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Let’s make a difference!

April 28 - May 4, 2021
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Gulf Weekly Let’s make a difference!

Gulf Weekly Mai Al Khatib-Camille
By Mai Al Khatib-Camille

Ayadi Relief has launched a Ramadan campaign aimed at helping the less fortunate throughout the holy month and proving that by working together YOU CAN make a difference.

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

“Since the Covid-19 pandemic started, many families in Bahrain have been affected both on a social and financial level,” said Ayadi Relief’s co-ordinator Shaikha Showaiter.

“The transformation to e- learning is still considered challenging to many low-income families who can barely support their children’s needs.

“Some needy families are also facing housing issues. Some have received homes they cannot furnish and others might have suffered house fires they can’t afford to fix.

“This campaign aims to provide a dignified life to those who are less fortunate, from helping them achieve university scholarships to providing laptops and learning materials or solving a house construction problem and assisting children with special needs.

“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.”

Every day since the start of Ramadan, the group has posted a different case of need on their social media accounts to rally support. For example, donors can help students continue their education financially or volunteers can tutor them in order to improve their skill sets.

“You can be part of this Ramadan campaign by donating or sponsoring a case financially, or you can donate your time and knowledge by following our Instagram account and helping whenever we announce a need for volunteers,” added Shaikha. “With the community’s involvement and support, we can help ensure those in need in Bahrain continue to receive better opportunities.

“The campaign does not address long-term solutions but rather it provides assistance with high impact in both the lives of the givers and beneficiaries. Giving has no limitations and anyone can change the lives of others to the better.

“You may be helping one case but in fact you end up helping a whole family and perhaps changing their future for the better. Then each member of this family will have their own family and will in turn help others.  A helping hand might unintentionally have an endless reach.”

The group also needs more companies and partners to help them reach more cases through partnerships and sponsorships.

“You can be the star in their dark night, so shine for yourself and for them,” said Shaikha.

Ayadi Relief started in 2013 by restoring, renovating and maintaining houses for Bahraini families in the Baitkum Baitna project. They improved the lives of several families and have restored more than 40 Bahraini houses.

Internationally, they have helped build a school in Djibouti and water wells in Djibouti and Somalia.

Last Ramadan they launched Ayadi Responds, which means ‘hands that respond’, featuring various initiatives to aid the community during the pandemic.

Their first ‘response’ initiative was called Sufra, which means setting up a space for a meal in Arabic. The group received 300 donation boxes from the Capital Governorate and Ayadi distributed them to low-paid labourers and others in need. They partnered up with Conserving Bounties (food bank) to help them with the food boxes, donations and distribution too.

For details, follow  @ayadi_relief on Instagram.







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