KPU club raises over $500 for children in Palestine
The Islamic relief fundraiser saw around 60 attendees
The KPU MSA held a summer carnival fundraiser last week to raise money for Islamic relief in Palestine, geared towards education for children. (Submitted)
Last week Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Muslim Student Association (MSA) held a summer carnival to raise funds for Islamic relief in Palestine.
The event saw around 60 attendees from various schools, and over $500 were raised to help educate children in Palestine. This was the first charity fundraiser the MSA held, but the club’s Vice President Maimoona Rahman says it’s something they would like to continue in the future.
“We really value our education as university students,” Rahman wrote in a statement to The Runner.
“That inspired us to really help children in need who don’t have the opportunities that we do, orphans and young kids who seek a proper education, so that they can build a strong base and hopefully pursue university in future.”
The entry cost was $10, and the event featured prizes, food, games, and henna. The proceeds went to support Palestinian children’s education through Islamic Relief, a charity that works to strengthen communities and help the impoverished access basic services.
Over one million children are struggling to exercise their right to education in Palestine, which is due to school demolitions, confiscation of equipment, an inability to prioritize education, and underfunding, according to the United Nations.
The struggle for this right is felt in all of Palestine, but is worst in the Gaza Strip, where over 550,000 children study in overcrowded schools. Many schools run double and triple shifts to facilitate the number of children. As a result of the overcrowding, underfunded education, and trauma from the conflict, nearly 25 per cent of Palestinian boys and seven per cent of girls drop out of school by age 15.
Islamic Relief has been working in Palestine since 1994 and has reached over 530,000 people to date. Its Canadian branch donated over $74 million in 2022. According to the UN, one third of Gaza’s population needs psychological support, which Islamic Relief is providing.
“Our main message was faith and unity and to give back to the community and children in need, really focusing on the importance of education for young kids and orphans,” Rahman wrote.
“Palestine was just randomly selected on our list. We would love to continue this pursuit of giving back to others and helping children reach the opportunities through education: our list includes India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and many more.”
To learn more about the MSA, visit their Instagram page @kpumsa.
