With the objective of spreading goodwill and facilitating release of prisoners during Ramadan, the Shinas Charity Team has launched an initiative called Azraa Basma Tahasud Hasana, or Plant a Smile to get Rewards. It aims to collect financial donations to secure the release of prisoners as part of the continuing Fak Kurbah initiative.

Formed in 2012, the team has more than 120 volunteers and operates under the umbrella of the Committee for Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development in the wilayat of Shinas.

“Through Azraa Basma Tahasud Hasana, 31 individuals have been released from jail till date,” said Ali Mohammed al Amri, head of the team.   

Besides Azraa Basma Tahasud Hasana, this Ramadan the team has distributed 200 iftar meals among expatriate workers who were affected by the closure of restaurants and cafes, and given away 500 food basket – containing rice, honey, dates and vegetables – to needy families. 

“The team has also distributed 212 laptops among children of social security families to help them learn remotely. Additionally, 22 sheep have been slaughtered and the meat distributed. And the Oman Charitable Organisation has provided 850 purchase vouchers, worth RO25,500, to help 2,081 needy families during the month,” Amri said. 

In 2020, the charity maintained and restored 14 houses of social security families at a cost of RO9,430, supported orphans with financial aid of RO94,399 and raised RO14,000 to secure the release of prisoners through the Fak Kurbah initiative of Omani Lawyers Association.

The Shinas Charity Team can be reached on 970226498/ 22378324.