A  Ramadan campaign launched by Ayadi Relief to help the less fortunate will continue even after the holy month as the charity aims to reach out to more people and make a difference in their lives.

The youth-led humanitarian non-governmental organisation started the ‘Ent Tegdar’ campaign - which translates in English to ‘You Can’ - last year to expand the notion of giving and encourage acts of kindness.

It has restored and maintained more than 40 houses for Bahraini families as part of the Baitkum Baitna project, and is now working to collect BD150,000 to renovate homes and schools as well as sponsor special needs children and fund education for under-privileged students.

“We originally came up with the #You_Can concept last year for Ramadan to encourage people of all ages to give and help those in need,” said Najla Albufalah, Ayadi Relief’s general manager.

“Whether it’s providing time, a skill or a monetary contribution, we all can make a difference and a positive impact on the lives of others.

“As a youth-led group, it is our duty to help ease the burden on people who are struggling in their daily lives. Our aim is to provide for their education and housing needs.”

Last year, due to the pandemic, the group decided to rally support for a different section on their social media accounts - students requiring financial help to continue their education or volunteers to tutor them on improving their skill sets.

Other cases involved families facing housing issues.

“The first season exceeded our goal and expectations,” added Najla. “We wanted to reach out to 30 Bahraini families and instead aided 36. Our target for donations was BD62,485 and thanks to the kindness of people, we received a total of BD75,481.

“This year, our target for donations is BD150,000 and since we haven’t hit it yet, we will keep it going even after Ramadan. This amount will help 15 cases that we have taken up this year and we have collaborated with City Centre Bahrain to achieve our goals.”

People can participate in the #You_Can campaign by visiting the Ayadi Relief booth at the mall, or through the group and the shopping complex’s social media channels.

Six cases are dedicated to the renovation of dilapidated houses.

“We are also supporting three educational centres,  the Tafaol Centre for special education, the Friendship Society for the Blind and the Bahrain Down Syndrome Society,” said Najla.

“We will help renovate parts of the Friendship Society for the Blind as water seepage has damaged the wall causing cracks. For the Tafaol Centre, we are furnishing some of their classes so that students feel safer and can stay more focused.

“The Bahrain Down Syndrome Society works towards the development of local services for individuals with Down’s syndrome in the fields of health, psychology, education and social service. It also offers direct and indirect support to individuals with the syndrome, their parents and their families. We wanted to help promote their programme of inclusivity by providing them with any amount they may be lacking.”

The other cases include providing financial aid to six students who were either unable to go to university or had to discontinue studies at some point owing to mounting expenses. Ayadi Relief is also sponsoring eight special needs students’ educational needs for a year.

“We are thankful to different individuals, from special need centres and universities, that are volunteering their time at the booth for the causes,” added Najla.

“People can participate in our initiative by raising donations, awareness and sharing our cases on their social media accounts. Every dinar donated goes a long way in enabling us to provide underprivileged families and individuals with a safe home, facilitate individuals of determination the educational tools and skills to be able to integrate smoothly within the society and be an agent for change.”

For details, follow @ayadi_relief on Instagram.