- 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