Hundreds of elderly, orphans and persons with disabilities in Qatar stand to benefit from a new partnership between Qatar Social Work (QSW) and Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF), it was announced yesterday.
The three-year agreement, signed by QSW CEO Amal al-Mannai and AZF CEO Mohamad Khalifa al-Suwaidi seeks to further strengthen their social and community-focused initiatives.
Speaking to reporters, al-Mannai said the programme aims to promote community activities and enhance co-operation between government institutions, highlighting the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) towards the community.
“The newly-signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) will give some 800 beneficiaries from QSW member-organisations access to various support and services, and facilities, among others, that help improve their physical and mental health and well-being,” she said.
QSW members include the Social Development Centre, Shafallah Centre, Family Counselling Centre, Orphans Care Centre (Dreama), Centre for Empowerment and Elderly Care (Ehsan), Protection and Social Rehabilitation Centre and the Best Buddies Qatar.
Part of the MoU allows the two organisations to provide each other with expertise and logistical support that benefit the elderly, orphans and persons with disabilities, according to al-Mannai.
“We can arrange (or organise) for example some (indoor or outdoor) activities for the elderly or people with disabilities using AZF’s facilities and tap the services of AZF experts and volunteers such as trainers and coaches to teach and assist them,” she said.
Al-Mannai reiterated the importance of their collaboration with AZF saying it will substantially benefit for both organisations, as well as QSW members.
“Having a strong partnership between social work organisations is key for sustainable human development,” she said.
Established in 2013 as a non-profit developmental organisation, QSW seeks to bring a positive contribution to Qatar’s civil society, enhance the capabilities of its member organisations and promote their role in the society.
Al-Suwaidi also lauded the close co-operation as he cited AZF’s growing role in supporting public and private organisations, which benefit the society.
“This new agreement builds on our existing partnership with QSW, which extends beyond the agreement we signed today,” he said. “This collaboration has been ongoing for the past couple of years, and we have organised several joint initiatives and social programmes for QSW’s member organisations.”
“This partnership will combine our ongoing collaboration together under one umbrella,” al-Suwaidi added.
“AZF and QSW share similar foundations and both our visions seek to help Qatar realise its National Vision 2030.”
Founded in 2008, AZF established annual CSR programmes to improve the physical and mental health of various members of the community and encourage them to have an active and healthy lifestyle, he said.
Some of AZF’s ongoing initiatives include the Life in Aspire smartphone app, Step into Health campaign and Keep Aspire Green eco-friendly campaign.
According to al-Suwaidi, AZF has three member organisations: Aspire Academy, Aspetar and Aspire Logistics. It has successfully speeded up the development of Qatar’s community and made remarkable advances in the field of sports, entertainment and social work.
QSW CEO Amal al-Mannai and AZF CEO Mohamad Khalifa al-Suwaidi at the MoU signing yesterday. PICTURE: Ram Chand
