OUR HISTORY

Founded in 1982, the Foundation has already created a lasting legacy for the region.

1982 – Foundation established by Mr and Mrs Wafic Rida Said with a generous endowment.

1984 – Start of the Further Education Programme offering scholarships to talented students to study in the UK.

1993 – Launch of Child Development Programme supporting a range of projects in the Foundation's target countries.

1997 – Expansion of the Arab Culture Programme through the establishment of a long term partnership with the British Museum’s Arab World Education Programme.

2001 – Establishment of Foundation office in Damascus to directly implement our Syria Disability Programme (now the Syria Programme).

2003 – The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's prestigious Chevening award scheme is added to our list of partners for the Further Education Programme.

2007 - Partnership agreement signed with UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency) to provide 15-20 university scholarships per year for Palestinian refugees to study for a first degree. A second partnership with Relief International provides scholarships for outstanding individuals resident in the Foundation's target countries who are not Palestinian refugees.

Our achievements to date:

Further Education: The Foundation has supported over 500 scholars, establishing a sizeable pool of talent for the Middle East.

Child Development: Since 1993 the Foundation has funded or directly implemented over 280 projects across our target region. Each year over 10,000 children benefit directly from our support.

Arab Culture: Thousands of school children, young people and adults have been exposed to different aspects of Arab culture and language through our partnerships with the British Museum and other organisations in the UK.