Muslim Aid News

VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 8 | MAY 2014

A quarterly overview of what we’ve been doing together

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Give Freedom Congratulations from the MA team The big clean-up Jummah at HMP Holloway A little soul food

Syria 2013 our reach Winter Campaign extends its reach overseas

Nia’s story

MA team reache IDP’s within Syria

What does Freedom mean to you?

Development for Beginners Refugees

Spotlight on Ahmad Teladia

Dig a Well

Islamia Primary raise money Family fun day for plight of Syria Hope through conflict Central African Republic response Feed The Fasting feedback 2013: How your donations helped

By Zahra Said

MA delivers cleft lip operation camp in Bangladesh

A big Thank You Voices from the Field Ramadan live appeal Tune in & support us

With Ramadan almost approaching, it feels just like the other day we were observing the holy month. Naturally, we reflected upon the year gone by. In one year, so much has happened and a lot accomplished. Our mission is to serve humanity, and in 2013, we tested this on another level; it was a year that gave us an opportunity to connect with our donors in a big way when we asked our supporters to be the change for those who need it the most. This meant actively encouraging our donors to really get involved.

From emergency aid given to refugees desperate to stay alive, to the livelihood opportunities for the poor to empower themselves and the long-term development programmes giving communities a lifeline; you became their hope, their change. And what better way to measure this success than by the generous donations received.

Thanks to you, we raised £4.2 million during Ramadan. Our Feed the Fasting programme drew over £374,000 in donations. This meant we could feed over 252,900 people from the most vulnerable communities worldwide. Over half a million people benefitted from our water and sanitation programmes last year. Our Dig A Well programme proved to be success. In 2013 alone, we constructed 729 wells allowing people access to safe drinking water.

Our donors ultimately hold the key to this process. They have the power to transform the world they want to live in. With the success of last year’s Ramadan campaign it was clear that many wanted to see change. Our resolve to empower the lives of the poor won’t falter and we hope you’ll continue to be a part of the journey this Ramadan and beyond, Insh’Allah.

Ramadan Mubarak

Amina Rafique, Editor amina@muslimaid.org

We want 2014 to reflect the transition from Change to Freedom. It’s all about empowering communities to take charge of their own lives; freedom to work, freedom to eat, freedom to education. We want the poorest communities to equip themselves with the tools to become self-reliant so that they have the freedom to life’s basic necessities, such as access to free healthcare, a livelihood, skills training, education, food and water – things many of us may take for granted.

At Muslim Aid, we deliver programmes such as microfinance, food security and education in order to give communities a chance to live their life free from poverty, disease and hunger.

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Congratulations from the MA team

A big congratulations to Br. Hamid Azad who has been appointed the new CEO of Muslim Aid. He replaces Syed Sharfuddin who retired after being CEO since 2010. A special mention also goes to Br. Shuaib Yusaf who was recently appointed as Muslim Aid’s Assistant CEO. He was previously general manager at the Muslim charity Al-Khair Foundation. May Allah (SWT) grant them success and bless them in their new journey.

Ameen

The big clean-up!

By Nur Hannah Wan

“Christians, atheists, Muslims and the police,” read the status of Sunbury Flood Volunteers’ Facebook page on Saturday 22 March. It continued: “Where else, other than Sunbury Flood Volunteers would you find that?!”

Indeed, one sunny Saturday morning in March, the Muslim Aid team, Sunbury Flood Volunteers and two local members of the police force who happened to be passing, came together to assist with the big clean-up of Sunbury-on-Thames.

Earlier this year, the area had experienced flooding, where homes and property had been submerged under water. In its aftermath, the flood had left residents with damaged and contaminated property – “I’ve lived here 36 years and it’s never been as bad as this,” said one elderly resident who had been forced out of her home.

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Founder of the local volunteer clean-up group Sunbury Flood Volunteers, Alison Griffith, said the effort was due largely for elderly residents, who were at higher risk of injury – “we’ve had quite a bit of falls,” she said.

“This is a major thing at the moment – getting paths clear for the older people.”

Having formed a small group on Facebook, Alison helped gather local residents. Initially complete strangers, all had one united aim to help the community recover from the distress of the floods. On discovering Muslim Aid, the team increased to around 40 strong members. Equipped with shovels and broom sticks, the collective helped to remove damaged and unsafe items away from public pathways and properties, whilst also cleaning riverbanks and pavements of silt, which had made certain areas unsafe for walking.

“It’s great being so multicultural!” said Jessey, a local volunteer. “It’s nice to see people come from so far away to help us.”

Through sun, rain and even hail, the team were glad to be of assistance. [ The Muslim Aid team don their walking boots for Sunbury7 ]

By Nafisah Kara As part of UK Development Programmes, Muslim Aid’s Prisoners Project provides support to hundreds of Muslims across the UK that are striving on the path to rehabilitation. Last year, Muslim Aid provided prisoners with packs that included Qurans, prayer mats and prayer clothing to support them through their period of reflection during Ramadan. On her first visit to a prison, UK programmes Campaign Assistant, Nafisa Kara, tells us about her day at HMP Holloway. As we walked through the cold concrete maze to the detached chapel we entered a prayer space shared both by Protestant and Catholic Christians. The Muslim prayer space was adjoined to the chapel but granted the privacy of a wooden artificial wall with a large carpet space for the sisters to make prayer. It was a Friday verily, the most virtuous of your days is Friday (Sunan Abu Dawud). The time peaked towards Asr prayers. An influx of women came through the double doors, some with smiles and some with bleak faces full of worry of an uncertain future. We were greeted with salaam and smiles and as time was limited, we went straight into the Friday Sermon performed by the Muslim Chaplain.

She touched upon the stories of many women who had been in and out of Holloway, drawing upon their insecurities, struggles and achievements to inspire us all

to clutch onto the seeratul mustaqeem (the straight path).

I felt deeply humbled, as if I had shared a collective life experience with the sisters - the experience of being a woman; the experience of picking yourself up and drawing strength from the unknown constantly. A Greek woman shared her beautiful story of praying Tahajudd Salah in the early hours of the morning out of worry for her daughter: “I feel there is nothing between the heavens and the earth at this time of the night. Just me and God” After Salah (prayer) every sister raised their hands to make Dua (supplication). I shamefully bowed my head reflecting on the fact that in the outside world, as soon as the Salah is finished we often rush off to continue with our busy schedules or instantly check our notifications on our smart phones.

To our surprise, two sisters announced they wanted to embrace Islam and we witnessed their declaration of faith. From then, I realised it was crucial to provide spiritual support to the sisters who are struggling so hard to reform.

Help us to support a prisoner on the road to rehabilitation by donating a prisoners pack for £10. Call 020 7377 4200

A little

By Amina Rafique “I cycled from Forest Gate to Walthamstow to get to the Soup Kitchen. I’m 85 years old,” exclaimed Arthur,

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who lives alone. Having served in the army, taking him to countries such as Egypt and as far as Sri Lanka,

the mission to get to the soup kitchen was no feat for Arthur, “I really enjoy coming here. Everyone is so friendly,” he mused, as he parked up his bike. It was clear to see Arthur’s sentiment was shared by everyone at the soup kitchen; from the volunteers to the visitors, the atmosphere was like one big family get together.

Based in Walthamstow, the kitchen, known as Pl84U, is funded by Muslim Aid and run by husband and wife team Saira and Farooq. The kitchen provides a hot meal every fortnight to the homeless, elderly and vulnerable communities in east london, but everyone accross London are welcome. Volunteers come from all over to help out with cooking, serving and cleaning but more importantly, to chat with those visiting the centre.

As I sat talking to visitors, each person had a story to tell. Quite often, stories of ordinary people who by circumstance, now find themselves socially excluded and vulnerable. Thirty-eight-year-old Joao Veterano lost his job recently and is struggling to pay rent. He relies on PL84U to provide him with a hot meal every fortnight. “I am very worried I will be sleeping on the streets soon. Coming here shows me there are people that care. It gives me a sense of peace and comfort.”

His story resonated with me, as it taught me you can find yourself in a predicament like Joao’s at an instance.

Others, especially the elderly, visit the kitchen as a means to break the daily isolation they experience.

Seventy-two-year-old Christopher is a regular at PL84U. He comes for the sense of community and to mingle with everyone. “I’m a great believer in breaking down barriers. This place shows you the Muslim community are giving and respect everyone. The meals are good and the people are warm.”

Indeed one volunteer, Sadia, has been working at the kitchen since it started. “As a Muslim, it’s our duty to take care of our neighbours. I bring my son here to help out and to teach him about gratitude and compassion.”

[ PL84U creates a sense of community for many ] As the volunteers served up a delicious hot meal of chicken curry, rice and vegetables, I could see the place was more than just a soup kitchen. It was a place where people came for comfort and of course to eat a little soul food. As I went round the tables serving coffee, Arthur got up to leave in a haste. “Going now, I’ve got another soup kitchen later on in the evening.” I felt a sense of comfort knowing that just this evening, he would be in good company and like many of the elderly and homeless who live alone and in isolation, these community projects make society a better place.

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Being yourself

Freedom means colours Tasnim, Donations

Roushanara Ali, Donations Officer

Being able to explore

Freedom is to wander the globe without man made borders and nationalities dividing us. The world is home for all

Guest contributer for MA News and one of our youngest volunteers, 12 year old Nia Ahad from south London, wrote in to tell us why she enjoys volunteering at PL84U. From setting the tables, serving cups of tea, to mastering a game of dominos with the visitors, here’s what she had to say:

Nafisa Kara, Campaigns Assistant

To go wherever the wind takes you Wahida Choudhury, PA

Having peace in my heart whether it is through hardship or ease

“A couple of weeks ago I went to participate at an organisation called ‘PL84U’ that runs a soup kitchen with Muslim Aid. It was very fun and I got to talk to some very amiable characters who say they love the centre, the food, and the people. Talking with these people I found out how much they enjoy coming to the centre not just because of the mouth-watering food but because of the friendly environment created especially by the helpers, who make everyone feel very welcome.

Asma Amla, Fundraising Administrator

To breathe

Everyone in the kitchen treat each other like family, they make it such a happy and bubbly place to be - that is probably the reason everyone is so keen to come.

Freedom to me means playing games with my daughter Jubair Khan, Video Producer

Personally I find the experience very enjoyable and everyone is so nice. I enjoy helping out and being part of the community by helping people less fortunate. I met this lady who says she used to be a head teacher in a primary school. I’d like to thank her and her friend for being really sweet to me and playing a fantastic game of dominoes!”

Living without the fear of rejection

Rebecca Rafique, Explorer

Do whatever your mind wants Muhammed Sufian, Donations

[ Nia enjoys a game of dominoes at PL84U ]

The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants Mahbub Alom, Office Management

Taufiq Wan, Marketing Officer

Zahra Said, Graphic Designer

Sailing in Tobago Cays

If you are interested in volunteering at Muslim Aid please contact us on 020 7377 4200

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Ahmad Taledia, UK programmes Officer

Ability to make your own choices Jhangir Ahmed, Fundraising Officer

Freedom is everyone having the means to be the best they can possibly be Nepa Uddin, Fundraising Officer

Being in control of the decisions you make in life Shohidul Islam, Web Officer

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Ahmad Teladia This issue’s spotlight falls on Ahmad Teladia, our new UK Programmes Officer. He will take us through his work at Muslim Aid, cycling from one country to another and his tribal name Tell me about yourself?

I joined Muslim Aid in 2013, about one year ago, as a fundraising casual staff for Ramadan. After that I was asked to work with the Volunteer’s Dept and just recently I joined the UK Programmes Dept as the new Officer! In my spare time I work with young people and enjoy playing badminton, cycling and rock climbing.

Tell us something we don’t know about you already?

I cycled from London to Edinburgh for charity. It took me 5 days! I also cycled from London to Paris last year for charity. I would like to do another charity fundraiser again and I am calling upon all cycle enthusiasts to join me for another challenge. If you are interested, please contact me at Muslim Aid. What has been your most memorable moment?

There have been so many but mainly team bonding. We are like a family, the teams have a strong bond and we spend a lot of time together outside of work.

Islamia Primary Islamia Primary School students sported their best clothes for non-uniform day, each donating £1 in aid of those affected by the UK floods earlier this year. Inviting MA’s Fundraising Officer, Ali Gulam to the event, students marked the day with nasheeds performed to other school members. “[In the floods] you lose a lot of things that are important to you, like childhood photos or souvenirs,” said one student. Another felt particularly pleased at being able to help a local cause “I feel happy because I’m helping people that live in the same country that I do.”

[ Islamia Primary give support to those affected in the UK floods this year ]

Teladia is an interesting name, do you have Portugese ancestry?

As far as I know I don’t. Teladia was the name of a tribe in Gujerat, that’s where my family come from. But I do have family in Panama who speak Spanish.

What do you look forward to in your new role?

Facing new challenges, working with a new team, a new prospect, seeing the life cycle of a project, the list goes on. Moving between departments was fantastic; I got to work with a diverse group of people and on various tasks and learnt how to adapt quickly to different environments. I will be able to test myself in my new role and work harder to overcome challenges.

Husband and wife team, Khalid and Tabbassum Nazir raised over £4000, by organising a Family Fun Day in their local area, Kingston. Held at St Paul’s Church, the event welcomed families to a day of face painting, bouncy castles and food, whilst raising awareness to the plight of those caught between conflicts in Syria.

Speaking to local newspaper, the Kingston Guardian, Khalid said: “We are not an organisation, we are just ordinary people living in Kingston – a big family. We want to help deserving causes where it brings a good change to society.” [ Ahmad Teladia joins the UK Dept as UK Programmes Officer ]

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[ The family fun day raised over £4,000 in aid for Syria ] 13

“They ask you (O Muhammad) what they should spend in charity. Say: ‘Whatever you spend with a good heart, give it to parents, relatives, orphans, the helpless, and travellers in need. Whatever good you do, God is aware of it.’”

The Holy Quran, 2:215 For most, visiting the doctor’s surgery for medical help or a general check up is just a phone call away.

But for those that have fled conflict and live in IDP camps (for internally displaced people), access to a medical professional is not easy to come by. “Living in an IDP camp is tough and the homeless population is more susceptible to a wide range of chronic health conditions,” says Dr Hussien, Muslim Aid’s Health Coordinator in Sudan. “But no free health care means a health care bill, and the majority of this population can’t afford to pay.” Established in 2008, Muslim Aid’s support paved the way the Primary Health Care and Reproductive Health Clinic Centre of Hope in the Sakali IDP camp, Southern Darfur, Sudan. With the financial support, the centre has been able to recruit more medical staff and provide outreach services, for example, creating health awareness days and specialist clinics. “Many of our patients suffer treatable medical conditions,” says Dr Hussien. Without the presence

of a free health centre, it is more likely that simple, treatable conditions can become worse. The health clinic also provides an emergency ambulance service where patients with more serious cases can reach the Nyala City hospital. Muslim Aid Sudan’s acting Country Director says: “We are proud to be playing a role in changing the lives of the most vulnerable population.”

[ Medical staff member Huda Dahab gives a vaccination to Fatima of the Sakali IDP camp ]

Central African Republic

response

As violence spreads across the Central African Republic, an astounding 400,000 people have fled their homes and livelihoods, with many thousands seeking refuge and safety in neighbouring countries. With thousands believed to be killed, around 2.2 million are in need of humanitarian aid. Since launching its emergency appeal, Muslim Aid, with the support of partners on the

ground, Direct Aid Kuwait, distributed emergency food items such as rice, sugar, cooking oil and flour to 3,850 refugees currently staying in the region of Sahr, Chad.

Muslim Aid are currently monitoring the situation closely and conducting a needs assessment to see where further support can be given.

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Alameen Mohammed, Sudan

Dilbar Khan,73, Pakistan

In the Tementai village, thirty-year-old Alameen works as a farmer to provide for his large family of nine. With a shortage of rainfall last year, his crops suffered and he was unable to afford provisions for his family. “In the past, I’ve bought my needs for the fasting month from the market of Hdalia village,” he says. “But this is very expensive. The people are poor and can’t afford the needs of Ramadan as there is a need for certain foods”.

Through Muslim Aid, Alameen and his family received a pack containing wholesome and nutritional items, such as rice, lentils, sugar and wheat flour, allowing for a healthier fast. “I hope this project continues in future because it helps a lot of vulnerable people,” he says.

“Muslim Aid and their donors have provided a great service to us.”

Seventy-three-year-old Dilbar lives with his wife and has no children that can provide for him financially.

“I’m really old,” he says. “I don’t have much potential to earn a daily wage.” When the month of Ramadan arrives each year, Dilbar often worries how he will fulfil his fasts – “I was worried a lot about how I would manage the whole of Ramadan during Sehri (morning meal) and Iftar (breaking the fast). “ Through Muslim Aid, Dilbar and his wife were able to fast with sufficient food for both suhoor and iftaar.

How your donations helped We’ve presented 4 case studies to show how your contribtuion to our Feed the Fasting programme last year helped the poorest families get through Ramadan with ease.

Saleem Hajara Umma, 41, Sri Lanka

Hajara takes care of her four young children alone. As an unemployed mother, keeping her children healthy and well-fed is her main priority. But this is usually a difficult task - a usual day for Hajara and her children consists of just one meal for an entire day – and this luxury is sometimes sought for from neighbours. Her home lacks the most basic of facilities, such as water and electricity, and close relatives are also financially deprived. Even in hardship, Hajara will fulfil as much of her fasts as she can, but this has proved difficult in the past: “Usually, my eldest daughter and I will fast in the month of Ramadan, but sometimes we can’t as we do not have food for Suhur (pre-fasting meal) – sometimes we can’t even celebrate Eid happily.” Last Ramadan, Hajara was able to fulfil her fasts with dry ration packs through Muslim Aid’s Feed the Fasting programme – “Fortunately, this Ramadan Muslim Aid came forward – with the packs I was able to complete at least some of my fasts”.

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Umar Lebbe Abdul Manaff, 44, Sri Lanka

Umar lives with his wife, two children and elderly mother, in a house that has no source of water, latrine or electricity. Leaving education at grade 9, Umar does not have a permanent job. His small income depends on unskilled labour work he receives only temporarily.

Umar says: “I face challenges daily as I am undergoing intense financial difficulties. During Ramadan, my children spend days without consuming proper meals during Suhur. I am extremely helpless in this situation”.

On receiving food packs last year, Umar and his family were able to fulfil Ramadan in a healthy manner. The extra support also meant Umar could put money aside – “this helped me to save some money to buy Eid clothes for my children,” he said. “Thanks to Almighty Allah and Muslim Aid’s generous donors.”

Muslim Aid Community Hospital in Pabna arranged a two-day cleft lip and palate operation camp in February.

A specialist team of plastic surgeons from the Dhaka Medical College Hospital treated a total of 20 patients, free of charge.

[ MA Bangladesh delivers cleft lip operation camp ] 17

thank you

Despite the heavy risks associated with the security situation within Syria, Muslim Aid staff, with the help of partners on the ground, carried out an emergency relief distribution for 50 internally displaced families from Homs, who have escaped to a village called Qah. Initial assessments made by the team found the IDP’s living in dire conditions sleeping on rocks and stones.

With no food and water, mattresses and blankets to sleep with, many were experiencing extreme hardship, especially children and the elderly. After the assessments were made, the team provided cement to help them

make smooth surfaces to rest their tents on, a water pump and two water tanks to obtain and store clean water from a nearby well.

Food baskets were also distributed among the families providing them essential nutrition for a month. In another village in Latamneh near Hama, where daily clashes occur, the brave team risked the security situation and reached out to hundreds of families providing 200 food parcels to last them for a month.

extends its reach overseas From January to March this year, Muslim Aid implemented its emergency winter campaign in Jordan and Lebanon. Five hundred families and 3,500 refugees ranging from the elderly, orphans, widows and the disabled in Mount Lebanon and the Beqaa district, were given mattresses, rugs, blankets to protect them from the harsh weather. Temperatures during these months tend to fall to subzero with wind chills falling to zero degrees, leaving vulnerable people in further hardship.

During a field visit, MA staff noted that many refugees were suffering from the cold and sleeping on wet cold surfaces, playing havoc on their failing health. A further 1,600 Syrian refugee children in Jordan were given winter clothes to help them cope with the cold.

[20MA’s winter campaign reaches Syrian refugees ]

[ IDP camp in Qah ]

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Refugees Imagine that you were forced to leave your home and belongings behind, and flee to a new and unfamiliar place, not knowing when you will return home, see your loved ones or even eat your next meal.

Unfortunately, this is a sad reality for millions of refugees throughout the world.

What is a refugee?

A refugee can be defined as a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution or natural disasters. Refugees often have fears of being persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, social or political opinion and cannot return to the country of their nationality (Refugee Welcome Trust). At the beginning of 2012, there were 15.2 million refugees around the world. The highest number, 4.8 million, were found in Pakistan. The most refugees, which were 2.7 million, came from Afghanistan. Women and children are estimated to make up 80% of refugees.

Eighty percent of the world’s refugees are in developing countries (dosomething.org). Since March 2011, 7-9 million Syrians have been estimated to have fled their homes due to the outbreak of civil war (syrianrefugee. eu). According to UNHCR, 2.5 million refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey.

What do refugees need?

When a person has fled their home, they leave with little or no resources and ultimately require assistance.

This can come in many forms such as food, shelter, health care, clean water and sanitation, education and

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counselling. Often, those fleeing conflict, are in a very vulnerable situation and also require protection.

What does Muslim Aid do to help refugees?

In 2012 Muslim Aid began work on the ground in Syria.

Though partners and field offices, we distributed aid to those living in conflict areas and in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. Initially, urgent items such as food, blankets and sanitary items were distributed along with efforts to improve healthcare and shelter. Muslim Aid increased distribution to the mountainous areas of east and north Lebanon. In Jordan, two medical clinics were set up in Al Ramtha and Al Mafraq camp to treat the sick and wounded - 200 patients were treated everyday and special cases were referred to a new established hospital.

Free treatment and medication were available at the clinics. In Iraq, Muslim Aid provided clean drinking water, blankets, mattresses, pillows and food baskets to 2000 refugees. Over the winter period in 2013, Muslim Aid provided assistance to 14,000 refugees in Lebanon and Jordan, providing essentials such as blankets, raincoats, socks and gloves.

Here, in the UK, Muslim Aid has provided funding to the Northern Refugee Centre for a women’s welfare advice and advocacy support project. Based in Sheffield, it has supported many refugees in the UK especially destitute and isolated women. The advocacy support provides a free and confidential drop-in service that gives advice on gender-specific issues such as asylum, housing, healthcare, domestic violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and trafficking.

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“We had to collect water from dirty ponds and canals.

The community in my village were facing serious health problems due to using dirty water. Recently Muslim Aid installed a deep tube well to solve this problem.” Abdul Khalek, Bangladesh.

meant more than just having access to clean water to drink, wash and cook with. He said, “we are using the water for watering vegetables and farming. Instead of collecting dirty water from canals, the well has allowed us to save time and get on with paid work.”

For everyone living in the slums of Gorerkanda village, access to clean water was a huge problem. More than 70 families living in the village were at threat from contaminated water. Many feared for the health of their children and found it difficult to live a healthy life. When Muslim Aid installed a deep tube well in the village, a new lease of life was given to the community.

For Abdul Khalek, a labourer, whose meagre earnings barely support his family of five, the new tube well

In 2013, through the Dig A Well project, Muslim Aid has built 741 wells in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Cambodia. Since 2008, 2194 wells have been built serving hundreds and thousands of people with safe clean drinking water.

41 [ 41 Countries reached including Palestine, Rwanda & Syria ]

If you are interested in donating a well, please visit: www.muslimaid.org/causes/water-and-sanitation

over 252,900 PEOPLE

RECEIVED

IFTAR PACK FOOD PARCELS

[ Villagers receive a deep tube well providing clean water ]

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and they expressed how happy there were to have access to clean water.

Q. What message would you like to relay to everyone?

Since 2007 MA Lebanon began implementing the Rainbow Family child sponsorship programme to deliver support to orphan, destitute and disabled children in a country where poverty has become rife, mainly due to civil wars. Currently, the programme supports 300 children across Lebanon, where over half, are Palestinian refugees living in camps. Muslim Aid’s Sultana Begum, from the Rainbow Family paid a visit to Lebanon recently to report on the programme’s progress.

Q. Tell us your observations about the situation for children in Lebanon.

Most families cannot afford three meals a day and some children cannot afford to eat lunch at school. In many cases, living conditions are difficult with large families living in 1 or 2 rooms. This causes health problems.

Healthcare in Lebanon is very expensive. There is no national health system in place and the government offers little to no support to families in terms of treatment. Twenty out of the 300 children currently sponsored are disabled and require regular treatment which is very costly. During my trip, I visited a number of children who suffer from disabilities. All the families of these children highlighted that healthcare was expensive and that they could simply not afford it with the sponsorship amount. This requires some attention.

Having visited Lebanon for a week, and from my own experience, the country is currently going through inflation and most things are very expensive, especially food.

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Q. What are MA doing to change the situation?

MA Lebanon will be working to create healthcare projects developed to reduce the cost of healthcare for sponsored children in Lebanon. We are looking to partner with a local clinic, Al Shifaa Medical Clinic.

MA has worked with Al Shifaa in implementing other healthcare projects in recent years and they have delivered good services. Such a partnership would be a breakthrough for the Rainbow Family in Lebanon as a vast majority of our young beneficiaries suffer from a range of healthcare problems, from cerebral palsy to cancer. With soaring healthcare prices, such a partnership would mean sponsored children can benefit greatly from discounted healthcare. We’re going to need our donors to support us if we want to see this project through.

Many children live in complete poverty, other families have been forced to flee their homeland, mainly from Palestine and more recently from Syria. It’s a traumatising experience for children. So it’s imperative

that we do more than just providing monetary help, but play an active role in delivering quality moral support.

The child Sponsorship programme at Muslim Aid does just this. You can write to your sponsored child and give them the moral support they really need. These children need monetary support but since they’re children, that’s not their main concern. They just want to know that someone out there cares.

Q. What other projects did you visit in Lebanon?

During my visit, we visited Syrian refugees in Iklim Al Kharoub, Mount Lebanon. We were exposed to some dire living conditions. Many Syrian refugee households had aqua boxes and mattresses which they had received from Muslim Aid through the Emergency programme.

Some said they had also benefitted from the Ramadan 2013 programme. I visited the road resurfacing project in Al Rashidiyah Palestinian Camp in the South of Lebanon. Funded by Muslim Aid, the project is a success. The road looked really good and is being used by children to get to school safely. In addition to this, I came across a number of wells which had been provided

by Muslim Aid in Al Rashidiyah Camp, through the Dig a Well Project. The wells provide clean water for families [ MA’s Sultana Begum visits Rainbow Family children in Lebanon ]

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Reuters/Sharif Karim courtesy Trust.org - AlertNet

Tune in this Ramadan and support us to deliver life changing programmes and emergency aid for the most poorest and vulnerable communities worldwide.

Channel S [ SKY 814 ] Islam Channel [ SKY 813 ] Islam Channel [ SKY 813 ] 24th July Islam Channel [ SKY 813 ] Channel S [ SKY 814 ]

Our donation line is open 24 hours this Ramadan. To help you with any queries, we will have a Ramadan helpline to guide you through issues related to zakat, fidyah and kafarrah.

Just call us on 020 7377 4200 or visit muslimaid.org and remember, 100% of your Zakat donations goes to our beneficiaries!

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Mission Muslim Aid’s mission, guided by the teachings of Islam, endeavours to tackle poverty and its causes by developing innovative and sustainable solutions that enable individuals and their communities to live with dignity and by supporting initiatives that promote economic and social justice. Vision: The alleviation of poverty, education for all, and the provision of basic amenities for those in need to create a world where charity and compassion produce justice, self reliance and human development.

Volunteer We are always looking for dedicated volunteers.

If you would like to contribute and help out at Muslim Aid please contact the Volunteer Department at volunteer@muslimaid.org

Comments We would love to hear your feedback. Please send any comments about our magazine to amina@muslimaid.org

Cover photo: MA Pakistan reaches 46,590 people in 2013, providing nutritional foods, such as flour, rice, pulses and sugar, to last the month of Ramadan

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London Office Tel: 020 7377 4200 PO Box 3, London, E1 1WP Birmingham Office Tel: 0121 771 3372 541 Coventry Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, B10 0LL Manchester Office Tel: 0161 861 0782 557A Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 8AN

32Charity Reg No: 295224