an act of charity, but as a shared responsibility towards children whose rights and well-being remain at risk.