All children deserve a safe, healthy upbringing, however millions of young people worldwide are orphaned, living in poverty and deprived of much-needed educational support. These children are incredibly vulnerable and face a bleak future.
We believe every child deserves a good start in life, so we also build safe villages for them with clean water, healthcare and education, take them out of dangerous child labour and ensure they are safe and protected.
Each day millions of children across the world face formidable struggles, whether it’s through wars, disasters, drought or disease – and all too often become orphaned as a result. For many orphans, the threat of poverty is constant. Where will the next meal come from? Where are we going to live? If we get sick and can’t afford medicine…will we survive?
And if they make it through childhood facing hunger, poverty and insecurity, they have little hope for a better life. Without an education and the tools to support themselves, there is small chance of a brighter future ahead.
Indeed, being kind to and looking after an orphan is a great act of generosity encouraged by the Prophet (peace be upon him) who said:
“I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this,” putting his index and middle fingers together. [Bukhari]
Our sponsorship programme doesn’t just take care of a child’s physical wellbeing. We believe a child deserves to be safe and happy too. Therefore, your sponsorship will mean the child you support will receive Eid presents and attend summer camps, sports classes and fun day trips. A social worker will visit regularly to ensure her home is safe and loving. In other words, when you sponsor an orphan, you’re not just giving a gift – you’re giving the gift of childhood and a chance for a better, brighter future.
Islamic Relief already supports over 57,000 orphans around the world – will you join us in supporting more?
To find out more information, please visit our Orphan Sponsorship FAQs page where you’ll find answers to all your orphan-related queries.
