The Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor Foundation (KAHF) launches a family values project called, ‘Empowering Women in Business’ to enable 20 women in Ras Al Khaimah to start up small businesses. The project is designed to empower low income families who have students in RAK education zone to embark on business opportunities that would improve their household income.
The project was launched at an event held on Wednesday March 5, 2014 by the KAHF at the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque and Centre in Dubai - where the Foundation is based. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the KAH Foundation, represented by Mr. Sultan Ahmad Al Habtoor, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and the Ras Al Khaimah Educational Zone represented by Ms. Sumaia Abdullah Hareb Al Suwaidi, Director of Ras Al Khaimah Educational Zone. Also present from the KAHF were Dr. Rafia Oubeid Ghubash and Mr. Mohammad Abdallah Zarouni, members of the Board of Trustees; Mr. Abdul Salam Marzooqi, Secretary General and Director; Ms. May Al Bouflasa, Charity Affairs Officer. The signing was also attended by Mr. Amer al Hassan, Head of Support Services Department at the RAK education zone; Mr. Hamad Chahine, Head of the Manager's Office; and Mrs. Sheikha Mesbah and Mrs. Aisha Mohammad Khalfan, principals of schools.
‘Empowering Women in Business’ aims provide the women with the collateral to embark on small business projects that can become a regular source of income for their families. The grant enables 20 women to set up a small business, give them advise and supervision, as well as to hold follow-up sessions with the KAHF during the course of a year.
Mr. Sultan Al Habtoor said, “It is important that we arm these women not only with the financial backing, but also with the skills needed for a sustainable business model. We look forward to seeing how well their ideas will blossom in the future.”
Dr. Rafia Ghubash added, "We aim, through this blessed project, to reach the people who might not belong to an institution, and improve their status by turning them into a productive individual instead of being a mere receiver. The driving force behind this project is the partnership with RAK education zone. No doubt that the success of this project will resonate widely in the near future."
Mrs. Soumaya Abdallah Al-Soueidi said, "This project will have a broad positive effect that would change the society's culture and turn individuals from consumers to productive people."
The KAHF has a primary objecting of helping societies in need in the United Arab Emirates. It has embarked on many projects since the Foundation was launched in January 2013. It also provides relief and assistance to communities around the world affected by natural disasters and social calamities.