Alhamdulillah, 2024 has been an extraordinary year for Ashraful Aid, marked by growth, impact, and significant milestones. We are pleased to share some of our key achievements from this remarkable year.
Education & Back-to-School Campaign
This year, our Back-to-School campaign supported 7,000 children across 80 schools in South Africa. Through this initiative, we aimed to ensure that students had access to essential learning materials, fostering a positive learning environment for children from underserved communities.
Ramadan Campaigns
During the blessed month of Ramadan, we successfully provided over 80,000 Iftaar meals globally. This initiative brought relief and nourishment to vulnerable communities worldwide, ensuring they could break their fast with dignity and care.
In addition, Ashraful Aid extended support to 3,000 offenders by providing them with Iftaar meals, offering spiritual support and dignity to those in correctional facilities during the holy month.
Expansion of Global Presence
Ashraful Aid has expanded its footprint across the globe, establishing new offices in Malawi, Tanzania, Ghana, Australia, New Zealand, and Kenya. These new offices enable us to strengthen our humanitarian efforts and increase our capacity to provide timely support to those in need.
Major Events & Global Engagement
1. Mandela Day 2024: We hosted one of South Africa’s largest volunteer events at the iconic Wanderers Stadium, bringing together a diverse community of changemakers united by the spirit of service.
2. International Humanitarian Summit: Cape Town was home to the first-ever International Humanitarian Summit hosted by Ashraful Aid. This landmark event drew delegates from over 60 organizations around the world, featuring industry leaders, visionaries, and pioneers in the humanitarian sector.
Support for Palestine
Our work in Palestine this year was both extensive and impactful. We delivered truckloads of essential aid, including food, water, and medical supplies, to those affected by the ongoing crisis. Key projects included:
- Opening a new school to provide education for vulnerable children.
- Establishing a prayer facility to offer spiritual support to the community.
- Providing water and meal services to approximately 50,000 people impacted by the war.
Regional Disaster Relief Efforts
In addition to our work in Palestine, we provided critical support in regions affected by natural disasters and conflict. This year, Ashraful Aid extended relief to vulnerable communities in the following countries:
• Bosnia
• Lebanon
• Yemen
• Burundi
• Zimbabwe
• Mozambique
• Malawi
Our disaster relief initiatives included the distribution of food, medical aid, water, and essential supplies to thousands of families affected by war, floods, and other emergencies.
Ubuntu Ukhuwah Interest-Free Microfinance
One of our most transformative initiatives in 2024 has been the Ubuntu Ukhuwah interest-free microfinance program. This program empowers small business owners by providing them with access to interest-free loans to grow their businesses and achieve financial independence. This year, the initiative made a significant impact by empowering 46 business owners. By fostering entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency, Ubuntu Ukhuwah is playing a crucial role in sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
Women’s Shelter & Mobile Clinic
Recognizing the importance of empowering women and providing accessible healthcare, Ashraful Aid launched two key initiatives:
- Women’s Shelter: A safe haven for women in need of shelter and support.
- Mobile Clinic:Â A fully equipped mobile healthcare unit providing free primary healthcare services to underprivileged communities. This initiative has improved healthcare access for thousands of people who previously faced barriers to medical care.
Innovative Operations & Digital Transformation
Ashraful Aid continues to lead the way in operational excellence, leveraging digitized models of operation to streamline our global activities. Our use of advanced technology allows us to operate with efficiency and transparency, ensuring that every donation makes a tangible impact.
Partnerships & Collaborations
Our commitment to collaboration has seen us partner with influential organizations to enhance our reach and impact. Key partnerships this year included:
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)
These partnerships have provided Ashraful Aid with the platform to amplify its humanitarian impact and access crucial resources for vulnerable communities worldwide.
Skills Development & Training Centres
Investing in long-term development, we have established skills centres that offer training in:
• Culinary Skills
• Sewing and Garment Making
• Computer Skills and Digital Literacy
These programs aim to equip individuals with practical, employable skills that enhance self-sufficiency and provide opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. The success of these initiatives has been phenomenal, with many beneficiaries now on the path to financial independence.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the continued support of our donors, volunteers, and partners. Their unwavering commitment has enabled Ashraful Aid to reach new heights in service delivery and humanitarian support. With each milestone achieved, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide hope, dignity, and relief to those who need it most.
Together, we continue to build a better, more compassionate world.
