PR85193

SHARJAH, UAE, Aug. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

- Non-profit is the recipient of US$ 136,000 as winner of the fourth Sharjah

International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support 2020

Tumaini Letu, a non-profit organization based at the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in

Malawi, Africa, is the recipient of the fourth edition of Sharjah International

Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support (SIARA). The award is given annually by

The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), a UAE-based global humanitarian organization

dedicated to helping refugees and people in need worldwide, in collaboration

with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The prestigious award, which carries a cash prize of $136,000 and a trophy,

honours the efforts of Tumaini Letu's founder, refugee poet and artist Trésor

Nzengu Mpauni, for organizing the annual Tumaini Festival, an art and culture

event that has attracted 99,000 attendees and united 304 groups of artists from

18 different countries over the past six years while also generating around

$150,000 per year. Through its art workshops and cultural festivals, the

organization is promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and

intercultural harmony between refugees and the host communities, in addition to

creating jobs and lucrative economic opportunities for the vulnerable

populations at the Malawi camp.

Receiving the award at a virtually-held ceremony, Nzengu noted: "I am receiving

this award at a time when humanity and solidarity are needed more than ever before."

Established in 2017, SIARA was instituted under the patronage of His Highness

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of

Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His

Highness, TBHF Chairperson and UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, who

continue to champion philanthropic efforts by individuals and organizations around the world.

Thanking the Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife HH Sheikha Jawaher and TBHF for its

remarkable efforts in refugee advocacy, Trésor added: "The SIARA award is a

motivation for the entire refugee community in Malawi, especially to young

people who have big dreams and so much potential. It is a seed of growth that

will strengthen our team and inspire us to transform refugee lives and bring

benefits to our host country."

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1230880/Tumaini_Letu_Festival.jpg 

Logo -

https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1230879/Sharjah_International_Award_Logo.jpg 

Source: National Network Communications