Islamic Relief’s Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP) had a profound impact on Ahlam Dayib Abdillahi, a 13-year-old girl residing in Hargeisa, Somaliland.

The program, initiated in 1986 with a mission to provide financial support to orphans in various countries. It expanded its reach to Somalia in 2010 and now supports nearly 4800 orphans currently.

Ahlam’s life has been shaped by hardship. She lives with her mother, Kos, and eight siblings in a modest two-room shack house made of tin sheets.

The family’s struggles began with the passing of Ahlam’s father in 2017. This left Kos as the sole provider for her large family.

Before joining the OSP, the family faced immense difficulties meeting their basic needs. Kos tirelessly worked at a stall alongside a street, selling cooked food to support her children. It made it incredibly challenging to afford school fees, uniforms, and essential educational supplies for Ahlam and her siblings.

She afterward transitioned to a clothes and tailoring shop after getting support from Islamic Relief Somalia’s Orphan Sponsorship Program.

The OSP became a lifeline for Ahlam and her family. The program has provided consistent quarterly financial support, covering the crucial expenses of education, transportation, uniforms, and books.

This timely assistance has dramatically improved Ahlam’s academic performance. It enabled her to excel in her studies and rise to the top of her class for the past two years.

Ahlam is a bright young girl with a keen interest in science and mathematics. Her dreams extend beyond academic success. She aspires to become a businesswoman, a testament to her ambition and desire to create a better life for herself and her family. Ahlam envisions a future where she can make meaningful contributions to her community and provide stability for those she loves.

How the new pricing for orphan care sponsorship provides more support

The OSP’s recent implementation of a new pricing plan has been a game-changer for Ahlam and other orphans within the program. The plan increased the quarterly support per orphan, significantly amplifying the impact on their lives.

This generous increase has resulted in a comprehensive support system, encompassing enhanced educational resources, improved healthcare, better access to nutritious food, and additional resources for daily living.

The new pricing plan has alleviated the financial burdens on Kos, allowing her to better manage her livelihood issues while focusing on providing for her children. This increased stability has created a ripple effect, positively impacting the overall well-being of Ahlam and her siblings.

Kos expresses her profound gratitude for the OSP’s unwavering support. She emphasises its transformative impact on her family’s financial situation, educational opportunities, and overall well-being.

How Islamic Relief’s OSP Continues to Save Lives

The program has not only provided essential financial assistance but also extended crucial emotional and psychological support. Thus, creating a more stable and hopeful environment for the family.

The new pricing plan has not only benefited Ahlam. But has also had a widespread positive impact on other orphans under the program.

It has fostered a significant enhancement in educational opportunities, improved healthcare access, increased access to nutritious food, and provided emotional and psychological support.

These improvements have led to better academic performance, improved health outcomes, and a more stable home environment for these children, creating a brighter future for them.

Given the economic challenges faced by Somalia, donors’ increased support for the vulnerable orphan families is better appreciated. This investment is not merely about providing immediate relief. It is about laying the foundation for a brighter future for these children and their communities.

By contributing to the new pricing plan, donors can be a catalyst for lasting change in the lives of those who need it most. We empower them to reach their full potential and contribute to a better tomorrow.