Afghanistan is home to around 1.6 million orphaned children, many of whom find themselves living on the streets, struggling to find food, shelter and warmth. In a country where poverty is widespread, and more than 85 per cent of the population lives on less than $1 a day, according to the United Nations, becoming an orphan can seem like a death sentence. But Islamic Relief is supporting orphaned children towards a brighter future.

In response to the heartbreaking situation of orphaned children in Afghanistan, Islamic Relief launched our transformative 1-2-1 Orphan Sponsorship Programme (OSP) in the country in 2004. This initiative reaches out to the families of the most vulnerable orphaned children, including those with disabilities, children under the care of elderly relatives, and children who must work to support their younger siblings.

In the 20 years since the programme launched in Afghanistan, it has grown and now supports over 6,000 orphaned children across the 4 biggest provinces: Balkh, Bamyan, Kabul, and Nangarhar. These young lives are being uplifted and empowered through dedicated financial assistance and emotional and psychological guidance.

Many of the resilient children formerly enrolled in the OSP have graduated from higher education and become beacons of hope for their communities. They serve selflessly in hospitals, schools, and businesses, demonstrating the incredible impact the compassion and support of our donors can have.

‘My deepest aspiration is to become a doctor to help mothers’

At just 11 years old, Latifa* carries a dream as big as her heart.

The youngest of 6 siblings, Latifa has faced many challenges, especially after she lost her father when she was only 4. Latifa and her family now live in a modest 2-room house in Jalalabad City, paying a rent of 3,500 Afghanis (approx. £40).

“I don’t have any memories of my father, but I miss him every day,” Latifa says, reaching for her mother’s hand. “She is everything to me—both a father and a mother. She believes in me and wants me to excel in my education.”

Latifa attends Sweet Home School, run by Islamic Relief, which has given her a chance for a brighter future. “I’m in grade 6 and don’t have to worry about stationery, food, or tuition fees. Everything is taken care of,” she explains, a smile illuminating her face.

But what truly drives Latifa is her passion for helping others. “I want to become a doctor to help mothers,” she says with determination.

“I’ve seen mothers struggling with childbirth and not having successful deliveries, and I know that many stay home because they can’t find a female doctor.” Her voice is filled with empathy and strength, the voice of a young girl who has seen too much yet remains hopeful for a better tomorrow.

‘I aspire to become an engineer to build a home for my beloved mother’

At barely 8 years old, Ahmad* faced an unimaginable loss when he lost his father to a sudden illness. His world was turned upside down, leaving him to navigate life’s challenges without the guiding presence of his dad.

“I’m living with my mother and 5 siblings in this small house,” says Ahmad, the third of his mother’s 6 children. “My two elder brothers work in a bakery shop, while my mother dedicates her days to caring for us.”

The profound loss of his father has left a gap in Ahmad’s heart, one that he has struggled to fill. But even in the bleakest moments, hope prevailed.

“Islamic Relief teams came to my neighbourhood and spoke with my mom about our situation. I am fortunate to have [become] registered on the Orphan Sponsorship Programme 4 years ago. You stepped into my father’s role,” he says, his eyes glistening with tears.

Now in grade 6 at Tai Boti school in Bamyan, Ahmad has found a source of strength in education. “My mother uses the financial assistance from Islamic Relief to fulfil my different needs, and I always pray for the kind-hearted people who send us this support.”

Among his studies, mathematics is Ahmad’s favourite. “I aspire to become an engineer to build a home for my beloved mother. I believe this is the only way I can repay her for all she has done for us.”

With dedicated support for orphaned children, we can support and empower children like Latifa and Ahmad to pursue their dreams through education. These children have the potential to transform not only their own lives, but also their wider communities.

Be a part of changing lives for the better. Donate now.

*Names changed to protect confidentiality

Islamic Relief aid workers are on the ground assessing the huge needs of the population after a momentous and historic week in Syria.

This is a moment of hope and uncertainty for many people, and Islamic Relief remains committed to stand alongside the Syrian people and help build a peaceful and prosperous future.

Islamic Relief aid workers are in Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, Homs and across the country, assessing and responding to urgent and immediate needs.

Happy, hopeful and fearful

An Islamic Relief staff member who is now in Damascus and has been carrying out assessments at health facilities throughout the country says many services face imminent collapse:

“People are happy and hopeful but are still fearful of what happens next.

“Everywhere you go, basic government services have collapsed as employees have fled or abandoned their posts. Health facilities especially need urgent support. In Homs I visited a hospital with machinery all still running but completely empty of people, as all the employees and patients had fled. It was like a scene from a movie set. In Idlib hospitals are full of wounded casualties and medics are overwhelmed. I saw many hospitals badly damaged, especially in Hama and Damascus.

“In Damascus there are displaced families roaming the streets, and countless families searching for their loved ones who they haven’t seen for many years. The collapse of services is affecting everything. There are growing shortages of bread and fuel, and frequent internet cuts makes it hard for people to communicate.”

Right now, we are distributing food, providing flour to keep bakeries operational, and supporting health facilities to respond to trauma cases and keep blood banks and dialysis services functioning.

More is needed, however, and Islamic Relief are launching a £10 million appeal for funds to expand our work.

Vital humanitarian aid is needed

Millions of people all over Syria desperately need humanitarian aid and long-term support.

Almost 14 years of horrific crisis has shattered the country, displacing millions of people, devastating the economy and destroying critical infrastructure such as hospitals and schools.

More than 90% of people are now in desperate poverty, with many families unable to find or afford food. Years of brutal violence has killed countless people and torn families apart. An entire generation of children and youth are traumatised and have experienced unimaginable loss. Over the past few days, hundreds of thousands more people have been displaced by the fighting.

Yet just weeks from the end of the year, the 2024 humanitarian response plan for Syria has a pitiful 31% of the funding it needs.

Reconstruction of core services like healthcare, education and energy will cost billions more. We urge authorities and international donors to ensure that reconstruction efforts are driven by the priorities of local communities.

Islamic Relief has supported people in Syria throughout the crisis and we will continue to do so.

As the situation continues to evolve over the coming days and weeks, we call for all civilians to be protected and for international humanitarian law to be upheld. Humanitarian organisations must be able to safely and impartially reach people in need, and displaced people must be able to choose when and whether to return. Syria’s territorial integrity must be respected. We hope and pray for an orderly political transition.  

With your generous donations to our Save Syria we can continue our vital work in the country. Donate today. 

In the West Hararghe region of Ethiopia, life is far from easy. Home to both Oromo and Somali communities, the area is frequently shaken by ethnic tensions and conflict.

In 2020, a new wave of violence forced many people to flee their homes, adding to the growing number of internally displaced people. Misra was one of them.

Forced to leave everything behind, Misra fled to Meisso, a small town near the border with Somalia. Meisso is a relatively safe place, but is known for its harsh climate.

Life in Meisso was difficult for Misra, and finding a reliable source of income was nearly impossible. She turned to smuggling textiles from conflict zones back to local traders in Meisso – a dangerous trade that earned just about enough to feed her family.

“We earned very little, maybe 100 birr (less than £1) for each piece of fabric,” Misra explains. “But it was the only way we could survive.”

Smuggling can be very risky, particularly for women. By repeatedly travelling to dangerous areas, Misra was exposing herself to the risk of violence or being caught by security forces targeting smugglers.

Tough choices are an everyday reality

On one traumatic occasion, Misra was caught by a security guard and her entire load of textiles was seized. If she returned emptyhanded, she risked punishment from the traders she was supplying in Meisso. But if she resisted the guard, she could end up in jail, a place notorious for gender-based violence.

“I had no choice,” she recalls. “I begged the guard and ended up paying him twice what I had earned just to avoid being beaten or imprisoned.”

For many women in Misra’s position, tough choices like this are an everyday reality. Conflict and displacement leave them vulnerable to exploitation and violence, with few opportunities to escape the cycle of poverty. The  peace and stability they long for can feel like a remote prospect.

With the help of Islamic Relief, Misra and other displaced women in her community have been able to start new lives. Through our Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced People and Communities project Misra and her peers were given the support they needed to start small grocery businesses. She set up a shop, which now provides a sustainable income, allowing Misra to feed her family and build a better future.

“For the first time, I don’t have to risk my life to make money,” Misra says. “Our business is small, but it’s enough to keep us going.”

Islamic Relief’s projects in the region focus on empowering vulnerable women like Misra, helping them earn a stable income and regain their independence. This kind of support is a real lifeline in communities where women are often left to shoulder the burdens of conflict and displacement alone.

Turning words into actions

Misra’s journey from refugee to business owner reflects the resilience demonstrated by so many women around the world, especially in conflict zones. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength and determination of women who fight against the odds to create better lives for themselves and their families.

Islamic Relief supports the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign spearheaded by the United Nations each year. We believe it is crucial to highlight the struggles of women like Misra, ensuring that they are supported and celebrated rather than overlooked.

This year’s campaign theme, Broken Promises, reflects the importance of turning words into actions, ensuring that promises of support for vulnerable women are actually kept. Misra’s story shows the value of fighting for justice and equality for all women, everywhere.

If you want to make a lasting impact, donate today to help women like Misra break the cycle of violence and poverty that so many endure.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign is a time to reflect on the suffering of women and girls worldwide. Islamic Relief brings you the story of Noor*, which represents the experiences of countless women trapped in cycles of abuse, silence and fear.

At just 13, Noor was married off, a decision driven by her family’s financial struggles. While her early marriage was marked by love for her husband and children, after Noor’s husband died, she was subjected to violence and mistreatment by her in-laws. Her husband’s family eventually forced Noor out of their home and separated her from her 2 sons.

The abuse didn’t end there. Living with her parents offered no escape for Noor, as her in-laws threatened to take her infant daughter, the only child that was still with Noor.

Noor’s days were filled with fear, isolation and uncertainty. With no formal education, few job prospects and a lack of knowledge of her legal rights, she felt utterly trapped.

Finding strength in solidarity

Noor became curious about Islamic Relief’s Empower project after hearing about it from a neighbour. Through community activities and support groups organised by the project, Noor was able to connect with other women whose experiences mirrored her own.

For the first time, Noor learned about laws protecting women from domestic violence. Noor informed her in-laws that she would take legal action if they continued to harass her or tried to take her daughter away. Her confidence grew with every session she attended, empowering her to fight for herself and her children.

One of the most significant moments in Noor’s journey came when she realised that she wasn’t alone. With the support of Shugufta, a dedicated member of the Empower community group, Noor began therapy, which helped her regain her sense of self-worth.

Noor could now see a future where she wasn’t only a survivor, but also a protector of her children and an advocate for other women in similar situations.

Challenges persist, but so does hope

While Noor has come a long way, her journey is far from over. She now dreams of reclaiming custody of her sons and ensuring her children get the education she never had. Despite ongoing financial struggles, Noor is determined to provide a better life for them.

Noor’s resilience and courage, fuelled by support and education, highlight the importance of grassroots efforts like the Empower project. Change may come slowly, but for women like Noor, it starts with knowledge and the belief that they deserve better.

Please donate today to help women like Noor break free from cycles of abuse and take control of their futures. Every contribution brings us one step closer to a world where no woman must suffer in silence.

*Name has been changed to protect confidentiality

As the world recognises the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, those living in the world’s poorest communities can find life particularly challenging. In Somalia, where recurring droughts and skyrocketing food prices leave millions struggling, people with disabilities face a daily battle for survival.

Dirie, 55, lost his right leg in 1990 during Somalia’s civil war. “Since then, my brothers and extended family have been my lifeline, providing what little food and water they could,” he says.

But, as drought continues to ravage his community in Hargeisa district, every day is a test of its members’ resilience, and Dirie’s family are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet.

Dirie’s story echoes what is happening to thousands of people with disabilities across Somalia, who are dealing not only with physical limitations, but also with the economic burden caused by climate change and conflict in one of the world’s poorest countries. For those already marginalised, drought is worsening existing vulnerabilities, pushing many to the edge of survival.

A crisis intensified by climate change

Somalia has long been at the mercy of extreme weather, but recent droughts have reached unprecedented levels of severity, wiping out crops and livestock and depleting water supplies. As crops wither and animals die, many people in the communities worst affected have lost the means to produce their own food and lack the resources to buy it.

“The drought has destroyed our ability to access food and water,” Dirie explains. The small items his wife is able to sell in local markets cannot provide enough income to cover their basic needs.

“The combination of global inflation and prolonged drought has worsened an already critical situation,” says Abdirahman Ahmed, one of Islamic Relief’s programme officers in Somalia. “People with disabilities are particularly vulnerable because they often lack access to resources and face additional challenges when it comes to receiving aid.”

In response, Islamic Relief has been distributing essential food packs to vulnerable households across Somalia. So far this year, 850 families have received supplies such as rice, wheat flour, sugar, and cooking oil. Fifty of the families who have benefited include someone with a disability, as we strive to ensure that those most in need get the help they require.

Barriers to access

Despite our efforts, accessing food aid can be a challenge for people with disabilities. Distribution sites are often crowded, making it difficult for people with limited mobility to collect their supplies. “Carrying heavy food packs is hard for me,” Dirie explains. “I recently had surgery on my kidney, which makes it even more difficult.”

Abdirahman says Islamic Relief is working to improve accessibility. “We’ve observed that individuals with disabilities face significant obstacles on distribution days,” he explains. “That’s why we’re planning to introduce new distribution sites that are more accessible for them.”

Beyond physical barriers, there are social and economic challenges that make life difficult for people with disabilities. Many rely on their families or local networks for support, but that support can be hugely overstretched in times of crisis.

When a family’s income is meagre and unreliable, it becomes a real struggle to make ends meet. “Sometimes we manage only 2 meals instead of 3,” Dirie says.

Inclusive aid is essential

Islamic Relief’s is determined to provide inclusive aid across Somalia – support that does not leave those with disabilities and other vulnerable people behind. We are working closely with local agencies and with organising committees in camps for displaced people to ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable, prioritising those who cannot easily access food or healthcare.

“One hundred per cent of Islamic Relief’s aid goes to the most vulnerable communities,” says Abdirahman. “We carefully select families who are unable to provide three meals a day.”

While these efforts are having a positive impact, Dirie believes that more aid is needed to support more families like his. “This support brings us happiness and helps us survive. But expanding your programme to reach more families with members who have disabilities would be a great blessing.”

A call for greater support

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Dirie’s story shows us that humanitarian aid cannot be delivered effectively in a regimented, one-size-fits-all way. There is a pressing need for support that meets people where they are, including people with disabilities in places like Somalia. Small but impactful changes, such as establishing accessible distribution points, can make a world of difference for those already facing daunting obstacles.

As Somalia’s disabled population endures hardships most of us can hardly imagine, the call for global solidarity and inclusive support grows louder. Dirie’s words resonate deeply: “I pray that Allah rewards and supports all who help us. May you continue this work and reach even more families in need.”

Through Islamic Relief’s efforts, people with disabilities in Somalia are finding the strength to survive, despite the hardships they face.

This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us remember their resilience and commit to creating a world that cares for everyone, especially the most vulnerable. Together, we can create lasting change and ensure that no one is left behind.

Islamic Relief works with local communities in many countries to provide relief from the devastating effects of climate change, empowering vulnerable people to adapt to the challenges it brings. Donate today to support our vital work.