Driven by the belief that education is one of the most effective tools with which to realise a more equal and prosperous society, we welcome this new year with a special focus on education, writes EBRAUHIM ALLIE, of Islamic Relief.
ISLAMIC Relief South Africa wishes you a blessed and joyous new year. We thank the Almighty Allah SWT for granting us the opportunity to recommit ourselves to serving humanity. May our efforts this year take us closer to His mercy and to the sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
As we look ahead, it is important to us to also reflect on the foundation upon which we are building. Despite another year of significant socio-economic, political and climate challenges, in 2022 we were able to serve 13 million people in 34 countries, through 770 significant projects, Alhamdulillah.
While we are grateful that we were able to reach so many people, we remain acutely aware of the extent of need across the globe, as millions of families living through war, climate-related disasters and injustice remain unable to access the most basic of human rights, such as nutritious food, adequate and safe shelter, clean water, health care and quality education.
Much of our work at Islamic Relief is focused on providing emergency relief during times of crisis but we are equally committed to helping to rebuild resilient and thriving communities. Driven by the belief that education is one of the most effective tools with which to realise a more equal and prosperous society, we welcome this new year with a special focus on education.
Educate a leader
As millions of children excitedly, and perhaps nervously, pack their school bags for the new school year, millions more are unable to access quality education and related resources. Through our ‘Educate a leader’ initiative, Islamic Relief works to ensure that children living in under-resourced communities are supported with clear education pathways that will guide them, their families and, ultimately, their communities, out of the vicious cycle of poverty, and towards abundance, Insha Allah.
Quality education extends well beyond the classroom, and educating children from under-resourced communities demands a holistic approach that responds to the many other obstacles that they contend with, including limited resources and support at home.
At Islamic Relief, we work hard to ensure that learners’ needs are met and that our support makes them feel empowered and inspired, by ensuring the following key pillars:
- Learners receive the resources that they need to succeed in the classroom, including textbooks, stationery and uniforms.
- Additional education support is provided in the form of tutoring and study groups, to ensure that learners grasp the curriculum.
- A growth mindset is encouraged to inspire learners to harness their abilities and passion through hard work and dedication. This goes a long way in helping learners persevere through setbacks and times of difficulty.
- Positive and supportive learning environments are fostered and prioritised, to encourage learners to take risks, ask questions and make mistakes as a natural part of the learning process.
- Learners’ needs and rights are advocated for, to ensure that they have the same opportunities to succeed as their more financially privileged peers.
To date, Islamic Relief has supported the education of more than 285 000 people across 21 countries, by funding mobile classrooms, rebuilding and refurbishing schools, funding teachers’ salaries and supporting children with special educational needs.
Support our education initiatives today, to help develop the leaders of tomorrow, Insha Allah.
