Sheikh Hamdan expands Rashid Villages project to honour legacy of late brother

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has set out plans to transform the lives of needy communities in Zanzibar in the latest stage of a major humanitarian campaign. Sheikh Hamdan launched the Rashid Villages project on September 19 last year to honour the humanitarian legacy of his brother Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed, on the 10th anniversary of his death. The initiative aims to provide underprivileged families with access to housing, education, health care and social services while equipping them with skills to help them forge better futures. The new village in Zanzibar, announced to mark the 11th anniversary of Sheikh Rashid's death, will feature furnished homes and infrastructure including a mosque and shops aimed at spurring economic activity. Sustainable practices and renewable energy sources have been factored into the village's design to help ensure its long-term success. Training programmes will be set up to help participants run their own small businesses and establish sources of income to allow them to be self-reliant. The project will also include outdoor amenities such as sports grounds, providing villages with leisure activities and a higher quality of life. Sheikh Hamdan stated that on the 11th anniversary of his brother's passing, they remember his generous spirit and commitment to helping others, and his legacy will live on through projects that bear his name. The first Rashid Village is taking shape in Kenya over an area of about seven hectares, featuring fully furnished homes, a school serving 320 pupils, and a health centre.