A couple of weeks ago, I took a trip to a small village where we are helping the residents get water taps in their homes. There are approximately 21 more homes that need them. We pay to get the initial tap installed, then the head of the household must be responsible for running the tap to the kitchen and bathroom.
Additionally, we are helping to get a roof on on innumerable houses that either don’t have one or they have a thatched roof of leaves and branches, or wood, that is little protection from the severe elements they have to brave. This is but one small village of many more that exist where the residents live in abject poverty.
We believe in Islam that any cause we contribute to in this life will continue to bless us in the grave until the day of resurrection and judgement. Giving access to water and the protection of a “roof over their heads” will live on long after I have passed from this earth.
So, I have taken this on as one of my projects while living here. Being of limited means, I have considered starting a gofundme or crowdrise page to assist with this effort. A water tap costs around $250 and a roof is around $1500. I need your feedback as to what direction I should take in getting people to contribute. See videos below. Give me your honest feedback.
This above video is of a house that was featured as one in dire need of water and a roof due to the father experiencing the loss of sight in one of his eyes.
There is a system for prioritizing.
The people who live here are mostly farmers, subsisting off of the land and selling what they can to survive. Some are government workers who keep common areas (such as roads) clean, but the salary is only equivalent to about $50 per month. They are some of the most loving and caring people – when some one gets married or dies, the whole community comes together to support the family in any way they can.
I will continue to do what I can. It would be great if others could help, even in some small way.
Zakiyah
WOW. I just caught up on your videos. Very humbling especially for me this day. Thank you dear Sister. Z