The Arab Gulf Programme for Development
AGFUND is a regional development organization founded on the initiative of the late HRH Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to finance and catalyze human-development projects with UN agencies, regional bodies and NGOs. Its work clusters around five focus areas: Early Childhood Development, Women’s Empowerment, Civil Society Development, Education / Open Education for Youth, and Financial Inclusion. Dr. Farida served on the Executive Council, and the primary advisor of HRH Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud contributing to shaping policies and regional strategies development. Dr. Farida pioneered the “Street Children Programme” in the Arab region, placing the plight of street children at the top of AGFUND’s development agenda. Under her leadership, the cause received unprecedented policy attention, elevating it to a regional priority and shaping discourse on child protection across the Arab world.
Specialized Bodies under AGFUND
Works to advance child rights and development in the Arab world through research, advocacy, and regional partnerships. ACCD directly financed street-children rehabilitation projects, such as the Lebanese “Program to Eliminate Child Labor and Street Children”, which included: (1) media training for journalists. (2) a national survey of street children., (3) social worker programs to remove children from street labor.
ACCD’s multi-country “Education for Hope” model and mobile schools for children in street situations reflect the same agenda.
As Director of AGFUND’s Child Division and later as ACCD Coordinator, Dr Farida oversaw and coordinated these initiatives — from funding to partnerships — helping to incubate and support regional models for street-child rehabilitation.
Arab Council for Childhood development
Centre of Arab Women for Training and Research
Focuses on women’s empowerment, gender equality, and the production of gender-focused research to inform policy across the Arab region.
Dr. Farida played an advisory role, providing expertise on integrating gender perspectives into regional development agendas.
Arab Open University
Focuses on women’s empowerment, gender equality, and the production of gender-focused research to inform policy across the Arab region.
Dr. Farida played an advisory role, providing expertise on integrating gender perspectives into regional development agendas.