Change the Life of an Orphan

Losing a parent means losing a teacher, a mentor, a friend.

But in addition to this immeasurable trauma, orphans suffer practical challenges too.
Many orphans are left with no one to rely on in poverty-stricken, war-torn countries.
They often have to drop out of school, leaving behind their friends—and the last
remnants of normal life—to work in their community’s lowest paying jobs to survive.
And without an education, they’re stuck in similar jobs in the future.

Along with the emotional trauma they suffer, they’re caught in a cycle of poverty.
Without help, they may never be able to break out of the cycle.

By sacrificing $1.50 to $2 a day, you can change the life of an orphan. You can be the
source of hope for a child who couldn’t see a way to a better future.

A donor just like you in Canada decided to make that change in a life of an orphan,
thousand miles away in Aceh, Indonesia. He sponsored 8-year-old Reza, who lost his
entire family to Indonesia’s historic tsunami when he was only 6 months old.

Before the tragedy struck, Reza’s mom was frequently sick, so his grandmother, Ratna,
would often take care of the baby on Saturdays. On the last Saturday in 2004, Reza’s
mom asked her mother to keep him overnight. She intended to pick him up the next day.

But that Sunday, Dec. 26, 2004, a tsunami swept over Aceh, killing hundreds of
thousands of people including Reza’s father, sister and brother. Soon after, Reza’s mother
died of her illness.

Reza and his grandmother were safe, and one night of babysitting became a lifetime of
care, as Ratna raised her daughter’s baby.

It’s not easy for Ratna to provide for her grandson. She earns a living washing clothes for
a neighbor.

When a generous donor sponsored Reza, the relief was huge.

“We are very grateful to the donor who is providing the educational support,” Ratna says.
She now has hope that Reza will have a successful future.

The donor is not only giving the priceless gift of funding his education, but also is
helping Reza just be a kid and enjoy his childhood. “The donor bought Reza a bike—the
nicest bike available,” Ratna said, smiling.

Just like other kids, Reza now can spend his free time doing what he loves, playing and
watching sports. “I’m good at it, and I score a lot of goals,” Reza said. He hopes to be a
policeman, serving his community.

Islamic Relief USA Communications Specialist Reem El-Khatib met Reza during a trip
to the field in Indonesia.

“He is such a kind and warm child, and that sincere loveliness radiates from his smile,”
she said.

His grandmother said he used to be very shy, but now he is becoming more confident.

Reza’s teacher said there is something about him that is just very special. “He is a quiet
boy, and he rarely speaks—but when he does speak, what he says carries weight,” she
said.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“One who provides for an orphan between Muslims from his food and drink until he is able to depend on himself (for his livelihood),Paradise shall be his reward.”
-Narrated by Abu Yola, Al Tabarani and Ahmed

Islamic Relief USA’s donors are sponsoring more than 11,000 children like Reza in more
than 20 countries, and providing additional help such as education at Khoog Khoor
orphanage in Afghanistan.

But there are so many more orphans who are still waiting for the basic care they need to
grow up strong and healthy—for a chance at a better future.

This Ramadan, we’re raising $1 million insha’Allah to help, and we invite you to join us.
Visit www.irusa.org/orphandrive and donate—or join our team fundraising community
and give your family and friends the opportunity to be part of the solution as well!

You and your friends can either sponsor a child for a year, or make a contribution to our
Orphan General Fund so your gift can go wherever it is needed most. Either way, your
help will insha’Allah make a lasting difference for a child who needs you.

Your donations and support can give orphans nutritious food, warm clothing, access to
education and medical care. Even more important than those necessities is the knowledge
it gives a child that someone cares.

One of our orphans, Eman in Palestine, explained to her sponsor this way in a letter
recently:

“Before you helped me, all my hopes were disappeared, but now with your help and support all my dream will come true, insha’Allah. … You are always in my mind; you are my only hope to achieve my dreams. I love you and thank you very much.”

Find all the details on how it works at www.irusa.org/orphandrive. Change a life of an
orphan like Reza and Eman, and multiply your deeds during this blessed month!

Please help us spread the word by telling your friends and family and update your
Facebook and Twitter status.

A few minutes of your time can make a lasting difference to an orphan! Sign up or donate
today!

By: Nabeelah Naeem