While other families prepare to send their children back to school in a few weeks, Muslim Hands assisted in ensuring that two children in need were prepared to go back not feeling jilted.

Voice of the Cape last week received a call from Ahmat Agedien, a disabled father struggling financially; his daughter’s spectacles had recently broken, and it was too expensive to purchase a new set in time, while his son, attending a madressa was in need of Islamic attire.

But Muslim Hands stepped in to assist the family. Account Manager Imran Romani said often the organization never hears about such cases and cannot assist families until they are informed of their situation, such as the Agediens.

“What this family was in need of: school stationary, uniforms, spectacles; are things we specialize in. We felt honoured that we could come to their assistance. It makes us feel as if we are fulfilling our responsibility to our donors and sponsors out there have put us here to do,” Romani said.

Muslim Hands aided the family in sourcing school uniforms, stationary for both children and an eye test and spectacles for Agedien’s daughter.

Romani said the amount of people in need is a challenge for small NGOs like them, but nevertheless they pursue their cause without complaint.

“In places like Paarl, Worcester and other places in the Western Cape, it becomes difficult to aid families and individuals, but we do what we can when we receive a plea such as this.” VOC (Andriques Che Petersen)