Category: Development

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Baitulmaal Opens School for Displaced Children in Gaza

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GAZA STRIP, PALESTINE February 6, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently completed the construction and opening of a temporary school that will provide education and psychosocial support to 1,344 displaced children in the besieged Gaza Strip.

According to Ahmed Sherif, senior manager of international programs at Baitulmaal, the school, named “The Hope School,” will provide students with education in English, Arabic, mathematics and other core subjects taught by qualified teachers, in addition to counseling and social support.

“This project stands as an inspiring initiative that provides displaced students with a vital lifeline during challenging times,” Sherif said. “By establishing temporary schools and offering essential education and psychosocial support, the project empowers these students to persevere in their educational journey and navigate the emotional trauma of displacement.”

The project will address the disruption of education in Gaza and features the following benefits: 

  • Educational Continuity: Prevents students from losing an entire academic year, ensuring they can continue their education without significant disruptions.
  • Knowledge Acquisition: Enables students to gain new knowledge and skills, which can be crucial for their future development and opportunities.
  • Emotional Well-being: Provides psychosocial support to help students cope with the stress and trauma associated with displacement.
  • Sense of Normality: Offers a sense of normalcy and routine, which can be particularly important for children and adolescents.
  • Hope for the Future: Gives students hope for the future by providing them with opportunities to learn and grow, despite their challenging circumstances.

Baitulmaal constructed the temporary school and furnished the classrooms, and UNICEF will operate the school.

According to the UN, the majority of Gaza’s schools have been bombed or turned into shelters for displaced people, leaving Gaza’s estimated 625,000 school-aged children unable to attend classes. All 12 of Gaza’s higher education institutions have been destroyed or damaged. Over 39,000 students were unable to graduate in 2023, and more than 45,000 first graders were unable to start their education as of September 2024, according to UNICEF. Prior to the recent escalation in violence in the region, Palestine had consistently high literacy rates, placing it among the highest globally, according the the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. The absence of schooling has impacted the social, cognitive, and emotional development of children in the region.

Baitulmaal has been working in Palestine for more than a decade providing food, clothing, education support, seasonal giving, emergency aid and healthcare in Palestine, in addition to operating 400 water tanks in Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, Baitulmaal has been on the ground in Gaza providing food, shelter kits, hygiene supplies, clean water, psychosocial support, temporary housing, medical aid, Ramadan meals, Udhiyah programs, and other emergency aid. 

Baitulmaal continues to provide aid during the current crisis. If you would like to learn more about or contribute to Baitulmaal’s efforts in Palestine, please visit their website at johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

 

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Baitulmaal Special Project: The Hope School in Gaza

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Baitulmaal Helps 326 University Students Graduate in Palestine

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GAZA, PALESTINE September 1, 2023 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently helped 326 Palestinian university students graduate from 18 post-secondary institutions in Gaza and the West Bank.

A ceremony was held last month at the Al-Azhar University in Gaza to honor recipients of the Baitulmaal-sponsored scholarships. These scholarships are part of Baitulmaal’s commitment to supporting education in Palestine through its partner Reach Education Fund, a U.S.-based educational nonprofit organization that assists students in Palestine.

Mazen Mokhtar, executive director at Baitulmaal, attended the ceremony virtually to congratulate the graduates.

“On behalf of Baitulmaal and its generous donors, I am very honored and blessed to share in the joy of your success and achievements today,” Mokhtar said. “Through your effort, patience, and perseverance, you have been able to accomplish what many cannot. But graduation is not the end, it is the beginning of a brighter future for you and your communities.”

Palestinian students routinely face difficulties in their pursuit of education, with poverty, violence and other roadblocks posing challenges to their success. Charities like Baitulmaal are instrumental in helping students bring hope and prosperity to their families and communities through higher education.

Baitulmaal has previously partnered with Reach Education Fund to complete two diploma release projects that assisted 466 students and provided scholarships to 25 students in Palestine. Beneficiaries attended institutions such as Al-Aqsa University, Al-Azhar University – Gaza, Al-Quds Open University, Palestine Technical College, and University College of Applied Sciences.

In addition to supporting higher education and back-to-school efforts in Palestine, Baitulmaal provides food assistance, clothing, seasonal giving, emergency aid and healthcare in Palestine. The charity also operates 400 water tanks in Gaza  and sponsors Palestinian orphans in Lebanon and Jordan. If you would like to learn more about or contribute to Baitulmaal’s efforts, please visit their website at johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices and representatives in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

 

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Watch Highlights of the Graduation Celebration Below

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Baitulmaal Commits $250,000 for Higher Education in Palestine

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DALLAS, TEXAS May 15, 2023 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently pledged $250,000 in scholarships and graduation assistance to college students studying at various universities in Palestine to support a brighter future for Palestinians.

As part of its commitment to supporting education in Palestine, Baitulmaal has pledged $150,000 to assist in debt repayment of college fees to release diplomas for an estimated 300 students. Another $100,000 has been pledged in tuition scholarships that will benefit approximately 50 students. Baitulmaal will fulfill these commitments through its partner REACH Education Fund, a U.S.-based educational nonprofit organization that assists students in Palestine.

According to Elizabeth Sohail, program development manager at Baitulmaal, students will be selected based on merit and need.

“There is no shortage of talented Palestinian students with potential to succeed,” Sohail said. “Many of them would not be able to go to college or graduate without the assistance of our generous donors.”

Today marks the 75th anniversary of the Nakba, when more than 750,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes. Palestinian students routinely face difficulties in their pursuit of education, with poverty, violence and other roadblocks posing challenges to their success. Charities like Baitulmaal are instrumental in helping students bring hope and prosperity to their families and communities through higher education.

Baitulmaal has been historically proactive in supporting educational projects for Palestinian students. In addition to annual back-to-school efforts that benefit elementary-aged students in Palestine, Baitulmaal has also partnered with REACH Education Fund to complete two diploma release projects that assisted 466 students and provided scholarships to 25 students in Palestine. Beneficiaries attended institutions such as Al-Aqsa University, Al-Azhar University – Gaza, Al-Quds Open University, Palestine Technical College, and University College of Applied Sciences.

Baitulmaal was also selected to administer the Shirien Abu-Akleh Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Islamic Scholarship Fund. Recipients include students studying journalism in the footsteps of its namesake Shirien Abu-Akleh, a renowned Palestinian journalist who was slain while reporting on the job in Palestine this month last year.

In addition to supporting education in Palestine, Baitulmaal provides food assistance, clothing, seasonal giving, emergency aid and healthcare in Palestine. The charity also operates 400 water tanks in Gaza . If you would like to learn more about or contribute to Baitulmaal’s efforts in Palestine, please visit their website at johnjanney.org/.

Donors interested in supporting the Palestine Higher Education Fund can donate here.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

 

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300 Uyghur Refugee Children Return to School with Hope

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ISTANBUL, TURKEY November 3, 2022 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed school supplies to 300 Uyghur refugee children living in Istanbul, Turkey.

Items such as school uniforms, shoes, backpacks, and stationary were customized and provided to 115 girls and 185 boys. The children attend various primary and middle schools in Istanbul after relocating to Turkey as refugees from their native Xinjiang in the north-west of China.

According to Elizabeth Sohail, program manager at Baitulmaal, many of these children were separated from their families, leaving behind one or both parents, siblings, grandparents and extended family. 

“There are many children who are facing the unknown,” Sohail said. “Being able to provide school supplies helps provide a measure of comfort and hope in an otherwise difficult situation.”

A recent report by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) raised concerns over “serious human rights violations” against the Uyghur and other ethnic, primarily Muslim communities in China. Reports of mosques being destroyed, forced sterilization, and the detention of an estimated 1 million Uyghurs in Chinese internment camps led the U.S. to declare the situation a genocide last year. An estimated 50,000 Uyghurs fled persecution in their native homeland and sought refuge in Turkey.

Baitulmaal recently provided seasonal food assistance to Uyghur families living in Turkey and will be distributing winter relief kits to Uyghur families in need. To learn more about or contribute to these projects, please visit johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices and representatives in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

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300 Displaced Syrian Children Return to School with Smiles

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IDLIB, SYRIA October 18, 2022 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed school supplies to 300 displaced Syrian children living in the northern countryside of Idlib.

The students range in age from six to nine years old and will attend two schools in the Ma’arat Masrin sub-district. They were fitted for uniforms and received shoes, stationary, backpacks and other school supplies prior to the start of the 2022 / 2023 school year.

According to Elizabeth Sohail, program manager at Baitulmaal, many Syrian children miss out on education due to lack of adequate funds, facilities or supplies.

“These children have grown up in the shadow of war and suffering,” Sohail said. “Thanks to our generous donors, we are able to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in school.”

“But it’s so much more than books,” Sohail continued. “Education also gives them hope.”

The Syrian crisis has left more than 6 million internally displaced and another 6 million as refugees. Around 13.4 million people living within Syria – including those who are internally displaced – are in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Millions of children have been out of school due to poverty, displacement and destruction. Approximately 40 percent of schools have been damaged or destroyed during the course of the conflict.

Baitulmaal has been on the ground in Syria delivering food, digging wells, supporting orphans, restoring schools and preparing students for winter. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the charity has offices and representatives in: Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; Nairobi, Kenya; Mogadishu, Somalia; Amman and Al Ramtha, Jordan; and Karachi, Pakistan.

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Baitulmaal Opens New School for 150 Children in Somalia

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MOGADISHU, SOMALIA September 12, 2022 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, is proud to announce the completion of a new school in Hobyo, Somalia that serves 150 students and their families.

The new building houses 5 classrooms, 3 restrooms, 1 kitchen, and an office. Children ages 5-15 are enrolled in the school, with orphaned children receiving priority enrollment. According to Baitulmaal program manager Elizabeth Sohail, the school will provide a safe learning environment for the students of Hobyo by day, and will also educate adults by night.

“It is an honor to be part of this project,” said Baitulmaal Executive Director Mazen Mokhtar. “The construction of this new school is a major step forward in restoring hope in Hobyo, and a testament to our commitment to ensuring that struggling communities have the opportunity to thrive.”

Hobyo was once a busy and major port city in Somalia that had deteriorated after the collapse of the central government in 1991. Since then, a myriad of crises including floods, droughts and civil unrest have impacted communities and stalled efforts to rebuild infrastructure.

Baitulmaal has been on the ground in Somalia providing humanitarian aid to those in need. In addition to building schools, Baitulmaal has mobilized drought relief efforts, provided food assistance, enabled healthcare access and promoted back to school efforts. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

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School Restored in Syria, More Than 500 Students Return

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TELL ABYAD, SYRIA August 15, 2022 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently completed the restoration of the Khirbet Al-Riz school in Tell Abyad, Syria that benefits 550 Syrian refugee children.

The school, which consists of two buildings, one for preparatory and another for primary education, was damaged in the course of the more than decade-long Syrian civil war. The reconstruction began in November 2021 and the school reopened earlier this month.

According to Elizabeth Sohail, program manager at Baitulmaal, the school required new roofing, windows, doors, and bathroom facilities among other repairs. It was also outfitted with a new well that serves the neighboring community. Approximately 13,895 people benefit from the restoration.

“Whether it’s accessing safe, clean water or the opportunity that education brings, this school restoration has brought so much hope to this community,” Sohail said. “War destroys, but compassion rebuilds. There’s always hope where there’s compassion.”

The Syrian crisis has left more than 6 million internally displaced and another 6 million as refugees. Around 13.4 million people living within Syria – including those who are internally displaced – are in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Millions of children have been out of school due to poverty, displacement and destruction. It is estimated that 7,000 schools have been damaged or destroyed during the course of the war.

Baitulmaal has been on the ground in Syria delivering food, digging wells, restoring schools, supporting orphans, helping students and distributing seasonal aid. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices and representatives in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

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Afghan Families Provided Economic Opportunities Amid Instability

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KABUL, AFGHANISTAN, Feb 4, 2022 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently provided merchant carts to 75 internally displaced families in Afghanistan to promote economic opportunities in the poverty-stricken region.

Families in the Kunduz province were provided carts and merchandise to help generate income after struggling with employment due to instability in Afghanistan. The charity prioritized vulnerable families with disabled members, young girls and pregnant women in order to help alleviate their difficulties and enable children to go to school.

According to Elizabeth Sohail, program manager at Baitulmaal, the carts help improve the economic situation for more than 600 individuals. 

“These mobile carts are enabling Afghans to rebuild their lives,” Sohail said. “We know of a few cases where the income earned through these carts have allowed families to open stores and improve economic activity in their neighborhoods.”

Economic empowerment projects are vital to stabilizing communities and improving security in the region, Sohail continued. They also enable children to remain in school rather than work to support their families.

Baitulmaal helped repatriate 350 families from Kabul to their hometowns after upheaval gripped Afghanistan in late August. More than 270,000 Afghans fled their homes since the beginning of the year, according to the UN. In total, over 4 million Afghans are displaced. A recent UN report estimates that 98 percent of the Afghan population will be living in poverty by the middle of 2022, up from a current poverty rate of 72 percent.

Baitulmaal has been working with the Afghan-American-founded Education and Occupation Committee (EOC) to address the immediate needs of Afghan families as well as implement long-term projects such as the merchant carts. If you would like to learn more about or contribute to Baitulmaal’s efforts in Afghanistan, please visit their website at johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian nonprofit that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the charity has offices and representatives in: Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; Nairobi, Kenya; Mogadishu, Somalia; Amman and Al Ramtha, Jordan; and Karachi, Pakistan.

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31,000 Syrians Gain Access to Water, Bathrooms

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TELL ABYAD, SYRIA, January 21, 2022 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently completed the construction of wells and renovation of school bathrooms in five camps in Tell Abyad, Syria that benefit 31,259 people, including 4,200 children.

The schools are located in five areas in northern Syria that are home to approximately 160,000 displaced Syrians. They are:

  • Al Saoura School, which serves 550 students
  • Al Maksoura School, which serves 700 students
  • Kormaza School, which serves 950 students
  • Jahjah School, which serves 1200 students
  • Al Gurun School, which serves 800 students

According to Elizabeth Sohail, program manager at Baitulmaal, many of these schools were inoperable due to the lack of water and sanitation.

“Renovating the school facilities enables children to return to a healthy environment conducive to learning,” Sohail said. “The wells are also accessible to area residents who have been struggling with water shortages. These two improvements combine to improve the lives of displaced Syrians in Tell Abyad.”

Construction was slightly delayed due to snowfall in the region, which has impacted many of the nearly 6.7 million Syrians that are internally displaced. According to the UN, 90 percent live in poverty, and more than 70 percent are without regular access to safe drinking water. Approximately 7,000 schools have been damaged or destroyed, leaving over 2 million children out of school.

Baitulmaal has been on the ground in Syria mobilizing aid after destructive storms, delivering food, digging wells, supporting orphans, helping students and bringing joy through the distribution of zakat, clothing and gifts. If you would like to learn more about or contribute to Baitulmaal’s efforts in Syria, please visit their website at johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian nonprofit that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the charity has offices and representatives in: Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; Nairobi, Kenya; Mogadishu, Somalia; Amman and Al Ramtha, Jordan; and Karachi, Pakistan.

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Donors Dedicate New Masjid, Wells in Memory of Loved Ones

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KARACHI, PAKISTAN, May 10, 2021 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian relief agency, recently completed the construction of three masajid and wells for impoverished communities in the Sujawal district of Pakistan, which are the inaugural projects of its new Build a Masjid program.

Due to donor demand, Baitulmaal started the new Build a Masjid program to provide communal spaces for impoverished communities that lack a place to gather for worship, discussions, and other socialization. The projects are usually paired with a new water well to provide the community with a safe, clean source of fresh water. 

The first three projects were initiated and funded by donors as a sadaqa jaariyah, or continuous charity, in loving memory of family members who have recently passed. 

Younis Khan, former captain of the Pakistan national cricket team and their current batting coach, helped raise funds for infrastructure development in Pakistan with a portion of these funds dedicated to Build a Masjid projects. A new community center and water source, the first resulting from this effort, are serving a population of 309 people in Sawan Tharani village who did not have access to clean drinking water or communal space in their remote area of Pakistan. In appreciation of Younis Khan’s efforts, the project was dedicated in honor of his mother, Khursheed Begum, who passed in 2019. 

The Riaz family lost their brother, Shaykh Azam Riaz, imam of Jesus, Son of Mary Mosque in New York, and father Dr. Mohammad Riaz within days of each other after long battles with COVID-19 last year. They raised funds through a crowdfunding campaign to build a masjid and well in each of their names. The masjid and well in Khameeso Mallah village, which was built in memory of their brother, serves a population of 238 people. The masjid and well in Meer Jat village, which was built in memory of their father, serves a population of 205 people.

As a faith-based humanitarian charity that provides aid to people in need regardless of faith or nationality, Baitulmaal coordinates masjid construction projects at the request of donors who fully fund them, but donors can also contribute to the Build a Masjid fund to support initiated projects. Baitulmaal does not use general funds for its Build a Masjid program. 

Those interested in contributing to or fully funding a Build a Masjid project can visit johnjanney.org/build-a-masjid to learn more.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the charity has offices in: Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; Nairobi, Kenya; Mogadishu, Somalia; Amman and Al Ramtha, Jordan; and Karachi, Pakistan.

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Khameeso Mallah Village Center

In Memory of Shiekh Azam Riaz

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Meer Jat Village Center

In Memory of Dr. Mohammad Riaz

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Sawan Tharani Village Center

In Memory of Khursheed Begum

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