Although Ansaar Boys Orphanage and Destitute Centre has been operational for nearly 22 years, few people know of its existence. Situated in Bongo Avenue, it is conveniently close to Nigel Primary and Alrapark Secondary Schools so that the boys can attend school every day.
The facility is headed by 90-year-old Abdul Kareem and serves as a place of safety for abandoned and abused, orphaned and vulnerable children. The orphanage has sheltered hundreds of children since its establishment in the late 1990’s and central to its aim to provide integrated quality care to orphaned boys, school and madrassa are also compulsory to ensure a strong educational background.
This non-profit organisation currently accommodates around 25 boys between the ages of six to 18 years. Ansaar Orphanage may be a small entity, but it has a big vision. It comprises of a prayer room, communal dining room, kitchen and living quarters for the children, but it currently needs proper maintenance, a perimeter fence to ensure the children’s safety and donations of food and clothing.
Kareem said his late wife Fatima initially established the orphanage, but after she passed away around three years ago, he took over the reins with some help from his children, who often volunteer their time to help out at the facility.
“We strive to provide holistic and integrated quality care to orphaned, abandoned, abused, traumatized, vulnerable and HIV positive children. One of our first orphans recently qualified to become a teacher at a local school, while some others qualified as plumbers and welders. We are proud of every child that has left this orphanage and created a better life for themselves,” Kareem said.
Donations of food and clothing will be gratefully received by Ansaar Orphanage and it will surely make a positive impact on generations of future children.
You can contribute by phoning Suleiman Kea on 067 7533 268.
