By Imaan Moosa
Edited by Yumna Bodiat
Imaan Laher speaks to us about her volunteer experience with Islamic Relief.
Hoping to fill her gap year with community work, a 19-year old volunteer joined Islamic Relief after witnessing their active and extensive fundraising projects.
Laher told To EmpowHER, "Volunteering has always been a passion of mine and just knowing the unimaginable reality of countless people in our country is enough to soften any heart and bring about a sense of urgency to help and give back to your community in any way that you can."
"Everyone at Islamic Relief has been extremely friendly and I immediately felt welcomed into their family. During the Coronavirus pandemic, everyone operated with utmost hygienic care and professionalism."
She tells us that since the pandemic, all volunteer efforts have primarily focused on the packing and distribution of hampers. Other planned fundraising events have been put on hold, and the Islamic Relief team has had to come up with innovative ways in which to raise funds through social media. These efforts include social distancing and various safety precautions to ensure helping with no risks.
Wearing a face mask and gloves at all times has been essential. Hand sanitisers as well as full body protective suits are provided when we are out distributing hampers. Social distancing, thorough hand washing, sanitising and disposing of masks and gloves correctly when I arrive home has been key in ensuring the safety of those around me as well.
Pictured: Some members of the Islamic Relief team. Photos: Provided
Laher was part of the Islamic Relief team which assisted in the distribution of hampers in various areas, including those of Ennerdale, Springs, Lawley and Soweto.
We asked what an average day looks like packing and distributing hampers.
On an average day, members and volunteers meet at Greenside Primary's school hall where food hampers are packed and distributed to those affected most by the pandemic. These food hampers consist of essential and lasting food supplies such as maize meal, oil, flour, tinned foods and also include hygiene items such as soap and toothpaste.
A day starts by offloading a truck filled with food products. These hampers are then packaged with the various food supplies and loaded back onto trucks for distribution to community centers. Families are individually contacted to pick up their hampers at different times in order to prevent crowding and ensure minimal contact.
While traveling was a slight challenge, all members had permits and traveled by no more than two people per car.
Many volunteers were understandably unwilling to come out to assist, forcing us to work harder and longer hours to get the work done. [We were also] dealing with people from the communities we were delivering to who were not always aware of social distancing and hygiene regulations.
Laher has also spent much time promoting Islamic Relief's work through social media. She currently has a crowdfunding page set up. People can easily donate specifically to the Islamic Relief Ramadan outreach program, which continues to assist those in need during the pandemic.
Islamic Relief packaging food hampers for distribution. Photos: Provided
"Islamic Relief has pledged $10 million worth of emergency assistance to more than 20 at-risk countries in a bid to stem the spread of the deadly Coronavirus, help those infected and support vulnerable communities that have been affected the most.
"They have projects right here in South Africa where you can donate R100 to provide a basic hygiene kit, R400 to provide a family of 4 with a food pack for a month, or R1500 to provide a vulnerable family with financial aid. You can also donate to their international appeals in Syria, Gaza and Yemen to help support those most in need during these trying times," she told To EmpowHER.
Despite the drop to Level 4, Laher plans to stay home unless it is completely necessary to travel, and will continue to practice social distancing and 20 seconds of handwashing.
More about Imaan Laher:
Currently, Imaan is taking a gap year, completing an Arabic course, volunteering and tutoring.
She has been volunteering for 5 years. She has been involved with organisations such as F.E.E.D where she helps pack Ramadan food parcels, the Teddy Bear Clinic for abused children where she sorts and distributes Christmas gifts for kids, and also works with KPMG's year-end Christmas party for underprivileged children where she was involved with entertainment activities.
This year Imaan planned to travel to Lebanon to visit the refugee camps in March, as well as other travel plans for her gap year that have all been put on hold. However, she tries not to stress too much about things that are out of her control and knows that despite the uncertainties the future holds she has many more blessings to be grateful for.
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