Together For Change: As-Salaam Foundation & Saalik Youth Initiative
As-Salaam Foundation are continuing their partnership with the Saalik Youth Initiative in Sheffield. This partnership is underpinned by a shared vision of empowering the underprivileged and fostering community solidarity. In 2025, we are set to launch a series of projects to support the Foundation’s core projects, from education to health and wellbeing.
View 2024 ReportWe are a Grass Roots Youth Project driven by a vibrant community of young minds with a passion to create positive change in disadvantaged areas of Sheffield through sports activities, youth club, workshops, education and trips. Led by Imran Ali, we comprise of around 250 dedicated individuals eager to make a difference, our project is a hub of creativity, collaboration, and compassion. We’re united by our shared goal to initiate impactful projects that address pressing issues, uplift communities, and foster a spirit of empowerment. Through innovative ideas, collective enthusiasm, and a commitment to service, we aim to cultivate a space where each member’s voice is heard and valued anywhere from the ages of 6 upwards to 25.
As we embark on the new year, we are filled with aspirations and a commitment to make a meaningful impact. Saalik Youth Project is eager to dedicate our time and energy towards As-Salaam Foundation in 2025. We recognise the power we hold collectively to effect positive change on a larger scale, and we aim to channel this energy into volunteer efforts that align with our values of compassion and community service.
By lending our hands and hearts to this cause, we aim to contribute to their impactful initiatives and make a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve.
Join us on this journey of discovery, learning, and meaningful contribution as we strive to make a lasting impact together! 🙌
Our Aim
Through 2025 we endeavor to raise over £30,000 and support four core projects that are close to our hearts.
Our Objectives
Our core values give us a framework for our operational decisions. The following core values and beliefs define what’s important to us at As-Salaam Humanitarian Foundation.
To support the advancement of young people and the community facing disadvantage, with a focus on ages 6-25 and those from ethnically diverse backgrounds and origins. To advance their interest, confidence, self-esteem and aspirations enabling them to realise their potential by promoting and providing various cultural, educational, social and recreational activities.
To campaign for equitable access including services and facilities use for young people and the population of Pitsmoor, Burngreave, Fir Vale and its environs including managing any premises as may be acquired for the purposes of the organisation and its participants.
To inform, support, advise, develop courses, provide lectures, classes, meetings, conferences, and help on matters of interest and needs to young people, parents and the wider community including issues such as health and wellbeing, mental health, parenting, employability, personal development, fitness, poverty, crime and violence and dealing with conflict.
To develop and nurture long term relationships with young people and the local community, to enhance community cohesion and interaction, including one to one mentoring support.
To co-design and develop activities via consultation with young people to inform, educate, safeguard and enhance ability to make informed choices.
To provide opportunities, training and pathways to/for volunteers and community participants.
What is Our #1For1 Appeal?
Whilst many of us eat to our fill, for many across the world poverty casts a shadow over the joyous spirit of Ramadan, especially during iftar. For many families facing financial hardships, iftar becomes a poignant reminder of scarcity. The inability to afford nutritious meals compounds the challenges of observing this sacred month.
In the midst of such adversity, As-Salaam Foundation endeavour to bridge this gap, offering iftar meals to those in need. These meals not only provide sustenance but also foster a sense of solidarity and compassion, reminding everyone of the fundamental principle of generosity integral to Ramadan.
How You Can Help
Ramadan is divided into three parts: 10 days each for seeking mercy, forgiveness and freedom from the Fire. Providing iftar is the perfect action for the entire month, because it erases our sins and protects us from the Fire, by the mercy of Allah.
(O people!) Save yourselves from the Fire even if it is with half a date, and if you cannot find that, then (save yourselves by saying) a good word.
For every £1 you donate, we will feed a fasting person in one of the above countries.
Whoever feeds a person breaking his fast will earn the same reward as him, without anything being lessened from the reward of the fasting person.
Uganda’s Orphan Crisis
Uganda faces a significant orphan crisis, primarily driven by the AIDS epidemic, poverty, and armed conflicts. As of recent estimates, the country is home to over two million orphans, a staggering number for a population of around 45 million. The AIDS epidemic has left many children without parents, while ongoing conflicts, particularly in the northern regions, have further exacerbated the situation.
These orphans often face immense challenges, including inadequate access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities. Many end up in overcrowded orphanages or on the streets, vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Despite the efforts of various NGOs and government programs, the scale of the problem demands a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to support these children and ensure their well-being and future prospects.
As-Salaam Orphanage, Kitantalo
in August 2024 we embarked on the journey of constructing a purpose-built orphanage that will serve as a safe haven for 200 vulnerable orphans in the community. The project is underway, but we need your help to bring it to completion.
Kitantalo is home to many orphaned children, most of whom have lost their parents due to disease, poverty, and other hardships. Without a stable home, education, or basic needs, their futures are uncertain.
Our vision is to provide these children with more than just shelter—we aim to offer them a loving, nurturing environment, access to education, and the tools they need to build a brighter future.
Through its commitment to the well-being and development of its wards, this orphanage will play a vital role in offering hope and stability to children who have lost their parents, giving them a chance for a brighter future.
How You Can Help
Sponsor an orphan for only £25 per month.
With your support, we can ensure that these 200 children will have a safe home, an education, and hope for a better future. Let’s build a foundation of love, care, and opportunity for the orphans of Kitantalo.
The Masjid Situation in Uganda
A Masjid in Uganda can be built for just £5,000, providing room for around 100 worshippers, a place for congregational prayer, and a means of educating children and future generations about the words, wisdom, and guidance of the Qu’ran. A new Masjid is a gift for them, their community, and for the glory of Allah (SWT). They will provide a place for its worshippers to pray and contemplate as well as a place for educational programmes and other everyday services. Masjids are a symbol of hope and the heart of any community.
How You Can Help
A one-off donation, or better, a Sadaqah Jariyah, will help build the fund to build a Masjid. The ultimate rewarding project, with rewards in the hereafter, for all who make it possible.
Whoever builds a mosque, desiring thereby Allah’s pleasure, Allah builds for him the like of it in paradise
The Current Water Situation in Sri Lanka
The need for water handpumps in Sri Lanka arises from several factors related to water accessibility and infrastructure. Here are the key reasons:
Water Scarcity in Rural Areas:
- Many rural and remote communities in Sri Lanka lack access to piped water systems.
- Handpumps provide a simple and cost-effective solution to access groundwater, ensuring a consistent water supply for daily needs like drinking, cooking, and farming.
Unreliable Water Sources
- Seasonal variations, including monsoons and dry spells, can disrupt access to surface water.
- During droughts, traditional wells and streams may dry up, making handpumps a reliable alternative.
Health Concerns:
- In some areas, water sources are contaminated by industrial waste, agricultural runoff, or naturally occurring substances like fluoride or arsenic.
- Handpumps, when installed properly, can tap into cleaner groundwater, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.
Post-Conflict Development:
- After years of civil conflict, parts of Sri Lanka still face challenges in rebuilding water infrastructure.
- Handpumps serve as a practical and immediate solution for communities without access to modern water systems.
Affordability and Simplicity:
- Installing and maintaining handpumps is relatively low-cost compared to building extensive water distribution networks.
- They are easy to use and maintain, making them ideal for resource-limited areas.
Empowering Communities:
- Handpumps bring water closer to homes, reducing the burden on women and children who often spend hours fetching water from distant sources.
- This contributes to better health, education, and economic opportunities within the community.
What is Project Pani?
As-Salaam Foundation’s objective of installing 100 water pumps across Sri Lanka will be transformative for countless communities. These pumps will provide reliable access to clean water in remote and underserved areas, addressing critical water scarcity issues and improving overall quality of life. Villagers currently have to trek long distances to fetch water, freeing up valuable time for education, livelihood activities, and community development. The availability of clean water will significantly enhance hygiene and sanitation practices, reducing waterborne diseases and improving health outcomes.
Moreover, these water pumps will support agricultural productivity by enabling irrigation, thus contributing to food security and economic stability within the communities. As a result of this initiative, As-Salaam Foundation and SYP will empower villages with sustainable solutions that foster health, prosperity, and resilience against water-related challenges.
How You Can Help
For just £115, you can install a water handpump in an area of need, significantly helping local beneficiaries.
Lets not forget It is ‘the best charity’ as the Messenger of Allah (saw) was asked, “which charity is best?” He replied, “[Providing] water”’. [Abu Dawud]