Ramadhan Relief Report 1433 – 2012

Registered Charity (UK), No. 282303www.world-federation.org

To donate or for more information contact us at:

E: relief@world-federation.org T: +44 (0)20 8954 9881wfksimc

Making difficult lives a little easier

Introduction ............................................................ 2 -3

Country Facts & FiguresAfghanistan .............................................................. 4Bangladesh .............................................................. 5Bosnia ...................................................................... 6Haiti .......................................................................... 7India ......................................................................... 8- 11Iraq ........................................................................... 12Kenya ...................................................................... 13Madagascar ............................................................ 14Myanmar ................................................................. 14Pakistan .................................................................. 15South Africa ............................................................ 16Sri Lanka ................................................................. 17Tanzania .................................................................. 18-20

Thank You ............................................................... 21

Ramadhan Relief (1433 – 2012)

...Across

CountiresThirteen

2 3

Making difficult lives a little easierThank you – for seeing it in your heart to help make a difference in the lives of over 188,000 deserving people including orphans, children, seniors, widows and the disabled this past Ramadhan. For these families, the challenges of finding work, adequate shelter, nutritious meals and building confidence while living below the poverty line is already hard enough. The World Federation’s Ramadhan Relief Fund is all about coming together as a global family to ease the hardships of others so that they too can fast and partake in the spiritual journey of this Holy month with ease and comfort.

In the months preceding Ramadhan, our volunteers, spanning across 13 countries worked countless hours behind the scenes to organise the aid distribution to families waiting in anticipation for relief through the Ramadhan Relief Program. Throughout the month, these same volunteers would break their fasts en route to different areas where they would personally deliver aid. The World Federation is blessed to be working with this caring and dedicated team of individuals who are the strength of this annual initiative. One of our volunteers in India wrote to us and said: ‘The Ramadhan Relief Project will distribute bags of uncooked food directly to the needy, saving them the inconvenience and expense of travelling to a location to collect food. Moreover, delivery of uncooked food items will enable the beneficiaries to prepare and eat the food in the privacy and comfort of their own homes.’ This report is a glimpse of the many activities in support of Ramadhan Relief that took place during the Glorious and Blessed month of Ramadhan. On behalf of all the beneficiaries, thank you for making difficult lives a little easier.

16,000 800food baskets. iftaars for the

deserving.

sponsored more than sponsored over

5,300 13familes to receive monetary assistance.

familes to clear debts.

supported over supported

COUNTRY FOOD BASKETS

IFTAARS FOR ThE DESERvINg

CASh gIFTS

DEBT EID gIFTS

MEDICINES NO. OF PEOPLE BENEFITTED

Afghanistan 321   470       5017

Bangladesh 604           2244

Bosnia 1 15 13 10     1024

haiti 149 10         1326

India 6105 9 1777   2598   40954

Iraq 1500           6000

Kenya 1441 29         17364

Madagascar   638         60900

Myan Mar 121           393

Pakistan 3898 58 2500     5500 37197

South Africa 333 1 26       1556

Sri Lanka 234           936

Tanzania 1368 45 592 3 80   13615

Total 16075 805 5378 13 2678 5500 188526

Our biggest year yetThe World Federation’s annual Ramadhan Relief Programme is a partnership where everybody wins. From the thousands upon thousands of beneficiaries to the countless volunteers, generous donors, Jamaats, Regional Federations and concerned individuals, this initiative continues to show that united, there is nothing we can’t accomplish. This year (1433/2012), The World Federation distributed about $654,000 USD - its largest sum ever in aid to deserving families who are grappling with poverty.

4 5

Afghanistan Bangladesh

Despite recent progress, millions of Afghans still live in severe poverty with a crumbling infrastructure and a landscape that is suffering from environmental damage. This rugged, landlocked country remains one of the poorest in the world, with more than half the population living below the poverty line. The basic meal of most families living in poverty consists of dry bread (pirki) and water or milk, if they can afford it.

One of the beneficiaries of the Ramadhan Relief Program in Afghanistan is Adil - a 15 year old orphan whose father died in Ghazni Province. Adil lost his foot and fingers in a mine explosion leaving him disabled. The Ramadhan Relief Fund was a blessing for Adil who was able to enjoy decent and healthy meals amid his many problems.

Background

Case StudyOne of the Ramadhan Relief beneficiaries is Zareen Begum who is suffering from cancer. She has two children and her husband’s income is not enough to meet the expenses of the family. This Ramadhan, she was able to afford healthier food rations for her and her family.

Amina is another recipient of the Ramadhan Relief Fund. She has no family to support her as her husband is too sick to work. Although she works odd jobs, the income she earns is too little to meet their meagre expenses.

Case StudiesIn Bangladesh, a staggering 18 percent of women are acutely malnourished, and roughly one third of adolescent girls suffer from anemia and micronutrient deficiency. The economic, environmental and social hardships faced by countless people here make it very difficult to change these statistics. Most of these families still live in camps where their surroundings are polluted and is taking a toll on their health.

Background

Food Baskets Cash Gifts321 470

Contents: Flour, Oil, Rice, Sugar, Tea,

Dates, Meat

were given to seniors, orphans, the sick and the disabled living in different villages across Balkhab,

Sarapul, Mazar-e-Sharif and Sancharak

Cash Gifts604

were distributed to deserving sadaat and non-sadaat

families, seniors, orphans, widows and the disabled

living in Chittagong, Khalishpur, Rangpur, Sayedpur, Old Dhaka,

Moghbazar, Mohammadpur, Mirpur, Khulna Hussaini,

Dalan and Bara Katra

The atmosphere in our office is like a celebration. Everyone prays for the generous who share their blessings with them.

Items were purchased in bulk to save costs, to guarantee quality of the food items and ensure that each food parcel is packed properly

- Volunteer at Bangladesh distribution office - Afghanistan distribution agent

6 7

Majority of the modest Shia Muslim community in Bosnia are new to the faith and young couples with small children. Some of these individuals are working, some are jobless and some are studying. Those who are employed, find work in the agricultural sector where the salaries are often insufficient. However, for those who are not working like Mohammed and Mariam – a couple with nine children where both parents are ill and not able to work and do not receive any government aid, The Ramadhan Relief Fund was a saving grace.

BackgroundOver the years, natural disasters have intensified Haiti’s already struggling economy. Every year between June and November, the hurricane season brings with it fears of more devastating storms. In October 2010, as the country was still trying to recovery from January’s earthquake, a cholera epidemic broke out and efforts are still underway to contain the disease.

The Shia Muslim community in Haiti is spread across 11 towns and includes about 684 children and youth and 144 adults.

Background

Bosnia Haiti

Food BasketFood Baskets

Cash Gifts Debt Relief1

14913 10

Contents: Flour, Cooking Oil, Sugar,

Salt, Pasta

Contents: Rice, Beans, Flours, Sugar, Milk, Tuna Fish, Oil, Butter,

Corn, Oatmeal, Coffee Powder, Tea Bags, Bread,

Cookies and Sweets

were given to deserving families

ten needy families were assisted with their debts

A father received monetary aid to help pay the school fees of his two children. The Ramadhan Relief Fund ensured that these two children would be able to continue with their education in hopes of a more promising and brighter future.

Case Study

Community Iftaars

13 in the town of Ljesevo where 30 to 80 people would attend each program

Community Iftaars

10organised to bring all

the community together. Around 1,000 people

attended these dinners

Adela is a widow with nine children who cannot find work. One day during prayer time she walked into the Islamic centre in search of food. Soon after, Adela and her two sons (ages 9 and 18) accepted Islam. One year later, she became a very active member of the community. The Ramadhan Relief Fund has been very helpful to Adela and her children to make the Holy month easier.

Case Studies

Haiti is a poor country and the Muslim community is in a very bad condition because most of them are not working. They are living with less than $1 USD per day.- Haiti distribution agent

8 9

Despite significant economic progress in the past decade, India is home to about 25 percent of the world’s hungry poor. Although the country grows enough food for its people, pockets of hunger remain.

Background

India

BangaloreIndia’s third most populous city, Bangalore is a growing metropolitan city in a developing country, It confronts substantial pollution and other logistical and socio-economic problems.

HyderabadThe rapid rate of urbanisation with increased economic activities has encouraged people to migrate to Hyderabad in search of work. This rush to the city has resulted in an increased demand for water where the region’s ground water levels are shrinking and dams are facing water shortage. For families living in the old

part of Hyderabad, the blessed month of Ramadhan was a great struggle for them. Even to find a dry piece of bread to eat was very difficult. Many have little or no provisions to even break their fast with.

KolkataIn April 2012, The World Federation visited Kolkata and its surrounding areas where about 10,000 Shia Muslim families – both sadaat and non-sadaat live below the poverty line.

BiharIn Bihar, most of the people live in poverty and expect some sort of aid during the month of Ramadhan.

Food Baskets2,328

Contents: Masoor lentils, Gram lentils,

Sugar, Rice, Cooking oil, Wheat flour

Food Baskets539

Contents: Rice, Flour, Lentils, Gram flour, Mustard oil, Sugar,

Tea leaves

Food Baskets762

Contents: Rice, Wheat, Lentils, Sugar,

Mustard Oil

When they get some grains from us, they feel obliged to the donors. It really helps them a lot.- Bihar distribution agent

Cash Gifts30

were given to deserving families

Food Baskets380

Contents: Rice, Wheat Flour,

Cooking Oil, Sugar, Lentils,Dates, Tea

Cash Gifts26

bed sheets and clothes were distributed and debt relief was provided to these families and

individuals

Community Iftaars

9about 4,500 people

received a hot meal after breaking their fast

10 11

MachilipatnamProne to cyclones, economic development in this part of India is slower than other regions. Finding work is that much more difficult here and very seasonal. Poverty is widespread where people cannot afford healthy meals to meet their body’s nutritional requirements.

MumbaiOnce known as Bombay, Mumbai is the fourth most populous city in the world. Mumbai is the city of extremes where behind the bright lights and shiny towers lay the pungent slums where so many people call ‘home’.

Three various food baskets were provided:

Food Baskets1,350

Contents: Wheat, Rice, Sugar,

Lentils

Food Baskets425

Contents: Wheat, Rice, Oil, Sugar,

Tea, Lentils

Food Baskets520

Contents: Wheat, Rice, Sugar, Cooking Oil, Tea Powder, Mixed Fruit Jam, Salt, Roasted Sewai,

Rose Syrup, Lentils

Cash Gifts168

were given to deserving families

Food Baskets125

Contents: Rice, Cooking Oil, Flour,

Lentils, Sugar,Tea Powder,Tamarind, Onions

Cash Gifts100

were given to deserving families and widows

KutchKutch is a district of Gujarat state in Western India. This region is the native land of many Khoja community members from across the world and is a place close to our hearts.

Food Baskets61Contents:

Wheat Flour, Oil, Sugar, Tea, Rice, Lentils, Dates, Soap

India continued...

LucknowIn Lucknow, Muslims make up about 28 percent of the population. The Ramadhan Relief Program has been providing respite to families living in this local for many years now including the rural areas of Lucknow.

Food Baskets762

Contents: Rice, Wheat, Lentils, Sugar,

Mustard Oil

Cash Gifts1,448were given to deserving

families

Hussain Ali and his wife have six children and he earns about $20 USD per month. Sadly, he has completely lost his eyesight and is unable to work. Every now & then the family goes to bed hungry. This year, the Ramadhan Relief fund was a blessing for this family. - Lucknow distribution agent

1 2 3

12 13

Despite Iraq being a middle income oil-rich country, a significant portion of the Iraqi population has no access to basic social services – particularly health, education, water, electricity, housing, sanitation and food.

BackgroundNearly half of Kenya’s 40 million people live in poverty, or are unable to meet their daily nutritional requirements. The vast majority of this deprived population lives in rural areas where life is anything but stress-free and it was in these areas of need that the Ramadhan Relief Program was hard at work this year. Kenya’s underprivileged rural people include farmers, herders, farm laborers, unskilled and semi-skilled workers, widows, single parents, people with disabilities and orphans.

Background

Food Baskets Food Baskets1,001 80Food Baskets

1,500Contents:

Indian Rice, Kishmish,Tomato Paste, Dried Lemon, Starch,

Vermicelli, Chickpeas, Lentils, Tea, Oil, Maash Lentils

Contents: Maize meal,

Wheat flour, Cooking oil

Contents: Cooking oil, Sugar, Rice,

Ngano, Tea, Juice, Custard, Tomato paste, Meat & Chicken

2,000 sadaat orphans received a pair of clothes for Eid as a gift from The World Federation.

Case Study

Community Iftaars

29had a very high turnout

due to the current economic crisis

Iraq

The children were excited to choose their new outfits.- Iraq distribution agent

Kenya

1 2

Two varied food baskets were provided:

I am very grateful to have received this iftaar ration. I appreciate the fact that some-where in this world there are people who care about us, the needy.’- Food Basket recipient

14 15

The World Bank has estimated that 70% of Madagascar’s citizens live on less than $1 USD per day. Poverty and the competition for agricultural land have put pressure on the island’s diminishing forests, home to much of Madagascar’s unique wildlife and key to its emerging tourist industry.

Myanmar’s economy is one of the least developed in the world, and is suffering the effects of decades of stagnation, mismanagement, and isolation. The majority of Shia Muslims here live in larger urban centres like Yangon, Mandalay, Prome and Mawlamyine.

Background

Background

Community Iftaars

638daily Iftaars were

sponsored across 22 Islamic Centres for the whole of Ramadhan.

Around 60,900 people in total where served iftaar

Madagascar

Myanmar

Food Baskets121

Contents: Rice, Lentils, Oil

(enough to feed a family offive for 2 weeks)

An elderly man from Mandalay who lives alone told our volunteers, with tears in his eyes, that he felt as if the food parcel

had been sent from God Himself. He felt sure that he would be able to complete the whole month of fasting.

Case Study

Pakistan

Pakistan continues to be subject to considerable socio-political, economic and environmental volatility. Since 2010, the entire stretch of the country has been affected by annual floods leaving hundreds of thousands of people without access to food, clean drinking water, healthcare and shelter. Furthermore, rainwater has flooded many acres of prime farmland.

Pakistan is also home to countless orphans whose parents either died or abandoned their children because they could no longer afford to care for them. These children live a life of poverty where destitution leaves them no choice but to leave school and survive by collecting trash or panhandling.

Background

5,500 needy people provided with medicine

Medicine5,500

Cash Gifts2,500

Aiman Bibi is a widow who is blind. She has 6 daughters and 1 son. She was very grateful to have received a food basket this Ramadhan.

Case Study

Community Iftaars

10,500

Food Baskets3,200

Contents: Flour, Rice, Basin,

Oil Ghee, Sugar, Khurma

Food Baskets605

Contents: Flour, Rice, Ghee, Sugar,Tea,

Gram Flour, Juice,Lentils, Dates

1 2

Two varied food baskets were provided:

16 17

The population of Sri Lanka is about 21 million people where 23% of the population lives below the national poverty line. Sadly, one out of three children here is underweight.

Background

The conditions of the Muslims in the regions we intend providing relief aid to this Ramadhan is beyond description. Their economic, medical and social conditions have deteriorated to such an extent that most of them have only one square meal a day and they are not in a position to seek medical aid when they are ill and have to make do with home remedies.

South Africa

South Africa is the second largest exporter of fruit in the world, yet according to a UNICEF report, more than half of South Africa’s children live in poverty. The report found that 1.4 million children live in homes that rely on unhygienic streams for drinking water, 1.5 million have no flushing lavatories and 1.7 million live in shacks, with no proper bedding, cooking or washing facilities.

Background

Food Baskets333

food parcels were delivered across Gauteng, Western

Cape, Kwathema, Katlehong, Soweto and Braamfischerville

Food Baskets234

Contents: Rice, Lentils, Flour, Tea,

Sugar, Milk, Canned Salmon

Community Iftaars

1 over 120 people

attended

Debt Relief18

18 debts were cleared for families living in

Johannesburg whose breadwinners recently lost

their jobs

Cash Gifts8

provided to four religious scholars, a student, an orphanage, a deserving

family of 7 and a community organisation

Extra Relief Work: Laylatul Qadr Amaals and Eid ul Fitr celebrations were organised at a prison for the benefit of the Muslims there.

Sri Lanka

- Sri Lanka distribution agent

18 19

Tanzania

Tanzania is among the African countries with the highest levels of malnutrition. Some 42 percent of children under the age of five are stunted, eight out of ten children under the age of one are anemic, and about one third of children aged 6 to 59 months are Vitamin A deficient. Poor nutrition is also a serious problem among women of reproductive age, with more than half of pregnant women anemic and one in ten women undernourished.

Background

Dar es Salaam

Tanga

Nduruma and Unga

Dodoma

Food Baskets25Contents:

Rice, Sugar, Flour, Cooking Oil, Tea Leaves, Milk Powder

Food Baskets479

Contents: Rice, Sugar, Wheat Flour

Food Baskets55Contents:

Cooking Oil, Sorghum, Tea Leaves, Azam Flour, Salt,

Maize Flour, Dates, Rice Sugar, Vegtaqbles, Biscuits, Plastic Bags

Food Baskets215

Contents: Rice, Beans, Maize Flour,

Sugar, Oil, Spaghetti, Dates and Salt

Morogoro

Community Iftaars

29this included Iftaar to 47 orphans and staff

for the entire month of Ramadhan

Cash Gifts5+

financial assistance provided to 5 families;

separate cash gifts were also given to other families for

necessary items

a lady with hearing problems was provided

with a hearing aid

Medicine1

Mrs. Rabab is a widow. She is the only earner in her family and must provide for her four children and her 70 year old mother who also lives with her. Rabab earns a living by selling charcoal; this income is not enough to feed her family. She looks forward to the Ramadhan Relief Program to relieve some of her financial pressures.

Case Study

- Amin (82 years old), recipient of food parcel in Dodoma

I struggle hard to feed myself and buy some medicines. I thank the Ramadhan Relief Program for the food packet. It helped me cook iftaar and sehri for myself for the whole month of Ramadhan. Asante sana.

20 21

Children helping Children CampaignThe World Federation invited children and youth from around the world to raise awareness and fundraise for the Ramadhan Relief Fund by creating a web page on www.justgiving.com. Our heartfelt thanks to all of our fundraisers for raising $8,382.54 USD to fight hunger!

Donate a Sandwich CampaignDonors from across the world responded to the “Donate a Sandwich Campaign” and raised $12,880.88 USD for the Ramadhan Relief Fund. By donating the cost of a sandwich, so many more families benefitted from the Ramadhan Relief Programme.

On behalf of all the recipients, our partners, our volunteers and The World Federation team, thank you for your support of Ramadhan Relief 1433.

Jazaakallaahu KhairaaMay the Almighty return your kindness

Tanzania continued... Thank You

Community Iftaar

1an Eid lunch was

sponsored with 150 people attending

Cash Gifts592

distributed to families allowing them to purchase

necessary items; 80 separate Eid Gifts were also given to

children

* Some districts overlap due to the different agencies area of work.

Mwanza, Arusha, Moshi, Kigoma, Coastal Regions, Zanzibar, Temeke & Tanga*Ramadhan Relief was distributed to deserving families living in these areas with priority given to the elderly, widows and orphans.

Debt Relief3

provided to individuals in debt

Food Baskets589

Contents: Rice, Sugar, Wheat Flour,

Salt, Beans, Tea Leaves, OilMaize flour

Ramadhan Relief Funds, food rations and iftaar are a major help to the community members in the region. These provide them with some kind of comfort and ease enabling them to fast and worship with peace of mind and participate in various spiritual events which are generally well attended in the holy month

- Agent in Kigoma

188,000 Together we served over

people