As many
of you are aware, during the first 10 days of Ramadhan between the 15th
– 19th March 2024, I embarked on a journey to Syria as a Volunteer
with Global Relief Trust (GRT). The purpose of this trip was to provide humanitarian
aid to the displaced people of Syria. Those who had fled the war and could not seek
refuge and those who managed to escape and seek refuge in Turkey, who were
later, unfortunately displaced again due to the earthquake that hit the area in
Turkey last year (February 2023).
Whilst having
the honor to meet such special people, I had the opportunity to further visit a
number of life changing projects GRT are working on in this region.
Syria
holds one of the largest refugee camps globally and my fundraising efforts this
far have been to support their shelter project, where the aim is to build 1000 concrete
homes, providing families with much needed protection from the elements, a
direct source of water, private washroom facilities, a kitchen and also green
space.
Each
house or apartment will be part of a village and will include shops, a school,
a mosque, a communal area and a children’s play area, in the hope of restoring
a sense of community. Construction is well under way and with your continued
support, GRT are hopeful that many families will be housed before the end of
2024.
An
experience as such is life changing and since I have returned, my heart is with
these people. It has reminded me that our lives are beyond perfect. They are
just dreams for so many of these people. The privilege to access hot food,
clean water, live in a beautiful home and be surrounded by my family, have good
health and access to healthcare is everything and more we all take for granted.
The
people of Syria are resilient, after everything they have endured, their smiles
and their blessings follow me. They are hopeful that with all the projects that
are being carried out by GRT they will have their life back, as they once had,
just like you and I.
I would
be very grateful if you could donate generously so we can support our brothers,
sisters and our children. Let us be the breakthrough they need so they can live
again.
May the
Almighty allow us all to serve our life purpose be it through placing smiles on
faces or warming the hearts of those who have endured difficulty. Ameen.
Nayeema
