In the UAE a new initiative called ‘Hayyakum’ will see the children of frontline healthcare professionals eligible for scholarships across the country’s public schools. The scholarships cover the cost of tuition, laptops, and transportation. Arab News reports that ‘Hayyakum’ aims to remove some of the financial burden experienced by many frontline healthcare professionals and encourage them to keep their jobs.

The initiative is a joint project of the Ministry of Education and the Frontline Heroes Office. Around 1 850 children have already received the scholarships.

Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al-Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of the Frontline Heroes Office said, “We, at the Frontline Heroes Office, hope to provide the same level of support and compassion that those on the frontline have provided to millions of people across our nation.”

The Office was established in July 2020. Its mandate was to support medical and non-medical workers who are on the UAE’s frontline against COVID-19. Eighty thousand health care workers have so far been identified as eligible to receive support services.

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education’s Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi said the grant was a true example of community solidarity, so that frontline workers could  continue their invaluable and noble work.

The scholarships that will run up until the children graduate from high school.