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Shaila Kibria |
In Canada, Shaila Kibria, one woman who has a set a precedent for all Muslim women, is looking to make a difference within the global community. As executive director with Islamic Relief, Canada, she has helped to provide services for those who need it the most.
Background
From elementary school, Kibria took an active interest, and involvement in her community all the way through to high school, and university. At university. She became actively involved in committees that were involved in such projects as the school newspaper, and the students council. Kibria’s studies did not end with graduation at the University of Toronto, for she has future plans for further study.
Islamic Relief, Canada
Islamic Relief, IR, is a charity organization with a goal to fight poverty, illiteracy and disease around the world. This organization is one that does not limit itself to faith, race, gender or creed as many other charities do. IR’s main aim is to provide rapid relief in times of natural or man-made disasters. IR also establishes developmental projects in needy areas where there is suffering from the affects of , illiteracy and disease at a local level.
Kibria's Main Charitable Activities
As an executive director of Islamic Relief, Kibria has founded two food banks and a Child Learning Centre. As part of her day-to-day work, she tackles human rights issues regarding everything from childcare, poverty and court cases. , she is an advocate for those who have lost their rights in this ever changing world.
During the day, she teaches grade three children, the significance of community outreach for worldwide disasters through fundraising efforts.. Kibria also puts emphasis on the value of interaction and understanding towards other people, which is ,important to making this world a better place.
Humanitarian Story
In fact, Kibria focuses her work on community service especially in times of a crisis; she can remember various humanitarian stories.
Kibria recalls a Pakistani mother who was thrown to the ground with her two children, as a result of a bomb explosion. The mother reached out for her son’s hand, but could not find her daughter. She looked desperately for her daughter as the minutes slipped away, but could not find her. As another bomb shook the ground, those fighting were getting closer and closer.The motherwas forced to leave the area and run.
Although this mother was re-united with her husband and her other son, she could not forget about her daughter . One of her sons calls out:
Mummy where’s Baji(Baji means older sister”,.
All in All
"Here in Canada, we are safe andsound, yet there are those who are not in touch with their friends, family or relatives because of tiny problems, such as, ,someone not returning a call, or because of who knows what. Why do we do this to ourselves? Overseas, brothers are crying for their siblings, separated by bombs and fighting soldiers, yet here we cannot get over our anger over small issues, sadness and confusion, as . We have a choice here. Why do we choose hurt and pain?" said Kibria.
Kibria sets a strong image for Muslims all around the world.
“We are born with an innate sense to do good that is my theory; a theory that has developed through my experience of dealing with thousands of people.”
"Muslims should focus on love and peace, something that I have found in Islam through my readings and interpretations, or on the general spirituality of humanity," said Kibria.
Kibria is the author of ‘Maariyah's Day’, a book that promotes the acceptance of other cultures and religions. She has also worked as a freelance broadcaster at CBC radio, (one of the biggest radio stations in Canada). In this role, she focused on real stories about the migrant experience, arranged marriages, multiculturalism and education.
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