Picture of the two students and their teacher, Ray Sawatsky. Mr. Ray Sawatsky should be credited for his creative ways of incorporating philanthropy in class room education and inspiring his students to get involved charity work. Adela Wafa ( the Beacon of Hope for Afghan Children Society's Treasurer) is also seen in the picture picking up the cheque.
Froozan Jooya, President of Beacon of Hope for Afghan Children Society was interviewed by two grade 12 students, India Parhar and Austin Stapleton, from Langley Fundamental Middle & Secondary School. $5000 was given to the school by “PRADO HOLDINGS INC.” The class was tasked to choose between 15 charities that made a difference internationally. Out of 15 Charities, 3 were chosen and each charity was given a prize, with the first prize being $5000 cash. BEACON OF HOPE was chosen as the top WINNER out of the the 15 by the grade 12 class.
The following article is written by India and Austin. It is their account of why and how Beacon of Hope emerged as the Winner!
When Austin and I were given the project of interviewing, researching, and presenting a charity for a global education project our first thought was that we wanted to represent a cause that we were incredibly drawn towards. After hours of scanning through various charities in the lower mainland area we were fortunate to find Beacon of Hope for Afghan Children. While reading up on Beacon of Hope’s work in Afghanistan Austin and I were immediately touched with what the charity was doing to improve the lives of children and families. Becoming knowledgeable on country impacted by war was a helpful push as we became more insightful on worldly issues and how important it is for people like us to get involved. The issues we learned about and the stories we were told while interviewing Froozan opened our eyes to the tragedies that many of us turn away from. As a result of the passion instilled in our hearts for the children of Afghanistan we were able to give a touching and informative presentation to our class about the aspects of this charity. Viewing our classmates expressions as we gave our speech reminded me that people care deeply about what is going on in our world regardless of what country or how far away the problems are occurring. We just need to spread awareness. In our opinion that is the key step towards people becoming more compassionate.
When our class finally reached a verdict on which charity would be receiving the $5000 it was no surprise to us that Beacon of Hope was the clear winner. The other two charities in the top two were doing extraordinary work as well, however Beacon of Hope was the most deserving candidate. The lack of funding and the extreme need was heartbreaking for Austin and I, as well as our classmates. I speak for my whole Global Education class when I say that I know the money will be put towards an amazing and worthy cause: giving children a fair chance to succeed in life.
-India Parhar and Austin Stapleton
Salaam
I hope my thoughts find you well, I am visiting the website for the first time, but I have known and participated with Beacon of Hope for the children in our beloved Afghanistan. What a wonderful idea we have in doing our part as humans, as Muslim’s and as fellow countrymen and woman.
I for one will never forget what my family had to endure in order to come to Canada, a land that is and was considered to be safe, without war, with education and civilization. Canada is a place that every human beings life counts. We left everything behind and when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING. I was maybe 4 years old when we came to Canada and unfortunately have not yet had the opportunity to return back and I am 26 now. But we all have families and relatives that bring us the news of the conditions they suffer on a daily basis. We can not take anything for-granted, but at times find ourselves too caught up in society that we do forget to lend a helping hand.
Charity, preached by every religion of the world, is a way of bringing justice to society. And justice is the essence of religion, Islam has therefore made charity that is Zakah, obligatory and binding upon all those who embrace the faith; it has been made into an institution in order to give in permanence and regularity.
A society can flourish only when its members do not spend all their wealth to fulfil their own desires but reserve a portion of it for parents, relatives, neighbors, the poor and the debilitated. As the saying goes: Charity begins at home. A true believer is thus always prepared, after meeting the needs of his family, to assist other people in need of his help.
I would like to thank Allah (SWT) for giving the courage to us humans to help each other in the name of charity (Fi sabil Allah (في سبيل الله) is an Arabic term meaning in the cause of Allah). I know a single dollar goes a long way.
To the members of Beacon of Hope, your hard work and dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, may Allah (SWT) reward yourself and your families and fulfill you dreams.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule and going above and beyond. I will be there (InSha’Allah) for the next charity event and will pass the word on.
Thank you, Kais jan.
We appreciate your encouraging words and thank you for sharing your personal story. With your support and encouragement, we hope to continue impacting the lives of Afghan children in a positive way.
Once again, thank you for your support and taking your time to write to us.