About Us

The Founder’s Story

 

Strive In the Way of Allah Charity was Found in February 2011

 

SIWA Charity Founder: Khadijah Kamara

 

Khadijah Kamara was born in 1979 in Sierra Leone. Ever since the age of seven she developed a strong urge to serve humanity. In order to fulfil this ambition her initial plan was to become a doctor and provide free health care to the weak and sick however, due to unforeseen circumstances, it was not possible for her to achieve this. Although Khadijah was born into a Muslim family, she had no real idea about the values of Islam or its practices. Later on in her life she went through difficulties in her marriage which resulted in anxiety, depression and confusion. At this stage she began looking for answers by researching Islamic books, leaflets and channels. Eventually she became convinced that the only source of peace and satisfaction in life came through knowing the Creator. Since this realization occurred she became focused on self improving and establishing the practices of Islam within her household. Part of this process revealed to her that helping the less fortunate is not merely an option but an obligation upon human beings and so she decided to devote her life to charity. This mission included the advancing of both Islamic and Western education. 

 

Growing up in Africa, Khadijah had become well aware of the way cultural traditions had become intermingled with Islam. By educating children from an early age, she aims to uphold the original values and teachings of Islam and inspire social reform. Examples of this include: kind treatment to women, showing mercy to children, caring for the old, the disabled and the forgotten of society. Furthermore, she envisages a society where there is trust and responsibility between businesses, honesty and sincerity among politicians, and love & tenderness amongst married couples. She also aims for unity and tolerance between people of different faiths and backgrounds. This is her vision of what Islamic education can do.

 

The central ethos of S.I.W.A. is based on Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the right to education, food, clothing, housing, employment, shelter and a secure livelihood.

 

 

The fundamental values of SIWA :

- Empowering the voiceless

- Caring for orphans, widows, the disabled and children

- Respect for Human Rights

- Knowledge sharing and primary health care

 

 

S.I.W.A. is regulated by a formal constitution registered with the Sierra Leone social welfare right children and gender (Registered Charity Number 136).