Ramadan Fitrah Distribution
The Covid19 pandemic has caused unprecedented attention on the plight of poverty-stricken communities in South Africa and across the globe. Muslim Hands formulated an emergency response project with a focus on providing scarce resources i.e. food hampers to the needy (old age homes, orphanages, children safe homes, the homeless and vulnerable persons) as-well-as personal protective equipment (PPE) to the local medical fraternity.
The project entitled Covid19 Emergency Response consists of a four-phase implementation plan.
This brief report offers an overview of the implementation of Phase 4, culminating in the distribution of Fitra Hampers to Masjids, NGOs, NPOs and community soup kitchens across Cape Town and surrounding areas.
Food Distribution:
For the distribution of the Fitrah Hampers, Muslim Hands arranged for a total of 600 packages. The hampers were handed to 21 organizational and community leaders, who in turn were tasked with distributing the parcels to their constituents and those in need in their communities. The following organizations received hamper Madrasatoen Naasiereen, Mitchell’s Plein; Eagle Park Masjid, Eagle Park; Al Jaamia Uthmaania and Madrasatu Ibadirahmaan, Bonteheiwel; Darul Furqaan Islamic, Belville; Netreg Masjid, Netreg; Muslim Youth and Welfare Society, Malmesbury; Langa Madrassah, Langa; Madrassatul Assalaam, Khayelitsha; Hanover Park Community Project, Hanover Park; The Inala Foundation, Mowbray; Nurus Salaam Masjid, Belgravia; Western Cape Muslim Burial Service, Delf; Pelican Park Masjid (Cafda), Pelican Park; Jamat Raza e Mustafa, Elsies River; Masjidul Fath Ottery Islamic Society, Ottery; Mothers for Justice, Vanguard Estate; Darun Naim Orphanage, Wynberg; UICT, Surrey Estate; Masjidtul Rawbi, Portlands; Tuang Guru Education Trust, Bo-Kaap.
The beneficiary organzations confirm that they serve households with occupants of up to 8 per family. Each organization distributes the hampers to approximately 20 to 50 families.
Madrasatoen Naasiereen, “We are serving 100 families, the hampers make a big difference, and we say shukran to all of you.”
Muslim Youth Islam Society, “Our work is organized by one family and it’s been a hectic run. We are young and people think we are children doing nothing, but it is not like that. Most of the youth in my area are doing this kind of work”.
Darul Naim Orphanage, “Shukran for showing such humanity, for reaching out to the less fortunate”.
Al Jaamia Uthmaania, “We team up with you and other organizations so that we avoid duplication and make sure these hampers reach as many people as possible’
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Phase 4 of the Covid19 Emergency Response plan ran smoothly. During the month of Ramadan, 1800 food parcels were distributed, reaching over 5000 families. Our work at grassroots levels during the national lockdown confirms a worrying trend, i.e. that more and more elderly people, especially women, are now visibly on the streets, at mosques etc, in search of sustenance. Muslim Hands continues to motivate that more effort is required to continue to assist and support those in need.
