At yesterday’s ceremony in Mumbai, Khaled Abu Ajwa, executive director of the non-profit organization, received the award. “Recognition of the displaced children who inspire us every day in Lebanon, in the Middle East and around the world,” he told . An opportunity to refocus attention on the Syrian war, which has already lasted 13 years. Ratan Tata, the Indian tycoon who died a few weeks ago, was also awarded.
Mumbai () – Jusoor (“bridges” in Arabic), a non-profit organization that offers educational opportunities to Syrian refugees around the world, especially young people, received the prestigious Memorial Awards for Social Justice on the theme “Humanity in Action”, in recognition of the NGO’s commitment, which aims to “maximize the potential of Syrian children and youth affected by war and displacement through education and social promotion”, as explained by the motivation of the Harmony Foundation, which established the recognition in 2005, baptizing it with the name of the unforgettable saint of the little ones. The decision also refocuses attention on the often-forgotten Syrian conflict, now in its 13th year.
On behalf of Jusoor, the award was received by its CEO, Khaled Abu Ajwa, who declared : “It is a great honor to receive the Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice. This recognition is not only for Jusoor, but also for the countless displaced children whose resilience and determination inspire us every day in Lebanon, the Middle East and across the world. world”. The effects of the civil war, which began in 2011 with the repression of President Bashar al-Assad, have meant that an entire generation of boys and girls only know war. “They remind us that even in the face of adversity, dreams and hope can thrive,” the director added.
As is known, the war in Syria has given rise to a mass exodus: 7.2 million internally displaced people and 5 million in neighboring countries, such as Lebanon, where there are around 1.5 million. Jusoor operates globally with educational and business programs for Syrian youth and host communities in the Middle East. “The Syrian conflict that began in 2011 and Lebanon’s economic collapse that began in 2019 have made the support that Jusoor is able to mobilize and provide especially significant and, indeed, essential to the lives of thousands of young people,” he communicates. the same NGO on its channels. It is an essential commitment, because there are many people who have not yet achieved any type of stability and many of those who fled to Lebanon are now experiencing a return exodus due to the situation caused by the conflict with Israel. “We continue to work hand in hand to ensure that every child, regardless of their background and circumstances, has the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential for a better future,” the director told .
Founded in 2005 by Dr. Abraham Mathai, the Harmony Foundation is a non-governmental organization working in the field of social justice and its raison d’être is to create and strengthen social cohesion among diverse communities and work in benefit of all without any discrimination of religion, caste, gender or region. The Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice, established in 2005, recognizes the efforts of individuals and groups around the world to promote peace, harmony and social justice. Previous winners of the prize include Nobel laureates Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai.
Another of this year’s notable awardees is Ratan Tata (1937-2024), former chairman of the Tata Group and a leading figure in Indian industry, who passed away last October. He was awarded posthumously “in recognition of his extraordinary humanitarian contributions, beyond his role as a business leader,” the Harmony Foundation stated. Mathai explained that the decision to recognize Ratan Tata is not only a tribute to his remarkable achievements, but also a reminder that his values and contributions live on.
“Ratan Tata’s legacy of compassion, ethical business practices and philanthropy exemplifies the spirit of service, compassion and commitment to social justice that this award represents,” a statement said. Among his many acts of altruism, Ratan Tata’s commitment to affordable cancer care in India stands out. Through Tata Trusts, he has transformed cancer treatment, research and awareness across the country. “His visionary approach has set an enduring example of strategic philanthropy in the healthcare sector, inspiring everyone to confront critical challenges with the same compassion and dedication,” Mathai said.
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