What is the concept of quality of life?

The concept of quality of life reflects the overall well-being enjoyed by individuals or communities, whether from a health, psychological, social, or economic perspective. It encompasses a range of interconnected factors such as physical and mental health, education level, living environment, and the ability to achieve personal and professional goals. In the context of charitable organizations, quality of life refers to the extent to which charitable activities and initiatives impact the improvement of the lives of individuals and communities benefiting from these services.

How did the concept of quality of life begin?

The concept of quality of life began to emerge more clearly during the 20th century, particularly after World War II, when researchers and governments started focusing not only on improving economic indicators like GDP but also on measuring individuals' well-being through non-material indicators. In this context, governments and international organizations started developing various measures of quality of life, such as the Human Development Index launched by the United Nations in the 1990s.

Regarding the charitable sector, the focus on quality of life as a measure of success for charitable organizations came later when these institutions realized that measuring their success was not limited to the amount of aid provided but also the impact this aid has on improving the quality of life of individuals and communities.

Which institutions are distinguished in achieving quality of life?

There are many charitable institutions around the world that have excelled in focusing on improving the quality of life of their beneficiaries, for example:

– Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: It works to improve public health, education, and combat poverty worldwide, achieving tangible results in improving the quality of life in many developing countries.

– Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders): One of the leading organizations focused on providing healthcare in conflict and disaster-affected areas, directly contributing to improving the quality of life in these regions.

– The Red Cross: Provides emergency support, promotes health awareness, and assists in community rehabilitation, contributing to the enhancement of quality of life.

How does improving the quality of life contribute to the development of the charitable sector?

Improving the quality of life represents a cornerstone in the development of the charitable sector, as focusing on quality of life helps charitable organizations achieve sustainable and long-lasting impact. When an institution is capable of improving the quality of life, it builds greater trust with the community and donors, leading to increased financial and moral support.

Additionally, focusing on quality of life enables institutions to develop more effective programs and identify the true needs of beneficiary communities. This approach enhances the efficient use of resources and reduces waste, contributing to overall improved performance for charitable organizations.

What is the reality of quality of life in our charitable institutions?

In many charitable institutions, the concept of quality of life still needs to be strengthened and understood more deeply. These institutions often focus on providing basic assistance, such as food and shelter, without adequately considering the sustainable impact of this aid on the beneficiaries' quality of life. For example, providing food to a community suffering from hunger may be a temporary solution, but improving quality of life requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, mental health, and community empowerment.

Some institutions in our region have already begun to adopt this concept more broadly, such as initiatives focused on education and vocational training to empower individuals to achieve economic and social independence.

How to Improve quality of life in our charitable institutions?

Improving the quality of life in our charitable institutions requires a strategic approach that goes beyond providing basic assistance. Here are some steps that can be followed:

1. Strategic Planning: Improving quality of life should be part of the institution's strategy, with clear objectives and performance indicators related to quality of life.

2. Focus on Education and Empowerment: Providing educational and training opportunities can help beneficiaries achieve economic and social independence, enhancing their quality of life in the long term.

3. Leveraging Technology: Using technology to analyze data and identify needs more accurately can help direct resources more effectively.

4. Continuous Evaluation: There should be periodic evaluation processes to measure the actual impact of programs on the beneficiaries' quality of life, allowing for continuous improvement of programs and services.

5. Partnerships and Collaboration: Collaborating with other organizations, governmental and non-governmental, can help expand initiatives and increase their impact.

6. Transparency and Accountability: Promoting transparency and accountability in how resources are used and how quality-of-life goals are achieved builds greater trust with donors and stakeholders.

Here we present some relevant information and statistics:

1. Human Development Index (HDI):

The Human Development Index (HDI) is one of the comprehensive measures used to assess quality of life. It was developed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and considers three main dimensions: health (life expectancy at birth), education (average expected years of schooling and educational attainment), and standard of living (gross national income per capita).

– In the 2021 report, Norway, Ireland, and Switzerland recorded the highest HDI levels, reflecting a high quality of life. Countries with high HDI performance often have effective charitable organizations that improve life through education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.

2. Impact of Charity on Quality of Life:

According to a 2020 study by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), charitable donations contribute to improving the quality of life in impoverished communities. For example, the study indicated that 81% of people who received food assistance in the UK reported an improvement in their quality of life.

3. The Role of Charitable Organizations in Health Improvement:

A 2018 World Health Organization (WHO) study on the impact of non-governmental organizations on healthcare in developing countries found that charitable interventions helped improve healthcare access for about 25% of the population in low-income countries.

4. Analysis of Technology's Role in Charitable Organizations:

A report by TechSoup in 2021 showed that charitable organizations that adopted modern technology, such as data analysis and artificial intelligence, saw a 30% improvement in operational efficiency, leading to a direct positive impact on beneficiaries' quality of life.

5. Study on Improving Quality of Life Through Education:

A 2019 UNICEF report indicated that educational programs run by charitable organizations in conflict zones helped improve the quality of life for more than 10 million children by providing a safe and supportive learning environment.

6. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):

A 2017 study by Cone Communications found that 87% of consumers expect companies to play a role in improving the quality of life in the communities they operate in, which includes supporting charitable institutions and community initiatives.

7. Statistics on Institutions in the Middle East:

According to a report by the King Khalid Foundation in Saudi Arabia, youth and women's empowerment programs supported by charitable institutions contributed to improving the quality of life for 65% of beneficiaries by providing educational and training opportunities.

8. Life satisfaction in Supported Communities:

A 2020 Gallup study found that individuals living in communities regularly supported by charitable institutions tend to report higher levels of life satisfaction compared to those who do not receive such support, with an increase of up to 20%.

Final Word:

Quality of life in charitable institutions is not just a theoretical concept but a crucial criterion for the success of these institutions. By focusing on improving quality of life, charitable organizations can achieve greater and more sustainable impact, thereby contributing to the overall development of society. Improving quality of life requires strategic planning, genuine attention to beneficiaries' needs, and the development of programs that focus on empowerment and sustainability.

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The external activities of the Social Reform Society are an essential part of its efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. The Society works to enhance cooperation and partnerships with government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to reach these goals.

The Society also aims to promote mutual cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and experiences to increase the effectiveness of work and achieve positive results, especially in supporting the most needy groups. The Society's role in achieving social justice and equality and improving the quality of life for vulnerable and marginalized groups, is highlighted through its diverse activities that contribute to eradicating poverty, promoting education, health, and providing decent housing.

The External Activities of the “Social Reform Society”

In 2023, the efforts of the Social Reform Society expanded to include 29 countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe, focusing on combating poverty and alleviating the needs of the most vulnerable communities. Through these activities, the Society has been able to mitigate the effects of poverty and secure a decent livelihood for needy families.

Sustainable Goals Contributed by the “Social Reform Society”

Goal 1: Eradicate poverty in all its forms everywhere

The Society aims to eradicate poverty through 11 activities distributed across various countries. Nama Charity, affiliated with the Society, provides support to needy and deserving families. The beneficiaries of these activities include:

• 567,480 beneficiaries of relief projects.
• Sponsorship of over 2,559 orphans.
• Distribution of 47,716 clothing items to orphans and children.
• Construction of housing villages for the poor benefiting 11,300 people.
• Building homes for the poor benefiting 139 people.
• Support and sponsorship for 17,229 families.
• Distribution of 3,524 halal earning projects.
• Zakat and charity benefiting 1,302 individuals.
• Assistance for 16 marriage cases.

Through these activities, the Society has significantly improved the lives of thousands of people, making its impact noticeable in the countries where it operates.

Goal 2: Eradicate hunger and ensure food security and improved nutrition

In its efforts to achieve the second sustainable development goal, the Social Reform Society provided several activities during 2023, including:

• Distribution of Iftar meals to 74,158 fasting people during Ramadan.
• Distribution of Udhiyah (sacrifices) benefiting 83,814.
• Providing Arafah Iftar meals to 8,200 people.
• Sacrifices and Aqiqah benefiting 11,940 people.
• Food provision and distribution of food baskets benefiting 50,361 people.

Through these seasonal activities, the Society aimed to secure food for the needy, especially in affected or poor areas, contributing to food security and alleviating hunger.

Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

The Social Reform Society seeks to provide essential healthcare in countries facing significant challenges in this field, especially in Africa and Asia. The Society's activities include:

• Performing 1,511 various surgeries (including eye surgeries and cancer treatments).
• Supporting patients and helping them obtain treatment.
• Benefiting 52,406 people from medical convoys, health projects, and infirmaries.

These efforts emphasize the importance of improving healthy living patterns and supporting the well-being of the most vulnerable groups.

Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all

The Social Reform Society believes that education is the primary weapon in fighting poverty and promoting sustainable development. Therefore, the Society focuses on supporting the education sector in poor countries through:

• Supporting and equipping schools and educational centers.
• Providing books and study materials.
• Sponsoring students and providing them with financial support. The educational activities benefited:
• 2,245 people from supporting schools, classes, and educational centers.
• Sponsorship of 1,967 students.
• Distribution of 500 school bags.

These projects contribute to improving educational opportunities and promoting lifelong learning for all, focusing on providing comprehensive support to deprived communities.

Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Many communities around the world suffer from a lack of drinkable water, increasing the likelihood of infectious diseases. Therefore, the Social Reform Society aims to contribute to providing water through:

• Drilling and operating wells in poor areas.
• Rehabilitating water tanks to ensure the preservation of drinkable water.
• Distributing clean water through tankers reaching a large number of beneficiaries. The beneficiaries of these projects include:
• 174,619 people from drilling wells.
• 14,250 people from water distribution through the water supply.

These efforts aim to reduce diseases caused by the use of contaminated water and improve the living conditions of the poor.

Through its external efforts in 2023, the Social Reform Society has proven to be a fundamental pillar in supporting sustainable development goals globally through its various projects, ranging from food provision, healthcare, education, to clean water. The Society has managed to reach thousands of beneficiaries worldwide.

These pioneering humanitarian efforts make the Society a key partner in achieving a better future for all. 

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The Prophet ﷺ said, “Allah helps His slave as long as he helps his brother.” We live in Kuwait with a blessing Allah has bestowed upon us, which is the love of doing good for others. You will not find a household without a sponsor of an orphan, someone who has built a well or a mosque, or even participated in a charitable project. You will not find a woman who has not contributed to helping those in distress, nor a man whose hand has not extended to help those in need, even children have their share in doing good.

Kuwait, both government and people, extends a helping hand to all. This is a blessing we live when we visit different countries and hear them praying to and thanking Kuwait.

Interestingly, during a visit to the Kyrgyz ambassador in Kuwait, I shared with him the charitable works of the people of Kuwait in Kyrgyzstan. He promptly responded by saying: “I am close to your work; in fact, I support it.” He pointed out that one of his employees is a graduate of a university established by Kuwait, and another has taken a state position after graduating. I was delighted to see such fruits of charitable work.

The Mufti of Bosnia once told me that since the war in 1992, Kuwait has been the only country that has not ceased extending a helping hand to the Bosnian people.

In Africa, there are acknowledgments from governments and people for humanitarian work, whether in relief efforts or developmental work, such as health centers or development complexes. Many have learned skills through these projects to earn their livelihood.

In East Asia, thousands of families have benefited from development projects that relieve them from begging, but rather raising their hands in prayer for the benefactors.

There is hardly any crisis or disaster where Kuwait's hand has not extended to help, whether in Yemen, Syria, Palestine, or other Arab and Islamic countries. Their motto is “Kuwait is beside you.” Yes, it is Kuwait that symbolizes giving and goodness.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “The relationship of the believer with another believer is like (the bricks of) a building, each strengthens the other.” He (ﷺ) illustrated this by interlacing the fingers of both his hands. He also said, “Whoever fulfills the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs.”

Let us take pride in our Kuwait, the Kuwait of humanity, and in the Emir of Humanity, may Allah have mercy on him, and our official institutions; the Ministry of Awqaf, the Zakat House, the General Secretariat of Awqaf, the International Islamic charity Organization, and all the charitable associations and those who have followed this path and worked in it.

The fruits of these efforts are everywhere in the world, and we are certain that acts of kindness protect from destructive outcomes, serving as a safeguard for us in this world and a treasure for the Hereafter. We have an example in the Messenger of Allah ﷺ when Khadijah, may Allah be pleased with her, said to the Prophet ﷺ: “By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you, for by Allah, you keep good relations with your Kith and kin, speak the truth, help the poor and the destitute, entertain your guests generously and assist those who are stricken with calamities.”

May Allah, continue to bestow these blessings upon us, elevate the status of our Kuwait, and bless us with the grace of security and safety.

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Kuwaiti charitable organizations are exemplary models of philanthropy directed at supporting education and health in countries suffering from a lack of resources. These organizations establish and manage development complexes, universities, clinics, and hospitals in Africa and Asia. Educational institutions have provided educational opportunities to thousands of students, contributing to the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) related to quality education. Meanwhile, hospitals and clinics offer treatment to thousands of students, supporting the third SDG related to good health and well-being.

Charitable Organizations and Education

Education is one of the key pillars of sustainable development and directly contributes to combating poverty and achieving social justice. Through its charitable institutions, the State of Kuwait has played a pivotal role in supporting education in many impoverished countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. This has helped enhance the capabilities of local communities and achieve SDG goals. For example, Direct Aid Society has established four universities in Africa, while the World Mercy Society founded a university in Kyrgyzstan and another in Indonesia.

Kuwaiti Charitable Work and Higher Education

• SIMAD University (Somalia): Established in 2000, SIMAD University has eight major colleges offering various specializations, including Business Administration, Computer Science, Law, Education, Economics, Medicine, and Engineering. It currently educates over 4,423 students, contributing to development by equipping them with necessary skills.
• Umma University (Kenya): Founded in 2007 by Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumait, may Allah have mercy on him, this was the first private Islamic university in Kenya. It offers programs in Computer Science, Business Administration, Sharia, and Nursing, with 2,291 students. It helps meet the growing demand for education in East Africa.
• Abdulrahman Al-Sumait University (Zanzibar): Established in 1998, it now serves over 1,145 students and offers multiple programs in Arts, Social Sciences, and Computer Science, aiming to enhance higher education opportunities in Zanzibar.
• Muslim University of Morogoro (Tanzania): Acquired by Direct Aid Society in 2018, this university has become a major educational center in Tanzania, with over 4,421 students. It offers programs in Islamic Studies, Business Administration, and Law.
• Mahmoud Kashgari University (Kyrgyzstan): Founded in 1999 in Bishkek, this is the only university in Kyrgyzstan offering a Master's degree in Arabic language. It enhances higher education in Central Asia.
• Al-Wafaa University (Indonesia): Established in response to the high demand for education in Jakarta, it comprises three main colleges offering specializations in Arabic Language, Sharia, and Economics.

Development Complexes

The World Mercy Society serves as another example of Kuwait’s charitable role in education, having established 27 development complexes and 456 educational facilities. These complexes provide comprehensive education and care for over 5,000 orphans in countries like Djibouti, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Some of these complexes include:

• Al-Rahma Development Complex (Djibouti): This complex includes a school, hospital, bakery unit, and vocational workshops, providing comprehensive care for orphans.
• Al-Rahma Educational Complex (Sri Lanka): This complex includes schools, industrial institutes, and comprehensive educational programs and has received international certificates in education and management.

Impact of Kuwaiti Charitable Work

These initiatives have produced generations of educated students who have contributed to building their communities. By providing quality education and vocational training opportunities, the abilities of young people have been enhanced to face labor market challenges, leading to improved economic and social conditions.

Education is one of the most important tools for achieving sustainable development, and Kuwait’s role in supporting education in impoverished countries reflects its commitment to helping build stable and prosperous communities. Through its charitable institutions, Kuwait has helped provide exceptional educational opportunities, improving quality of life and fighting poverty.

Health Projects

Kuwait boasts a distinguished record in humanitarian and developmental work, having played a prominent role in supporting health projects through charitable organizations. These efforts align with the United Nations' SDG 3, which focuses on "ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages." Some of Kuwait’s contributions to health projects via its charitable organizations include:

1. Kuwait International Hospital (Gaza): Established in 2007 in the Gaza Strip to provide comprehensive medical services to the residents of the area. The hospital serves around 40,000 citizens annually, conducting over 1,000 surgeries and 1,500 deliveries each year. This project is linked to SDG 3 as it helps provide affordable quality healthcare to the residents of Gaza, especially in the challenging circumstances they face.

2. Al-Rahma Hospital (Djibouti): This hospital is a fully integrated healthcare facility in Djibouti, offering advanced medical services such as MRI scans around the clock, as well as maternity and neonatal care. The hospital also has various medical departments such as general surgery, gynecology, and ophthalmology, significantly expanding the availability of healthcare services to the local community, especially in poor areas.

3. Hargeisa International Hospital (Somalia): One of the largest health projects of the World Mercy Society in Somalia, offering comprehensive health services in multiple specialties such as general surgery, pediatrics, ENT, and obstetrics. The hospital also plays an educational role by training new doctors and conducting training courses, contributing to the improvement of health systems and medical education in the country. This project is aligned with SDG 3 related to ensuring good health for all.

4. Dr. Al-Sumait Educational Hospital (Somalia): Part of SIMAD University, this hospital serves as a teaching center for medical students and provides medical services to nearby communities. It includes multiple units such as general surgery, intensive care, and laboratory services. The hospital contributes to improving maternal and neonatal health in the region with its modern maternity services, while its state-of-the-art laboratories enable advanced medical testing.

5. Kuwait Hospital (Cambodia): Opened in 2016, this is the first Islamic charitable hospital in Cambodia, established through joint efforts between Kuwait and the Cambodian government. The hospital provides free healthcare services to the poor and needy, strengthening the ties between the Kuwaiti and Cambodian peoples and contributing to universal health coverage by providing free medical care to disadvantaged populations.

6. Al-Sayer Clinic (Sudan): The Mohammad Nasser Al-Sayer and Sons Clinic in Sudan is a comprehensive healthcare center that provides essential primary care and laboratory services. It improves public health services in remote areas south of Khartoum, offering critical medical care such as primary healthcare, laboratory testing, and maternity services.

7. Medical Convoy Projects: In addition to hospitals, Kuwaiti charitable organizations, like the World Mercy Society, organize medical convoys to remote areas, providing essential healthcare and treating thousands of cases in each campaign. These convoys support regions with limited health services, ensuring access to healthcare in line with the United Nations' SDGs.

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As part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts, Namaa Charity, affiliated with the Social Reform Society, announced the implementation of urgent relief for those affected by floods in Niger.

In a statement from Waleed Al-Bassam, Head of the Financial Resources and Development Sector at Namaa Charity, he confirmed that the campaign included the distribution of food baskets and sacrifices to more than 400 families, benefiting over 2,000 people.

Al-Bassam explained that this initiative is a swift response to the tragic circumstances faced by the population due to the floods and reaffirms Namaa’s commitment to supporting communities affected by natural disasters and alleviating their suffering. He noted that Namaa Charity is always keen to act promptly in such humanitarian crises by providing essential aid to improve the conditions of the affected people and meet their immediate needs. The charity distributed food baskets to 230 families, while distributing meat and sacrifices to 175 families.

Al-Bassam pointed out that Namaa’s relief teams work in close coordination with local authorities in Niger to ensure aid reaches the most needy families and that the maximum number of affected people benefit from the assistance.

He added: "At Namaa Charity, we take on the responsibility of supporting affected populations around the world, and we ensure that our response is swift and effective, based on principles of humanity and solidarity. We look forward to continuing our efforts to provide relief and assistance to families affected by floods in Niger and other disaster-hit areas."

Al-Bassam mentioned that, according to official statistics, severe floods in West Africa have displaced about 950,000 people and disrupted education with the start of the new school year. According to Save the Children, hundreds of thousands of displaced children are at risk of disease and hunger due to the destruction of crops and disruption of education, with schools overcrowded with displaced or flood-affected families. More than 649,000 people have been displaced in Niger, 225,000 in Nigeria, and 73,000 in Mali.

In conclusion, Al-Bassam urged the Kuwaiti and international communities to continue supporting these humanitarian efforts, stressing that such campaigns can only be realized through the collaboration of all, including charitable organizations and individuals, to ensure the continued flow of aid to those in need and to effectively and sustainably address humanitarian crises.

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