Dubai: Taking care of an orphan in the UAE is not as complex as one maybe led to believe. A number of charity centres are responsible for orphans and their well-being and it is their task to manage all funds donated by good samaritans.

According to United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), children around the globe have the right to an adequate standard of living, health care, education, the right to play and good quality healthcare.

One charity organisation that offers sponsorship services is the Al Ihsan Charity Centre, located in Ajman. The Centre started its operation in 1990 through the efforts of individuals until a residence was officially established in 1998 under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman.

Charity centre

The charity centre provides assistance to poor families who do not have an income, which includes widows, divorcees, deserted women and disabled families. It also contributes by providing orphans and fatherless children with comprehensive care by meeting their needs and the needs of their families.

"Anyone can sponsor an orphan and they have the option of sponsoring children of all ages, from one day old to 15 years old," said Abdullah Al Jaadi, Head of Financial, Managerial and Development Department at Al Ihsan Charity Centre.

Al Jaadi said orphans who receive financial assistance need to write letters to their sponsors updating them on their school performance and other aspects of their life. However, if the child is too young to write then the mother writes the letter on their behalf.

"People have the choice to decide which children they want to sponsor and they can choose the age group, their preferred nationality and gender. Otherwise, we will decide which orphan needs the assistance the most."

People can sponsor children by sending a minimum amount of Dh300 in cash or by cheque to the centre, or they can send it straight to the charity's bank account. "There are more than 500 orphans under our care and we provide them and their family with the necessary assistance, such as free medical treatment, food and clothes," he said.

The charity centre distributes consumer goods to over 600 families on a daily basis, which include juice, vegetables, fruits, and ready-to-eat meals. It also provides 1,600 families with a basic supply of food, such as rice, sugar, flour, tea, milk and oil for Dh600 on a monthly basis.

Donation details:

Charity Centres care for orphans by providing financial or other support. It looks after them and involves the children in specially designed programmes.

Where you can sponsor a child in UAE

Al Ihsan Charity Centre: 06 7449087
Donations can be made to Dubai Islamic Bank
Account Number: 09520676777001

Red Crescent Society of UAE

02 6419000 in Abu Dhabi or 04 2614800 in Dubai

Donations can be made to Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Account Name: Orphan Account.
Account Number: 20000352.

Or to Dubai Islamic Bank
Account Name: Orphan General Account.
Account Number: 5090504

- Dubai Charity Association: 04-2682000

Donations can be made to Dubai Islamic Bank
Account Name: Orphans Account (Inside UAE)
Account Number: 001-520-5650968-01
Account Name: Orphans Account (Outside UAE)
Account Number: 001-520-5364205-01