Effective Grassroots Projects in the ‘Middle East’

Tuesday 27 April 2021

Sponsored by the University’s Refugee Entrepreneurial Fund

Emma Gray and Zoe Caimi are members of the Student Board for the Refugee Entrepreneurial Fund

Photo courtesy of the REF

Project Overview and Grassroots Importance

The Refugee Entrepreneurial Fund (REF) (صندوق ريادة اللاجئين) was set up by Dr Malaka Shwaikh in December of 2020 to provide monetary aid and training to local health related start-up projects in the ‘Middle East’. The goal of the Fund is to deliver a form of development that is both sustainable and beneficial to the people on the ground. It does this by supporting projects that have the potential to deliver real benefits to local communities – that is, enterprises that will bring about positive outcomes such as restorations of communal and social relationships, and the creation of constructive and inclusive social systems that serve the needs and wishes of the greater population. To further the Fund’s objectives, Dr Shwaikh has been working alongside a group of mentors that intend to support the growth of the winning projects by providing them with expert insight and knowledge to help progress their reachability. Such ideas around tailored and durable development are not new, and many academics have already begun to recognise their significance for the creation of positive peace (Galtung, 2003). As such, the REF has endorsed these practices in an attempt to contribute towards the creation and sustenance of peaceful societies.

Project Winners

At the current stage, the project winners have been chosen and contacted. The REF has been fortunate enough to receive a large number of applications this year, making it very difficult to choose the winners yet simultaneously furthering the Fund’s desire to apply for even more funding in the future. 

First place was awarded jointly to Ms Shatha al-Azza, who runs a hydroponic rooftop garden in the Aida refugee camp, and to Mr Salah el-Sadi, who has created an eco-friendly ‘Blue Filter’ to remove water pollutants in the Gaza Strip. Both projects aim to educate and provide local communities with nutritious food, innovative farming techniques, and betterirrigation systems.

Mr Hadi al-Thib, a promising videographer from Syria, came second place with his idea to publish online videos that unpack the stigma surrounding mental health in the ‘Middle East’. Hadi aims to spread a message of hope and comfort to those who may be struggling.

In third place came Tebfact: a telemedicine initiative focusing on providing free and accessible medical help to ‘Middle Eastern’ refugees. Some of their funding will also go towards training refugees on necessary medical skills.

Two other projects were selected as runners-ups, although this does not mean that they are any less worthy. The first project, Our Hearts With You, consists of a team of Syrian doctors that not only provide free healthcare but also assist with scientific research for medical studies. MedX is the second runner-up enterprise that works to support Arabic speakers in Turkey, including refugees, struggling to access the Turkish medical system.

Student Board

The REF is further supported by a student board, which is currently comprised of five students. Members of the student board are hoping to disseminate information about the REF through places like MECACS to introduce people to the important projects it aims to help. They are interested and supportive of localised approaches to development and are committed to delivering as much assistance as possible to ensure that these innovations reach the intended beneficiaries. 

The Board has been set-up to overlook the progress of the Fund, providing recommendations, advice, and general suggestions intended to make the projects a success. Coupled with frequent publications of blogs, student pieces in the Saint and other university publications, as well as hosting a few radio shows, they hope to circulate the REF’s progress, achievements, and general news to the wider public. By partaking in this committee and interacting with the project winners and mentors, the board is certain to gain insights that they then hope to share with you in the near future. 

The Fund welcomes input from staff or students at the University. If you would like to get involved, please contact co-ordinator Dr. Malaka Shwaikh at [email protected] or Hannah Suiter at [email protected].

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