Offering a helping hand

FOR the past 15 years the Al Noor Charity Welfare Society has taken struggling families, those with special needs and orphans under its wings and provided them with help with the essential things in life.

The society has committees set up to handle the variety of cases brought to its attention to offer financial assistance, health care, education services, home visits and more.
Its president Shaikha Lamia bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, said: “There are many orphans, families and elderly people in the community that need our help and Ramadan is our busiest time of the year.

“In Islam, we believe that Ramadan is the best month to give – that’s not saying that you shouldn’t help others throughout the year – it’s because we feel for the needy when we fast.

“Before the start of the holy month, the society starts filling boxes with food to give away. The items include fare such as a bag of rice and sugar and other items traditionally used when breaking the fast and during family gatherings.

“We will also be serving food after sunset at a large tent set up in Riffa near a mosque for those who are alone at this time. Our tent last year attracted many expat labourers working in the area that were Muslim and wanted to break their fast in company.

“People have started donating boxes filled with food since last week. We are very pleased to be working alongside Bahrain City Centre to also provide clothing and spectacles – glasses can prove so expensive for some families.

“While Bahrainis are provided with free medication by the government, there are occasions when families need to purchase treatment not covered under the package. So, we take the prescription from them and deal with it. These are only a few of the things that we do to help.”

Another service carried out by the outreach team is to ensure the elderly are able to undergo routine medical check-ups. On occasions this means the society calls on doctors and nurses to make home visits and covers the cost.

Another worthy initiative involves volunteer children working under the Al Noor Charity Welfare Society visiting lonely elderly neighbours to keep them company, check up on their welfare and remind them they are not alone – an example of grass roots community care at its finest.

In terms of education services, the society offers scholarships, mentoring and guidance to young people.

Its cultural side offers to teach the young the true meaning of the Quran and there are also religious awareness workshops for adults.

Shaikha Lamia said: “Recently we have faced a lot of teens needing our help and guidance, particularly in choosing what to study to enhance their future careers and opportunities. We see where their strengths lie and then try to guide them towards careers that could not only benefit them, but the kingdom too.

“The charity also offers scholarships to universities such as Bahrain University and the Gulf Medical University. We also help some students studying outside of Bahrain that have difficulty covering the costs of their education.”

The charity is also helping more than 250 families who are struggling to survive without a male breadwinner. 

“We go to their homes and assess the situation,” explained Shaikha Lamia. “Perhaps the children need desks, computers or books. We provide what we can. Also during the summer we help provide air conditioning, fridges and maybe rebuild a kitchen or room in desperate need of repair.”

The society also offers monthly allowances to some families to help with the cost of living – BD25 per child under the age of 18 living at home.

During this interview widowed mother-of-five, Noora Ali Al Dossary, arrived at the association to receive an allowance, as well as a package of Ramadan goodies.

“I’m so thankful to the society for all its help during a difficult time,” she said.

Shaikha Lamia added that she hopes the charity’s funds will receive a massive boost from donations placed in Bahrain City Centre collection boxes throughout August and September.