KUWAIT: A Kuwait-based charity has given out micro loans to help get nascent enterprises off the ground in Africa and Yemen, touching the lives of some 39,000 people, it said on Wednesday. Impoverished families across swathes of Africa have stood to gain from such initiatives, Kuwait Direct Aid Society chief Dr. Abdullah Al-Sumait told KUNA, pointing out that the vast majority of the beneficiaries have been women. Loans given out by the Kuwaiti charity towards such endeavors over the course of the last seven years were worth nearly KD five million (USD 16 million), he added.
Global humanitarian role
The contributions and donations of Kuwait's charities and societies clearly reflect its humanitarian role and efforts across the world, based on coordination between the Ministry of Social Affairs and Community Development and local charities to better serve those in need. Director General of Direct Aid Society Abdullah Al-Sumait spoke to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), saying that the society works year-round on providing aid locally, via voluntary projects as well as projects instilling sense of volunteering within schoolchildren.
On the ministry's request of directing charitable work resources to local communities in need, Al-Sumait commented that the ministry's efforts in easing obstacles ahead of societies ensures the sustainability of humanitarian sector. As for head of Tarahum team, Nasser Al-Bassam, he stated to KUNA that following government directives, the team intensified charitable work within the country, which includes breaking fast spreads, helping families in need, as well as inking deals with partners interested in Kuwait's humanitarian scene.
He also touched on the team's efforts in spreading volunteer culture, efforts that culminated in forming three teams, the deaf humanitarian which went on first relief trip designated for those with disabilities in the Arab world, Irada team which includes those with physical impairments, and Sabah Al-Ahmad team.
Director General of Al-Salam charitable society, Dhari Al-Baejan, said that compatibility of ministry and society aspirations works for the benefit of humanitarian work. He explained that the society, since 2016, has been working on developing mechanisms of humanitarian work including the distribution of school bags and financial aid especially as some are in need of constant care. - KUNA