The Big Heart Foundation Launches Fourth Edition of ‘Educate the Heart’ Initiative
Over 12,000 students across 47 Sharjah schools unite for year-long humanitarian programme supporting Egyptian school rehabilitation
The Big Heart Foundation has unveiled the fourth iteration of its flagship ‘Educate the Heart’ programme, mobilising more than 12,000 students and 47 teachers across Sharjah for a comprehensive year-long initiative dedicated to supporting educational advancement in Egypt.
Launched during an orientation session at SPARK – Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, the 2026–2027 edition marks a significant evolution for the initiative. For the first time, all participating schools will collaborate towards a single shared objective: the rehabilitation and equipping of Nagaa Said Basic Education School in Dishna, Qena, Egypt, which will benefit approximately 750 students.
This unified approach creates meaningful connections between the fundraising activities undertaken in Sharjah and their direct impact on another school community. Throughout the academic year, participating students will design and execute initiatives including charity markets, storytelling sessions, art-based projects and creative campaigns that generate funds whilst raising awareness of educational needs.
The proposed rehabilitation encompasses infrastructure improvements, classroom enhancements, educational resources and professional development for teaching staff. The initiative aims to create a safer, better-equipped learning environment whilst strengthening enrolment and attendance rates, particularly for girls.
Under the visionary direction of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation, ‘Educate the Heart’ was established in 2022 to provide young people with practical engagement in humanitarian action. The programme embodies the conviction that humanitarian values acquire deeper meaning when young people participate actively in addressing real social needs.
Since its inception, the initiative has engaged more than 30,000 students through school-led activities that cultivate social responsibility and understanding of their broader societal role. Mariam Al Hammadi, Advisory Board Member of The Big Heart Foundation, emphasised that education extends beyond academic achievement to shape how young people understand their responsibilities and potential contributions to society.
Schools serve as foundational environments where collaboration, responsibility and shared purpose are learned. By leading initiatives with genuine social value, students develop behaviours and perspectives they will carry throughout their lives. The programme aspires to embed humanitarian responsibility early, integrating empathy, initiative and contribution into how young people conceptualise success.
Participating schools will receive recognition through tiered awards: Gold Heart, Silver Heart and Bronze Heart. The Gold Heart Award-winning school receives a trophy, certificate, dedicated media coverage and an invitation to participate in Foundation community activities. Most notably, representatives will undertake a fully funded educational visit to Qena, Egypt, where they will meet members of the supported school community, participate in volunteer activities and witness the tangible impact of their efforts.
Source: WAM