Benoni youth make a difference
While the five are trying their best between studies and their free time to help others, they are welcoming others to join in this journey of making the world a better place.
There is nothing more reassuring than knowing the future of our town is in the hands of youth who ensure that their good deeds are for the benefit of the community.
Radhiyyah and Asma Lorgat, Mardiyya Karolia, and Abdullah and Aaisha Laher are members of the Benoni Muslim Charity Organisation (BMCO) and enjoy giving back to the community because they grew up giving to the less fortunate.
The five are assisting this month by giving care packs to healthcare workers, and are motivated to help people going forward.
“We are starting at Tambo Memorial Hospital. We want to hand out care packs during the third week of February,” said Asma.
• Radhiyyah (21) is a Bachelor of Commerce student in her second last year at the University of Witswaterstrand.
• Asma (19) intends on studying teaching.
• Mardiyya (18) is awaiting her matric results before studying.
• Abdullah (17) studies at Willowmoore High School.
• Aaisha (15) attends Parktown High School for Girls.
“We all come from the same kind of families with the same values and beliefs. This makes it easier for us to work together as we all have the same goal in mind, which is to please the creator,” Radhiyyah said.
“Asma is my sister, Aaisha and Abdullah are my cousins and Mardiyya is a family friend.”
The eldest emphasised on the importance of helping others, especially during unprecedented times.
Asma said: “When I was much younger I remember going with my mummy and aunty to pack the hampers for our annual Ramadhaan packs. After the hampers were packed, I used to go with my uncle to hand the hampers out. This was one initiative that my cousins and I looked forward to every year.”
Lakefield resident Mardiyya said while she is a family friend, they welcomed her with open arms to join their team of assistants.
“Joining this initiative allows me to use my free time to give back to the community in a time where helping others is needed most,” she explained.
The Willowmoore High School learner said for years the family has been involved in giving back to the community and he wants to carry this tradition into the future.
ALSO READ:
Degree to Disagree: The Answer to Youth Unemployment Lies in Entrepreneurship
“Every Ramadhaan, for as long as I can remember, I used to go with my father and uncle to hand out hampers. This was something I looked forward to every year because it taught me to be grateful for what I have and instilled a passion for charity work,” he explained.
The youngest of the team, Aaisha, is the only one who does not reside in Lakefield. She still attempts to help her cousins and family friend to make the vision a success.
“When I was younger I would help make the packs and thereafter give them out to the less fortunate and seeing the smile on their faces inspired me,” she said.
“I enjoy working alongside my family and friends. I love seeing the smile on people’s faces when they receive the care packages. I was born and raised in Benoni when I was 12 years old and I moved to Houghton.”
While the five are trying their best between studies and their free time to help others, they are welcoming others to join in this journey of making the world a better place.
If you would like to join the team or assist in any way, contact Radhiyyah on 081 383 1678 or Asma on 084 509 2709.
