A women-led Foundation has received accolades for acts of charity in supporting vulnerable Muslim community members in the Kibos settlement scheme, Kisumu East sub-county.
The expansive settlement hosts approximately 3,500 residents, predominantly of Nubian descent, and Muslim by religion.
Hawa Abdul Rahman, founder of Umi Care Foundation, which she runs with some selected women, has spearheaded programs aimed at enhancing Islamic education access among these marginalized community members.
She has transformed a portion of her small compound in Kibos to accommodate a madrasa, where local Muslim children gather to access Islamic teachings during their holiday break.
Speaking with KNA on Sunday morning at her residence, Rahman reported that the young Muslim children in the Kibos area had limited opportunities to deepen their understanding of Islam when they were at home during weekends and holidays.
Recognizing this need, she decided to take matters into her own hands, converting a section of her home into a learning space and engaging some women to assist her in the undertaking.
Her selfless initiative has earned her the Swahili praise, ‘Mwanamke bomba’.
Rahman’s motivation stems from her deep commitment to her Islamic faith and desire to empower the younger generation. She believes that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for these children, and she is determined to provide them with the knowledge and guidance they need to thrive.
The Foundation has extended beyond individual acts of charity. It runs programs to support prisoners, provide community members with clean water for domestic use through drilling boreholes, and donate assistive devices to people with disabilities, including wheelchairs and crutches.
Rahman says the foundation engages in impactful projects like visiting the sick and providing care for the elderly and needy persons.
“We try to reach out to those who are often forgotten, whether it is a hospital visit or simply spending time with an older person who is lonely. We want them to know that they are not alone,” she says.
Halima Omar, who is a member of Rahman’s Foundation stated that their main focus is to support children and vulnerable families.
“We believe in the power of education,” she states, adding that many children struggle to access basic necessities, so they try to provide what they can, whether it is school supplies or clothing.
Omar’s dream is to see every child in the locality have the opportunity to prosper and attain their full potential.
“We are inspired by our faith to make a positive impact. We want to show the world the true face of Islam, a religion of peace and compassion,” says Omar, a vibrant young woman who joined the group after being inspired by Rahman.
Dr Juma Hasman, a board member of Umi Care Foundation, highlighted that their unwavering persistence and dedication to serving humanity have been key to their significant progress.
However, Dr Hasman confessed there was a need to get support from willing sponsors, laying bare the funding challenges hindering the expansion and sustaining the madrasa program.
“These women are a true inspiration,” says Ali Juma, a local leader in the area. “They are a testament to the power of community and the importance of giving back.”
The women however remain humble. “We don’t do this for recognition. We do it because it is the right thing to do. We are simply following the teachings of our faith and trying to make our community a better place,” insists Rahman.
Rahman remains steadfast in her mission. She envisions the madrasa growing into a center of excellence, not only providing religious education but also offering academic support and life skills training.
“I’m looking forward to creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and develop into responsible and successful members of the community,” she concluded.
