Dr. Shafi Al-Hajri, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the project.
Doha, Qatar: The “Efaf” project, an initiative of Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services, is investing in building stable and sustainable families by combining financial assistance with education and guidance, according to Dr. Shafi Al-Hajri, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the project.
Dr. Al-Hajri said the initiative is grounded in a scientific vision that views marriage as a social investment rather than temporary financial aid. “The idea is not simply to provide a sum of money and conclude the effort,” he explained. “It is an integrated intervention system aimed at building stable and happy families by combining financial support, directed according to clear criteria, with empowering young men and women to establish balanced and sustainable marital lives.”
He stressed that this approach distinguishes “Efaf” from traditional assistance programs that focus solely on financial aid, noting that the project prioritizes family stability as its ultimate goal, given its positive ripple effects across society.
From a social and scientific perspective, Dr. Al-Hajri described family stability as one of the key pillars of social cohesion. “Stable families raised individuals who are more balanced, more connected to their communities, and better equipped to contribute positively,” he said. The project addresses several factors linked to delayed marriage, including rising costs and limited marital awareness among couples preparing for marriage. It provides financial relief to ease burdens while offering educational support to correct misconceptions, strengthen communication skills, and foster awareness of responsibilities, ultimately reducing the likelihood of disputes and divorce.
Dr. Al-Hajri added that the role of the Scientific Committee is to translate social objectives into measurable and practical mechanisms. The project relies on assessing real social needs and designing comprehensive interventions that combine targeted financial support with awareness programmes, counseling, monitoring, and impact evaluation. This methodology aligns with the foundation’s institutional commitment to governance, transparency, compliance, and continuous performance assessment to ensure resources are directed where they can make a tangible difference.
Dr. Al-Hajri emphasised that supporting the establishment of stable families means strengthening the society. Stable households, he noted, reduce psychological and social pressures, enhance productivity, and contribute to a more cohesive and resilient community environment.
The project specifically aims to support youth in building stable families, promote sound marital culture, and help address social challenges such as spinsterhood and divorce, factors directly linked to stronger social solidarity and a deeper sense of belonging within society.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Al-Hajri called on young people not to allow economic challenges or societal pressures to hinder the formation of balanced family lives. He also urged philanthropists to contribute to the “Efaf” project through the foundation’s official channels. The Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services has made donations accessible via its website, offering multiple convenient options to support the initiative.
