By Abdussalam Al-Salat
KUWAIT, Sept 4 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's reputable philanthropic action has been recognized by the whole world, at a time the UN was celebrating an international day, which falls on September 5, to encourage philanthropy and boost awareness of importance of helping the others.
Kuwait's government and non-government bodies are joining hands to enrich philanthropy in and outside Kuwait. The objective is: providing help for the needy regardless of their location, gender or faith.
Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, in recognition of Kuwait's humanitarian activities, honored His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with the "Humanitarian Leader" and Kuwait as a "Humanitarian Center" titles, during a ceremony held at the UN headquarters in New York, US, in September 2014.
Kuwait's private societies and individuals have been carrying out charitable projects in different parts of the world with the aim of helping those affected by crises or natural disasters.
The societies rush to help people affected by crises, wars or suffering from hunger, providing them with shelter and establishing educational and vocational projects to pave way for their development and to depend on themselves.
Kuwait's relief societies and individuals have recently focused on helping the Syrian refugees in neighboring countries like Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan, as well as assisting the Yemenis, Iraqis and Palestinians. They are also funding projects in African and Asian countries.
One of Kuwait's leading philanthropist was the late Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumait, who concentrated his humanitarian action in the African continent.
Al-Sumait, who established the Direct Aid society, sponsored thousands of orphans, dug over 2,750 water wells, built 124 hospitals and clinics, distributed 160,000 tons of food, medicine and clothes.
He also paid school fees for 95,000 poor students, operated 200 women training centers, built water dams, and implemented agricultural projects.
Al-Sumait also set up addressed blindness in Africa, and offered more than 200 port-graduate scholarships in Western countries.
Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) was at the forefront of philanthropic action. The society has also attracted the youth to encourage them help those in need.
KRCS has in recent years launched the junior volunteer club, aimed at instilling principles of volunteering among the young generation.
Philanthropic action in Kuwait is honoring the UN General Assembly's (UNGA) repeated calls to contribute to the help and development of people in need around the globe, thus enabling them confront numerous challenges facing them. (end) aas.bs