Thirty young guides (12-15 years) and brownies (7-11 years) were seen leading the two-week ‘Spread Happiness’ campaign – an initiative organised by Sharjah Girl Guides (SGG) to foster communal spirit and national pride, through fundraising, purchasing, and delivering essential food items for needy families in the lead up to the holy month of Ramadan.

For fourteen days, guides and brownies reached out to peers at their schools, and family members, to spread the word about the campaign and collect donations for families in need.

The funds raised were used to put together 64 ‘Mair Ramadan’ packages, comprising essential items such as rice, sugar, flour and cooking oil that families require throughout the month of Ramadan. The components of each box were purchased and compiled by SGG guides and brownies, along with their families, who then delivered them to Sharjah Charity International, and distributed them to families in need.

Prior to its launch, the girls were formally inducted into the campaign with an informative session, led by a representative from Sharjah Charity International, on the importance of giving back to their community through the spirit of volunteerism – values that form the cornerstone of Islamic traditions, particularly during the month of Ramadan.

“There isn’t a time more opportune than the Holy Month to nurture our youth with values of compassion and selfless giving – character traits the SGG considers essential not only for our Guides to lead fulfilling lives, but for overall community and national development. Through their participation in this campaign, the girls were able to empathise with the less fortunate, and give back to their community.”

“This is a major prerequisite in bringing up future generations in a way that enables them to enjoy being proud members of the nation, and contribute to fellow citizens,” said Shaikha Abdulaziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Manager at SGG.

The initiative was also announced to the public on SGG’s social media account in the beginning of May, where they were invited to participate by donating or bringing any food items to be used in the campaign.

Sharjah’s guiding movement was first established in 1973, after which it spread across the emirates, giving rise to the Girl Guides Association of the United Arab Emirates in 1979. Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, SGG aims to inspire and nurture future generations to become progressive global citizens by providing a platform for girls to develop to their fullest potential.