UAE sends Ramadan aid to Chad to support Sudanese refugees

The UAE has sent crucial aid supplies to Chad to support Sudanese refugees ahead of Ramadan.

The aid is aimed at helping disadvantaged families during the holy month, state news agency Wam reported on Monday.

The parcels included five tonnes of Ramadan dates, 50 solar-powered light bulbs for the Uri Kasuni camp and its five schools, as well as household items and kitchen utensils provided by the Zayed Foundation.

Sudanese refugees have sought shelter in the neighbouring central African country since conflict broke out in their homeland in April last year.

Jassim Al Naqbi, representative of the Emirates Red Crescent, said the team was increasing its humanitarian efforts before Ramadan to support families in need before Ramadan.

He added that the ERC co-ordinated with the Red Cross of Chad to assess the needs in villages, towns and Sudanese refugee camps in Umm Jars.

Ramadan is the holiest and most important month of the year for Muslims, and is marked by fasting and prayer.

Ramadan 2024 is expected to start on March 10 or March 11 and will be followed by Eid Al Fitr around April.

The ERC team also distributed 1,000 schoolbags from the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation to students at Nuwar Mixed Basic School in the Uri Kasuni camp in the Karyari area in Umm Jars.

It comes as part of a continuing campaign that has provided five schools in the camp with essential school supplies for the school year.

A total of 7,500 bags have so far been distributed since the start of the academic year.

Kids' first Ramadan – in pictures

Rayan, on his first fast, reads the Quran. He was keen to join the Ramadan traditions. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Rayan prays with his dad Yousef and explains what it means to observe his first Ramadan fast. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Rayan says he wants to be part of the Ramadan tradition along with his family. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Rayan breaks his fast with his sister Tala, 10. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Rayan prays with his dad Yousef in the family home in Ajman. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Theyab Al Jneibi, 7, has been fasting for the first time this Ramadan. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Watching his older brothers, aged 13 and 10, fasting played a part in Theyab's decision to give up food and water from dawn to sunset. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Sarah Qadir, 7, shows the henna her mother applied when she began fasting this Ramadan. Photo: Khan family

Sarah explains the challenge of fasting and why it is important for her during Ramadan. Photo: Khan family

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