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The prolonged economic meltdown of 1997 combined with internal armed conflict has created a trail of destruction across Indonesia with the numbers of destitute people doubling to approximately 100 million. This social unrest has resulted in 1.3 million people being internally displaced. Amongst them are approximately 700,000 children from regions as far apart as Aceh and Kalimantan in Western Indonesia to Sulawesi and Maluku in the east.
These children can live on just 33 (English pence) a day, so the main purpose of this organization is to find sponsors for the orphans.
The tragic consequences of this conflict are affecting women and young people the most. Many are vulnerable, traumatized and alone, taking on whatever jobs they can find. Some of them become street people and many have no opportunity to attend school and little hope for the future. These young people are being described as a ‘lost generation’. They are severely deprived youngsters whose futures are at stake.
Allah’s messenger (peace be upon him) said, “The one who looks after the orphan whether he is his relative or not, I and he would be together in Paradise like this,” and Malik (explained it) with a gesture by drawing his index finger and middle finger close together.” (Muslim)
I want so much to be close to the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Paradise. I want to help and support orphans until the day I die. May Allah make our hearts yearn to give, not hope to receive.
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