Asum activists are reaching out to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

By Charles Mkoka, IOL Correspondent

LILONGWE , Malawi , August 10, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) – Muslims in Malawi , southern Africa , have set themselves up as caring citizens, who do feel for others whether fellow Muslims or the Christian majority.

The Lilongwe-based Asum Muslim Association of Malawi has translated the heartfelt feelings into concrete steps through a multi-faceted social program that covers every aspect in life and is focused on how to make the country a better place for all.  

“Islam Means Peace…Assist Asum Activities” are the welcoming words greeting visitors from different walks of life.   

The organization’s mantra sums up the entire message: “In hard times, you can count on us.”

Established only in 1998, Asum’s major objective at the time was to ensure that the less privileged Malawians who had no access to education be given the chance to attend classes as the charity was alarmed by the soaring illiteracy rates in the country.

“Asum has within a short space of time reached the majority of needy Malawians almost five years after the non-governmental organization was established,” Sheikh Rashid Wisike, an Asum coordinator, told IslamOnline.net Wednesday, August 10.

All-Inclusive

Asum has, in effect, set itself up as an NGO with an all-inclusive package that covers  traditional social activities.

It is working in tandem with the National AIDS Commission (NAC) to fight the killer AIDS disease, which plagues the black continent. 

The organization has also designed a special program called Malawi Reflect Forum (MAREFO) that teaches people how to be self-independent and to make the best use of the natural resources.

“We are encouraging income generating activities among women groups in particular; so that they sustain their families,” he said, adding that Asum plans to extend its activities countrywide.

Wisike further said the organization is also grooming young Malawians for college life with a sharp focus also on vocational training to polish up untapped skills.

“The idea is to make the youth independent after they have acquired the necessary skills in, for example, carpentry, bricklaying and motor vehicle mechanics.”

However, the major breakthrough for Asum has been the establishment of Asum Relief Service (ARS), a sub-project that serves as a fund to finance a miscellany of activities like drilling boreholes for clean water and providing money to families in times of calamites and natural disasters.

The ARS receives generous donations from Malawians ranging from sugar, salt, rice and maize flour to wheel chairs for the disabled, blankets and makeshift shelters for flood victims.

The ARS also caters for prisoners, whether Muslims or non-Muslims.