Peace and Blessings be with you.
This post serves to be a reminder to myself first and for most, and then to all of you out there who know, and recognize how Blessed we all are, and who in that knowledge recognize there are some who are not as fortunate as ourselves.
This is also a call to mobilize that part in us that naturally is attracted to the universal realities of social justice, and playing our part in making the world we live in a better place.
We all have skills, abilities that we are sometimes not even aware of. Those that we are aware of can be put to use for the betterment of our fellow human beings in more ways than we can imagine. In my own way, I understand that using these skills for other than self, is a way of showing Gratitude for what we have been Blessed with. It is my intention to raise awareness about specifically AlNoor Orphanage in Woodstock, but also to lift the lid off the possibilities of finding institutions, social centers, community workshops where we can volunteer our time, energy, efforts in a way that is enriching to others and ourselves. In fact, it is a selfish and self centered activity in the final analysis, as the Universal Law says that what you put out, will come back to you many fold.
I met Amina about 5 years ago, through a cousin of mine who actually works as a lawyer, but raises funds, and organises food parcels which she then gets all the cousins and their children to distribute to the poor during the month of Ramadan. I did a photo essay of Alnoor, which got published in a local newspaper. Amina, if I remember correctly is Nigerian, and has been living in this country for, and this is a guess, at least 10 years. She has been the driving force behind the orphanage since its inception. Sometimes one meets people who inspire because of their personality, their presence, their oratory… in her case, it is her matter of fact approach to what she is doing. She mentioned to me once, that as a mother herself, she has not choice in the matter. Who will take care of these children?Where will they go?
One of the men who has been helping at the orphanage for as long as i know about it. Embarrassingly I have momentarily misplaced this brother’s name…
The age of the children range from 4 years to the oldest boy who is almost 18. The orphanage is about 6 mins drive from Cape Town central, and situated behind the Woodstock hospital.The children are engaged in many meaningful classes and workshops, from gardening, computer literacy to sewing.
There is quite a large open space at the premises for those involved in physical training or sports, or for a organic garden for those who have knowledge of permaculture/ vegetable gardening.
The sewing workshop also produces clothing and bags which the Alnoor sells to raise funds. So if you find yourself on the other side of the world, and would like to support by purchasing a bag, then please wait for their website details at the end of this post, or contact me through my blog.
and …
I would like to take the opportunity again to make sure that you understand that taking an hour out of your Sunday to come and read for the kids for example is something that Amina would welcome open heartedly. She did mention to me that some of the older boys are of the age where they can apply for their drivers license, so if anyone wants to give driving lessons. Basically the sky is the limit to what help one can actually offer. The fashion designers out their could do pattern cutting workshops, help develop a product range , etc. etc. etc.
A canvas print of the first image of this post is available for sale in an edition of 20, all proceeds to go to AlNoor.
Now for the details:
POSTAL ADDRESS:
P.O. BOX 1801
CAPE TOWN 8000
RESIDENCE ADDRESS:
OPPOSITE WOODSTOCK DAY HOSPITAL
BOUNDED BY 15 MELBOURNE RD & VICTORIA WALK
TEL:+27 21 447-8472 ,FAX:+27 21 447 3644,
Email: alnoororphanagecentre@yahoo.com
Website: www.alnoororphanage.org.za
“An orphan, destitute and disadvantaged is My child, and your child”
Quran 3:103
Salaam.
Yasser
Yasser Booley's Blog 
Great work they are doing and thanks for the strory. I would love to have a link to http://www.maasaiwarrior.com and hope that more people will be able to acknowledge and support the work at Al noor.