Islamic Relief's income generation development projects enable poor families to earn their livelihood instead of relying on external support. To realise this aim, Islamic Relief has worked to develop small growth projects in accordance with Islamic guidelines. In 2001 alone, Islamic Relief spent over £2 million to benefit over 7,000 families. It is expected that these figures will increase in the coming years.
The aims of the Income Generation Projects include:
- Creating self -reliance
- Creating sources of income for poor families to meet their basic requirements
- Restoring and promoting the local economy of poor communities
- Developing, utilising and supporting local skills and capacity building
- Encouraging the return of refugees forced to escape from past conflicts.
Ways to join in
The following illustration is an example of how people can get involved, using a fictional group and characters.The Muslim Study Circle is a group of fifteen girls who met regularly at the local community centre to discuss aspects of Islam. One of the girls made a presentation about the Islamic Relief Waqf future fund, which motivated the girls to take up a Waqf share as a group.
They each decided to donate one pound every week to the group, towards a share in the Income Generation Waqf. The money was collected by one of the girls who set up a standing order with Islamic Relief for a monthly contribution of £74. In just over a year they had collected the whole amount and received the Waqf deed in the name of the Muslim Study Circle.