As part of its ongoing efforts to empower women recovering from cancer, Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, continues to support their rehabilitation through the Revive & Thrive returnship program. The initiative aims to empower women to resume their professional careers after an interruption caused by their treatment journey.
The program offers structured support through three core pillars: training, mentorship, and six months paid returnships. This enables participants to gradually reintegrate into the job market, rebuild their self-confidence, and gain practical experience under the guidance of mentors from participating organizations. It also facilitates pathways toward long-term employment for those seeking to resume their careers. To date, the program has successfully placed nine women in roles across various sectors.
Several program participants shared how Revive & Thrive served as a transformative bridge, helping them regain confidence and purpose following recovery.
A Renewed Opportunity
Janet Njoroji, a Kenyan national who has lived in the UAE for 21 years, shared that being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma resulted in the loss of her job.
“Joining the Revive & Thrive program, after completing treatment with Majlis Al Amal in 2023, gave me a renewed opportunity for professional growth,” she said. “Returning to work as an IT coordinator restored my confidence and motivated me to keep progressing.”
Restoring Balance
Hanan Al Razem, a Jordanian mother of two, shared her experience with the program after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.
She faced considerable challenges in regaining focus and resuming her professional career.
“The practical training I received through the Revive & Thrive program, not only rebuilt my sense of capability, but also opened the door for me to work as a personal assistant,” she said, noting that the guidance and support she received throughout the program were instrumental in preparing her to return to the job market with confidence.
Renewed Confidence
Lekha Jaisankar, from India and a resident of the UAE for more than four decades, expressed her appreciation for the support she received from Majlis Al Amal after being diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2022.
This support continued with the Revive & Thrive program, which offered her a valuable internship opportunity within an organization, enabling her to gain experience and sharpen her skills. She expressed her gratitude for the training, sharing how it played a pivotal role in strengthening her self-assurance and facilitating her reintegration into the workplace.
Supportive Environment
Maria Teresa, from the Philippines, who has lived in Dubai for 26 years, stated that the Revive & Thrive program helped her regain a sense of professional integration and connection to the workplace, especially after years of absence due to her cancer treatment in 2022. She explained that returning to work marked a turning point in her career, as it allowed her to regain her skills and truly feel engaged in a real work environment.
Professional Flexibility
Mandy Daswani, a 63-year-old from India, confirmed that joining the Revive & Thrive program after years of recovering from breast cancer provided her with a career opportunity that fit her lifestyle. “With the program’s support, I found a job within a supportive and understanding team that welcomed me with genuine warmth and appreciation,” she said, noting that this new role provided her with a balance in her work life, helping her maintain her energy and spend more time with her grandchildren.
A New Beginning
Manisha Singh, from India, shared that her diagnosis with a rare form of breast and lung cancer two years ago compelled her to leave her full-time job. She added that joining the Revive & Thrive program gave her a meaningful opportunity to rebuild her life and embark on a fresh start.
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