Orphans and children's charity

How Islamic Relief is supporting orphans and children

For over 30 years, supporting orphans and children has been an integral part of Islamic Relief’s mission to alleviate poverty around the world. Thanks to your donations, our teams in over 26 countries are able to help save and transform the lives of millions of children impacted by war, bereavement, poverty, and ill-health.

In rural parts of Mali we’re helping children get into education, in Yemen we’re providing children affected by the conflict with child protection and psycho-social support activities, and in Bosnia our teams are building opportunities for children to into higher education – and these are just some of the incredible ways your donations are transforming lives.

Our orphans and children projects around the world

Around the globe, Islamic Relief aims to combat the main issues faced by children across the globe. We provide child-friendly safe spaces, provide essential healthcare, water and food aid, as well as a quality education.

We also empower communities, provide family livelihood support,  and develop long-term solutions to poverty and critical issues such as human trafficking (child labour) and child marriage.

In Gaza, poverty and trauma prevent some from going to school, whilst soaring youth employment leaves many young people unable to earn a reliable living. Islamic Relief is by their side, improving access to high-quality education and nurturing livelihoods. Islamic 

In Yemen, 12 million children are considered vulnerable, and malnutrition is rife- leading to severe health complications, and in some cases, death. Islamic Relief are working to help combat the issue. Working in communities and health facilities, we provide life-saving preventative care and treatment to children under five, as well as essential food aid. 

In Syria, Almost six million children have been born since the crisis in Syria began, according  to the United Nations (UN). They have been denied a happy, safe and secure childhood. Instead, fear, displacement and hardship have been their constant companions. Islamic Relief has been working to support children throughout the crisis with projects focused on psycho-social support and education. Our aim is to help ensure that children are protected and able to enjoy their childhood in safety.

In Bangladesh, we are working to  improve children’s access to education. Part of our work involves providing bicycles to girls. This makes it safer and easier for  girls living  in poor, rural areas, to get to school and encourages them to continue their education. The same project also provided 4,000 children with education materials including school bags, umbrellas and stationery.

This is just a snapshot of our life-changing development work for vulnerable children worldwide.

Importance of caring for orphans and children

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasised the status of orphans, and the importance of fulfilling their needs. 

Children are a gift from Allah, and a trust, or Amanah – to be cared for and nurtured in the best possible way.