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A new $1.3 million initiative spearheaded by Her Highness Sheikha jawaher bint Muhammad Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairwoman of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, will provide 65 university research scholarships to women in Morocco and fund vital progress projects in the Al Haouz region, recently impacted by a devastating earthquake. The program,launched in September 2023,underscores a commitment to education and empowerment in the wake of crisis.
Investing in Morocco’s Future Through Education
The “Jawaher Scholarship for the Academic Advancement of Women” program will partner with Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh and Al Akhawayn university in Ifrane to offer research opportunities to Moroccan women. This investment reflects a broader strategy of fostering intellectual growth and providing the tools necessary for future success.
According to a statement released by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi, “building nations begins with building human thought, and giving [people] the tools for research, knowledge, and work.” She further emphasized that “every school,university,laboratory,and innovative idea is a foundation for a more stable and advanced future,” positioning academic partnerships as a crucial long-term investment in national development.
The initiative highlights the strong bilateral relationship between the United Arab emirates and the Kingdom of Morocco,both nations prioritizing education as a cornerstone of societal advancement. Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi noted that both countries share a “deep belief in education, as it is the most vital path to building the conscious person” capable of contributing to positive change.
She stressed that “science is the strongest link to build on what brings us together,and it is the bridge that elevates us to a more prosperous future.” This sentiment underscores the potential for collaborative research and knowledge-sharing to drive mutual progress.
The program also reflects the personal connection between His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the Kingdom of Morocco. Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi explained that His Highness holds a “special love and constant interest” for Morocco, viewing it as a land rich in “authenticity and knowledge.”
She quoted His Highness as saying, “If I walked in the land of Morocco, every pebble would speak and say: I am here with a story in its east and west.” This poetic expression illustrates the deep cultural appreciation that informs Sharjah’s commitment to Morocco’s well-being.
Supporting Earthquake Recovery in Al Haouz
Beyond the scholarships, the initiative includes targeted development projects in the Al Haouz region, which was severely affected by the recent earthquake. These projects are specifically designed to empower rural women and promote sustainable livelihoods in communities grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.
Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi’s official working visit to Morocco was undertaken at the head of a delegation comprised of representatives from various development and humanitarian institutions based in the Emirate of Sharjah, signaling a coordinated and comprehensive approach t
