Give alms, even a small amount, because indeed all of it is intended for the pleasure of Allah (s.w.t); although it may be small and meagre it becomes great and magnanimous by virtue of the righteousness and purity of intention.
(Imam Ali al Ridha (A.S) – Wasail us Shia, Vol 1)

The year 2005 has seen Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme (ZCSS) steadily move on.  Due to personal circumstances, the Chairman, Murtaza Datoo had to step aside.

ZCSS acknowledges his great contribution to the institution, especially so in advancing and energising the sponsorship scheme for Higher Education amongst the poor of our community. His leadership has greatly benefited the scheme in terms of gathering sponsor donors for the students as well as increasing the number of students who move on from primary to Higher Education. Murtaza has agreed to become a member of the Zainabiya Advisory Council that he had set up last year in order to uphold the ethos of ZCSS. On the same note, the ZCSS would like to welcome aboard its new Chairman, Mohamed Alibhai, who has a track record of service in the World Federation for seven years now.

ZCSS has continued its role in acquiring new projects to continue with its vision of making Shiaism synonymous with intellectuality. After the Tsunami in December 2004, ZCSS in affiliation with Anjuman-e-Hazarat-Hujjat (AS) has committed to sponsor 45 students in primary education and 15 students in higher education in and around the coastal area of Andhra Pradesh.

In Kampala, ZCSS has undertaken to work with Humanitarian Upliftment Trust and to sponsor 23 orphan students. A further 254 students in Madrasa-e-Panjatani Masoomeen, in Jalalpur which is based in Uttar Pradesh are being sponsored by the ZCSS scheme.

Uttar Pradesh has a very large Shia population living in extreme poverty.  It is hoped that this is the first step in helping to give them a chance in education.  The institution has also expanded its operations into the lands of Afghanistan, where ZCSS is sponsoring 150 orphan students at Bamyan and Herat through Emam Baqer Foundation.

It was under the previous chairman, Murtaza Datoo that the ZCSS ventured into the war-torn land of Iraq, home to most of the Imams of the Shia, and decided to sponsor 300 children for basic necessities such as clothing, food, shelter and education.

At a cost of £240 per child for one year, ZCSS is proud to report that by the Grace of Allah (s.w.t), the generosity of the mu'mineen around the globe has helped us raise the entire amount and make a difference in the lives of children who at first hand have experienced great atrocities. Alhamdulillah, the vast support that ZCSS has received from donors has been so over whelming, that Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme has pledged to provide support for a further 200 children of Sadr City.

To mention but a few numbers, ZCSS today sponsors over 14,000 students in Primary Education and 330 in Higher Education. 750 students have to-date, Alhamdulillah completed their Higher Education studies in over 20 fields of study.  Some of them are at the top of their profession.

With the help of generous donations, Alhamdulillah the Zainabiya School in Kareempur is due to be extended to provide facilities for secondary education. Furthermore, given the current situation in Pakistan after the colossal earthquake that has shaken the land from its roots, in line with the aid already made available by the World Federation, Zainabiya will play an active role in making sure that the educational needs of the children are catered for.

The year ahead poses many a challenge, and as we head into the final year of the current term.

It is vital that ZCSS with your generous donations is able to achieve more in terms of alleviating ignorance from our brethren around the world so that the quality of life for the Shias in deprived parts of the world is improved. The Holy Prophet Mohamed (s.a.w) once said,

Giving away in charity and alms increases the wealth of its owner. So give alms, may Allah have mercy on you. And humility elevates and enhances the stature of the one who adopts it, so be humble, may Allah elevate you. And to be forgiving increases the honour of the forgiver. So be forgiving, that Allah may bless you with honour.
(Al-Amali, Sheikh al-Mufid)

Zainabiya Schools

ZCSS School Education