This was revealed by Ustadz Rifae Antao, program officer of the Orphans of WAMY Phil, a non-profit and non-government organization based in this city.
WAMY, which has 13 branches all over the world, supports education for the youth especially orphans in developing countries like the Philippines.
“From 100 beneficiaries last year, 204 more orphans now from the provinces of Sarangani, Davao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and North Cotabato will avail of our program,” Antao disclosed.
He said that Sheikh Ehab Abu Jabbar, WAMY Chairman of the Committee for Orphans in Asia announced the approval of 204 additional beneficiaries last month during his visit to the country.
Antao said that orphans with ages 7 to 11 could avail of the program. “The program provides them stipend for their food, school uniforms, school supplies and we pay their school fees,” he said
“We even take them to excursions,” he added.
He said, however, that the beneficiaries have to remain with their custodians since “WAMY-Phil does not have orphanage yet where we can house them.”
WAMY Phil envisages a “developed, God-fearing and Law-abiding youth equipped with competent skills and endowed with intellectual prowess who will lead peace-building and inspired community service.”
It has conducted three youth camps and seminars for its preachers. The group aims to promote peace and unity among the citizens of this country considering the differences in culture and beliefs between Muslims and non-Muslims.
“With other stakeholders, one of our missions is to raise the profile of the Moro by providing them quality education, thus reducing discrimination among the Muslims,” Sheikh Salih D. Musa, WAMYPhilippines country director, said in an interview.
“Our duat (preachers) spread and explain Islam even to non-Muslims. With this we are able to tell the people that Islam is a religion calling for understanding, tolerance and unity among mankind,” Musa said. (Gandhi C. Kinjiyo/MindaNews)
