Konexio Africa's achievement of the AED 500,000 prize will significantly enhance its operational capacity and extend its impact within underserved communities. This recognition underscores the organization's commitment to developing a humanitarian work experience grounded in education for employment, with the objective of empowering refugees to escape the cycle of poverty in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda.


The awards ceremony, conducted at the Sharjah Book Authority headquarters, commenced with the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates. Attendees, including His Highness, were subsequently presented with a film that illustrated the significance of the Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support. The film detailed the profound implications of the award for its beneficiaries, as well as the global humanitarian initiatives aimed at providing innovative solutions and enabling refugees to achieve self-sufficiency.

Alya Al Musaiebi, the Director of The Big Heart Foundation, emphasized that every individual possesses a narrative worthy of expression. However, the primary challenge lies in actively listening to these narratives and adequately responding to them. She noted that the experiences of refugees represent a critical examination of fundamental human values, ethics, and cultural principles, as well as the ideals of cooperation, solidarity, and human rights that underpin civilization.


During her address, Al Musaiebi stated, “From the outset, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi established a humanitarian foundation for a comprehensive initiative centered on thought and development, positioning human beings as the focal point of every renaissance and dignity as the benchmark for every achievement. Under the esteemed leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Sharjah has actualized these principles into consistently operational systems, transforming benevolence into institutions that enhance humanitarian endeavors; evolving from care to empowerment, and from assistance to partnership.”

The director of TBHF commended the efforts undertaken by Konexio Africa in earning the award, stating: “Konexio Africa has demonstrated a practical model predicated on knowledge, education, and the enhancement of self-capacity among refugees, enabling them to transition from passive recipients to active producers, and from awaiting opportunities to creating them. The organization has trained numerous young individuals in Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda in digital competencies, thereby facilitating their access to the labor market through global partnerships.”


Al Musaiebi concluded her speech by highlighting that every year, a deserving individual is honored with the prize, reiterating that the true victor is the goodwill that drives sustainable humanitarian change. She expressed her pride in the Emirate of Sharjah for leading the way in efforts to restore balance in global projects, even in the face of wars and conflicts. Al Musaiebi assured that from Sharjah, the dedication to fostering a more just, compassionate, and safe world would persist.

Khaled Al Huraimel, the Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of BEEAH Group, delivered a speech in which he emphasized that the award has evolved into a global symbol for recognizing genuine humanitarian efforts. It serves to honor all individuals who have committed their time and efforts to assisting refugees and those in need worldwide. The award epitomizes Sharjah's humanitarian vision, which is founded on the principle that dignity is an inherent right for every individual, and that hope can arise from acts of generosity.


Al Huraimel expressed profound appreciation and gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his generous directives and humanitarian vision, which have inspired many. He highlighted that the Big Heart Foundation, under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, continues its commendable humanitarian endeavors, representing the thought and approach of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in promoting compassion and kindness. He pledged that BEEAH will continue to support such charitable campaigns and initiatives, ensuring that Sharjah remains a symbol of generosity and hope.

The ceremony addressed the composition of the selection committee for the 2025 Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support. The committee reviewed 790 nominations submitted by diverse charitable institutions and organizations from across the globe, each of which underwent a meticulous evaluation process based on specific criteria. These criteria focused on the scale and sustainability of the humanitarian impact of the nominated initiatives, their contributions to enhancing the lives of refugees and displaced individuals worldwide, as well as their adherence to humanitarian principles and transparency.


The event featured a promotional film showcasing the impactful work of the award-winning organization, Konexio Africa. Since its inception in 2019, Konexio Africa has pioneered a model that transforms digital education into a viable pathway for enabling refugees to construct futures grounded in knowledge, employment, and productivity. Furthermore, the organization has effectively bridged the digital divide and converted technical skills into sustainable livelihood opportunities, emerging as a prominent example that harmonizes technological advancement with humanitarian efforts.

In his address, Fabien de Castilla, Director of Konexio Africa, underscored that the Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support represents not only an honor for Konexio but also for the myriad individuals—over a thousand—that have been trained and empowered in refugee camps and host communities throughout Africa.


De Castilla remarked, "At Konexio, we hold the conviction that ensuring sustainable support for the vulnerable and needy necessitates the construction of bridges between the realms of social work and business, between marginalized communities and the global economy, as well as between the skills possessed by refugees and the opportunities available within companies. In the digital era, borders dissolve, and this dissolution facilitates pathways to inclusion, dignity, and hope."

Moreover, the Director of Konexio Africa articulated the organization’s commitment to developing a comprehensive strategy that transitions from pilot projects to an expanded impact phase. By 2026, Konexio plans to broaden its digital training programs into Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, and other nations, in addition to launching a new curriculum centered on future skills. The organization is also actively engaged in establishing a social business branch that will provide direct employment opportunities for its graduates in sectors such as artificial intelligence, data management, and customer support.


In concluding his address, De Castilla expressed, “Receiving this award in Sharjah holds significant value; it is an emirate renowned for its culture and knowledge, as well as for its profound humanitarian spirit—an environment that truly embodies the principles of compassion and cooperation that inspire our work daily.”


His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah presided over a dialogue session featuring Seth Mathias Sunya, Director of Development at Konexio Africa, and Fidelis Mutuku Mutenda, Director of Operations at Konexio Africa. Both speakers shared insights regarding their experiences, achievements, and aspirations related to their pioneering humanitarian initiative.

Sunya emphasized the critical nature of partnerships with both local and international institutions and organizations, particularly in efforts to connect and empower individuals through technology. He articulated that the focus remains on ensuring the sustainability of their projects, especially in light of challenges such as funding. The organization’s objective is to assist refugees in attaining a level of independence and self-sufficiency. In a complementary fashion, Mutenda discussed the operational frameworks employed by the organization, the management of internal processes, and how the needs of clients are effectively addressed. He also underscored the importance of communicating organizational ideas to employees and establishing the requisite infrastructure to maintain operational continuity, noting that numerous success stories can be shared and learned from.

During the session, His Highness was presented with the exclusive screening of the promotional trailer for the Big Heart Foundation’s second documentary film, entitled “Don’t Rename Us.” This film, produced with the support of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and Sharjah Media City (Shams), chronicles the journey of the “Tumaini Letu” organization, SIARA winner in 2020. The documentary highlights the influence of humanitarian initiatives, supported by the award, in fostering change and instilling hope in the lives of refugees globally.


Konexio Africa was distinguished among 790 global nominations for its sustainable methodology and positive impacts on enabling refugees to attain self-reliance through practical digital training programs that link education with income-generating opportunities. The organization has effectively trained over 8,000 refugees and vulnerable individuals across Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda, offering them viable employment prospects in the digital economy. This initiative has resulted in a significant increase in the average monthly income from one dollar to approximately $200, with employment rates escalating to 90%.

The organization serves as a global exemplar of integrating technology into humanitarian efforts. It has established digital centers in refugee camps equipped with high-speed Starlink internet and support services, such as childcare, which facilitates the participation of women in its programs, representing 66% of the total beneficiaries. Furthermore, the organization actively involves refugees in training and capacity-building initiatives, thereby enhancing the sustainability and long-term impact of its offerings.


The ceremony also included the announcement for the opening of registration for the tenth edition of the award for 2026, inviting continued empowerment of inspiring initiatives within the humanitarian and relief sectors worldwide. The Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support aims to promote practical humanitarian solutions that have demonstrated efficacy on the ground and have contributed to enhancing the significance of digital skills as a viable means of advocating for refugees globally. The initiative underscores that investment in skills and economic integration are fundamental factors in fostering a future in which refugees can lead dignified lives.

The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Charity International; Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of Rubu’ Qarn for Future Leaders and Innovators; Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah International Airport Authority; along with several senior officials, representatives of charitable organizations, and other supporters. supporters.