Jamila

Jamila Al Qasimi, “The average cost of educating a student with a disability is 30,000 dirhams per year”

Mar 27, 2022

During the academic year 2021-2022, 1993 persons with disabilities benefited from the educational, rehabilitation and training programs offered by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) to its students of different nationalities and disabilities. The city offers these services in accordance with the best and latest international practices.

About 642 employees supervise the provision of these services, 52 of whom are persons with disabilities. Although the average cost of tuition fees for one student in the city during the academic year is 30,000 dirhams, the actual cost ranges between 20,000 dirhams and 80,000 dirhams, depending on the type of disability and the services the person needs.

With the launch of the zakat campaign organized by the city every year in the holy month of Ramadan under the slogan "Your Zakat to Support our Education," Her Excellency Sheikha Jamila bint Muhammad Al Qasimi, the city's president, has confirmed that 80% of the total of city's students benefit from the zakat campaign. The zakat money cover for their tuition and education fees.

She showed the proportions of the city's financial resources to cover the operational cost of providing education, training, rehabilitation and treatment services for people with disabilities. The Government of Sharjah contributes 29%, 22% of Zakat funds, 28% of donations and endowment management, and 21% of tuition fees and other activities.

She also pointed out that the city is proud of the academic achievements of its students. The city has graduated 90 high school students, 12 of whom have obtained a university degree, and 23 of them are still at collage.

She said, “The city has integrated 568 students with disabilities into schools. It has contributed to the employment of 395 people with disabilities in public and private institutions. About 7,512 children have benefited from the early detection and screening program organized by its Early Intervention Center”.

His Excellency the President of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services spoke about the goal of this year's zakat campaign, which is to pay the tuition fees for 471 male and female students who are eligible for zakat funds.

Education is one of the legitimate ways to spend zakat money, as it achieves stability for the family and provides a permanent source of livelihood.  The slogan "Your Zakat to Support our Education" reflects this trend. It is consistent with the principles, goals and interest of the city in urging the people of the community to contribute to the education of persons with disabilities and empower them scientifically and cognitively according to the latest and best practices.

Since 1989, the city bases its annual campaign on the fatwa issued by the Permanent Fatwa Committee in the Emirate of Sharjah permitting the collection, acceptance and presentation of Zakat money to persons with disabilities. A special committee studies the financial situation of families with persons with disabilities to determine who is really in need because they cannot make a living.  In this case, SCHS as being a nonprofit organization pays money to educate persons with disabilities.  If SCHS cannot do this, SCHS becomes entitled to take from Zakat money, because it falls under one of the seven categories entitled to Zakat money according to the Islamic law, which is those in debt on their behalf or on behalf of others.

Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela bint Muhammad Al Qasimi directed her sincerest thanks to partners, sponsors and supporters of the zakat campaign.  They are Sharjah Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority. In addition to, Etisalat, GPCA Group, Nazo Corporation. She also thanked media sponsors, which are Sharjah Broadcasting and Television Authority, Rimal International Company for Advertising, Site Global Company, and to everyone who contributed zakat funds to support the city and its services.

In turn, Mr. Jihad Abdul Qader, the General Coordinator of the Zakat Campaign, explained that SCHS would receive donations through wire transfers to Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services bank accounts in Sharjah Islamic Bank and Dubai Islamic Bank and through text messages.

Sharjah Islamic Bank, AE060410000011203320004

  Dubai Islamic Bank AE960240007580560448601

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank AE290500000000010260597

In addition, through text messages, and all those wishing to communicate by phone can call 0562160222.

With all security and safety measures taken, brothers wishing to contribute can contact the city so that its representative comes to receive their donations.