The Zahra Trust provides comprehensive support to orphaned and underprivileged children in Afghanistan, including free education, daily nutrition, school supplies, and emotional care. Through partnerships with local schools like Allameh Mohammad Baqer Majlesi School, we ensure that vulnerable children – especially girls – receive equal opportunities to learn and thrive.
In Afghanistan, poverty, conflict, and social inequality weighs heavily on the shoulders of young children in desperate need of support.
But through your generosity, four young girls – Malika, Zahra, Gulsom, and Asma – are stepping into a brighter, more dignified future.
These are their stories.
Malika: A New Chapter in a Broken Home
Malika, a 9-year-old girl from Shahrak Surkh Abad, lived in the shadow of her father’s drug addiction and her family’s deep poverty. With no stable shelter, no consistent meals, and no hope for education, her future seemed bleak and hopeless.
But everything changed when she was welcomed into Allameh Mohammad Baqir Majlesi School, supported by The Zahra Trust.
With daily snacks, fee waivers, and a nurturing learning environment, Malika found more than just education – she found joy, purpose, and resilience.
Her mother, once heartbroken at being unable to send her daughter to school, now watches Malika return home each day with laughter and ambition.
She now has a future, based on hope and care.
Zahra: From the Depths of Grief to the Heights of Achievement
Zahra, now 10, lost her father in a tragic coal mine collapse. Orphaned and living in one of Kabul’s poorest townships, Zahra was at risk of being forgotten and neglected.
But The Zahra Trust, through its orphan-focused programs, intervened. She was brought into the Allameh School and quickly emerged as one of its top students.
Despite her deep poverty, Zahra’s heart is full of light. Her academic excellence is a testament to what’s possible when compassion meets opportunity.
Zahra now has a future where there is hope outside of poverty and despair.
Gulsom: Growing Through Faith and Family
Seven-year-old Gulsom joined the school after her family attended one of its cultural events. The bond between her teachers and family has since flourished, fueling her educational and emotional development.
With every lesson in math and every verse of Quran she learns, Gulsom grows stronger and happier – both spiritually and intellectually.
Her story reminds us that education rooted in Islamic values empowers children to overcome poverty with pride, dignity, and faith.
Asma: A Wheelbarrow Puller’s Daughter with Sky-High Dreams
Asma’s father pulls a handcart through the streets of Kabul to earn a meager living. When school officials first approached him, he hesitated, worried he couldn’t afford his daughter’s education.
But thanks to The Zahra Trust, Asma was enrolled with full support.
Now in second grade, Asma is thriving – not just academically but socially. She sings in the school choir, reads essays aloud, and participates in cultural programs with joy and confidence.
Her education has become a source of pride for her entire family, and her future is now full of hope.
A Ripple Effect Across Families and Communities
These aren’t just isolated success stories.
In each of these cases, the support extended by The Zahra Trust didn’t just change one life – it uplifted entire families and communities.
Parents, once defeated by poverty, now speak with pride about their children’s futures. Teachers witness the transformation of students into leaders. And local neighbourhoods begin to believe in change.
Through your zakat, sadaqah, and ongoing support, The Zahra Trust ensures that this divine gift reaches those most in need.
These children – Malika, Zahra, Gulsom, and Asma – are not just statistics. They are future teachers, leaders, and voices of their communities.
By supporting The Zahra Trust, you become part of a sacred mission to uplift the oppressed, honour the legacy of Lady Fatima (sa), and invest in a better world – one child at a time.
Learn more about our work with children and education here!
FAQ
You can sponsor an orphan by visiting our Orphan Sponsorship page. Your monthly donation helps cover the child’s school fees, supplies, meals, and healthcare – providing a brighter, safer future for children in need.
In Islam, and especially in the teachings of the Ahlulbayt (as), seeking knowledge is a sacred duty for both men and women. Supporting girls’ education reflects the legacy of Lady Fatima Al-Zahra (sa), who was both a symbol of purity and a source of wisdom. Educated girls uplift families, strengthen communities, and preserve faith.
Yes. The Zahra Trust ensures that your Zakat is distributed according to Shariah guidelines, directly benefiting the most deserving, including orphans, widows, and the poor in regions like Afghanistan.
As a Shia-led organization, The Zahra Trust centers its work around Islamic values, transparency, and a commitment to serving the most vulnerable – especially in Shia-majority or underserved areas. Our on-the-ground teams ensure aid reaches those who need it most, with dignity and accountability.
