Children without parents are among the most vulnerable and at-risk members of society. Deprived of care, protection, and stability, they face not just emotional trauma but also extreme poverty, neglect, and exploitation. Muhammad Noorul-Islam is one such child—a young boy whose life was torn apart by the hate crimes in 2017 but who is now reclaiming his future with courage and determination.
Noorul-Islam was just a toddler when tragedy struck. He lost both his parents during the violent genocide that forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homeland. Along with his elder brother and two sisters, Noorul was rescued by his maternal uncle and brought to safety. However, safety did not mean comfort. The family had no home, no steady income, and no resources. Noorul’s uncle, struggling to support his own household, now had to provide for four more children. With no financial support and no permanent shelter, the children lived in a state of deep deprivation. They were often hungry, malnourished, and reliant entirely on donations and occasional charity.
Their story reached the Shaagird Foundation. What the team found was heartbreaking—four young children, fragile and emotionally scarred, simply surviving each day. The first priority was ensuring proper food, healthcare, and shelter for the children. Once their basic needs were addressed, the focus shifted to what would truly change their lives: education.
Today, Muhammad Noorul-Islam is a changed child. He is a dedicated student at learning center Imam-ul-Bukhari, where he is memorizing the Quran. Despite the pain he has endured, Noorul finds peace and purpose in the sacred words. His devotion is evident in the progress he has made and the joy he expresses while reciting the verses.
But Noorul’s education does not end there. He also attends the Kulsum Sayani Learning Center, where he studies Hindi, English, and Mathematics, and participates in a variety of extracurricular activities such as games, quizzes, and art competitions. These academic and creative engagements have helped Noorul develop confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging. He is no longer a silent sufferer but an active participant in his own growth.
What’s most inspiring is Noorul’s transformation into a self-motivated young learner. He has chosen education and hard work over begging or street life—a choice many children in his situation are never able to make. This change was only possible because of timely support, compassion, and opportunity.
The Hafiz Sponsorship Program by Shaagird Foundation exists to support children like Noorul. Your contribution can help us rescue more orphans and vulnerable children from lives of uncertainty and despair, and instead offer them a path of dignity through faith and learning. By supporting this initiative, you are not just donating—you are giving hope, healing, and the light of the Holy Quran to a child who needs it most. Let’s build futures together.