Ahmad Hassan Nadeem spoke to this enterprising young man for Us. Read on to learn more about Waleem’s noble enterprise…
COVER STORY
Muhammad Waleem from Chila, Gilgit is the Founder of Ar Razzaq Foundation (ARF), and a high school student at Cadet College Hasanabdal. He sees the organization he created when in his college as a ray of hope for the needy. His vision is to aid and bring relief to underserved communities. Waleem is committed to make a real impact on individuals facing difficulties such as poverty, hunger, health issues, and limited education opportunities. Ahmad Hassan Nadeem spoke to this enterprising young man for Us. Read on to learn more about Waleem’s noble enterprise…
Us: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting the Ar Razzaq Foundation?
MW: It was during vacations when something extraordinary happened, forever etching a heartwarming memory in my mind. I found myself raising a considerable sum of Rs50,000 for a family in dire need within my local community. Overwhelmed with gratitude and compassion, I decided to personally visit their humble abode and deliver the life-changing amount.
The moment I handed the money to the wife of that elderly man, her eyes filled with tears. With quivering lips, she repeatedly whispered, “Shukria la Poch,” while tightly embracing me as if I were an angel sent from above. It was a deeply moving experience that resonated with my soul and planted a seed of inspiration within me.
This remarkable event became the eventual reason for my grand vision — Ar Razzaq Foundation. As I embarked on my college journey, I eagerly shared my noble idea with a select few friends. Their response, however, was less enthusiastic. “Yar, starting an NGO requires a substantial amount of personal funds. We don’t have that kind of money, so we cannot join you,” they said, dampening my spirits for a while.
Nevertheless, I refused to let their scepticism extinguish the fire within me. Since 2020, when I was just a 9th Class student, I had been diligently scribbling about my aspirations for the NGO in my goals diary. And finally, on the auspicious day of September 1st, 2022, with unwavering determination and self-belief, I independently launched Ar Razzaq Foundation.
The aim of my foundation, right from its inception, is to address the needs of the underprivileged, mirroring the transformative experience I had witnessed firsthand. By providing assistance, support, and resources to those lacking basic necessities, I hoped to spread hope and make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals.
This journey, from that fateful encounter to the establishment of Ar Razzaq Foundation, represents a remarkable chapter in my life. It has reaffirmed my faith in the power of compassion, instilling in me an unyielding desire to continue helping those less fortunate.
Us: What specific humanitarian activities does Ar Razzaq Foundation engage in?
MW: Ar Razzaq Foundation is committed to several impactful services, including promoting education, empowering youth, raising climate awareness, conducting tree plantation and cleanliness drives, and organizing clothes and books drives. We also extend a helping hand to those in need. Currently, we spent Rs50,000 to help students in Gilgit Baltistan by covering their school fees. Moreover, we have raised Rs 230,000 to help a poor shopkeeper rebuild his business after it was destroyed by a fire.
Us: How do you and your team identify the communities or individuals in need of assistance?
MW: Ar Razzaq Foundation primarily operates in Gilgit Baltistan, an area known for its low standard of living. Our focus is to make a positive impact through initiatives such as our clothes drive, which specifically targets underprivileged communities and slum areas. We leverage our extensive network to identify individuals and cases in need, and then diligently work towards addressing their specific challenges and improving their circumstances.
Us: Can you share any notable success stories or impactful moments from your community service initiatives?
MW: It was during our second month working with Ar Razzaq Foundation in October when the floods were at their peak in Pakistan. At that time our team consisted of 20 members based in Cadet College Hasanabdal. We worked with Al Khidmat Foundation, and even got a certificate in recognition of our services in the end.
Us: What challenges have you faced while running Ar Razzaq Foundation, and how have you overcome them?
MW: Running Ar Razzaq Foundation presents numerous challenges, including the demanding nature of backend meetings and the limited availability of donations to support our ideas. Initially, building a dedicated team committed to our vision and goals was a daunting task. In addition to that, owing to the reason that we study in a military-based college, it becomes difficult at times to manage all the activities. However, as time has passed, there have been noticeable changes. Though there are still days when I feel discouraged, the magnitude of our vision propels me forward, enabling me to persevere despite the obstacles we encounter.
Us: How do you manage to balance your academic responsibilities with your commitment to the foundation?
MW: The question often posed by my fellow humanitarian-minded college seniors was indeed challenging. Balancing the demanding routine of being a student at Cadet College Hasanabdal alongside my commitments to Ar Razzaq Foundation required great dedication.
Fortunately, my college provided a dedicated team to support academic pursuits within the established routine. However, during the initial stages of starting ARF, I had to allocate study time for planning and organizing foundation-related activities. I made sure to compensate for this by covering any academic deficiencies before exams.
For me, there is no concept of leisure or relaxation. Since 2021, I cannot recall a single day where I watched a movie during my vacations. Every meal becomes an opportunity to discuss ARF with my team and friends.
Ultimately, it all comes down to priorities and unwavering dedication to the cause. Additionally, I am fortunate to have a committed and loyal team, which has made the journey smoother.
Us: How has your experience with Ar Razzaq Foundation shaped your understanding of community service and social responsibility?
MW: Founding and leading the Ar Razzaq Foundation has profoundly shaped my understanding of community service and social responsibility. Through firsthand experiences, I have developed deep empathy for those facing challenges and a strong sense of purpose in serving others. Engaging closely with communities, and overcoming obstacles have reinforced the importance of grassroots engagement, collective action, and responsible leadership. These experiences have fuelled my commitment to creating sustainable social impact and inspiring others to join the cause of community service and social responsibility.
Us: Are there any future plans or expansion goals for Ar Razzaq Foundation? If yes, could you please share some details?
MW: ARF currently boasts 30 local chapters throughout Pakistan, with an additional international chapter in the United States of America. The goal is to establish over 100 local chapters across the country and expand with 20 or more international chapters worldwide.
In line with our vision, we are actively working towards establishing a Startup Incubation Centre under ARF. This centre will provide underprivileged women in Pakistan with invaluable resources such as mentorship, technology, and investment opportunities to kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys.
To foster community engagement, we are in the process of approving Youth Clubs in Government schools of Gilgit Baltistan. These clubs will encourage students to actively participate in community service initiatives.
To support educational aspirations, we are actively seeking regular donors and are in the process of implementing a Need Based Scholarship Program for underprivileged girls in Pakistan.
As part of our commitment to combating climate change, we have embarked on a new Climate Change Initiative. Our aim is to make climate education accessible and easily understandable to individuals worldwide.
Furthermore, we have set a target of planting 20,000 trees across Pakistan and raising 5 million by the end of 2024 to fund our various projects. These ambitious goals are instrumental in driving positive change and achieving our mission.
Us: What advice would you give to other young individuals who are interested in starting their own community service initiatives?
MW: Every day, I receive messages from my juniors filled with enthusiasm and a desire to start their own NGOs. To each and every one of them, my response is consistent: begin as early as you can. If there’s one thing I regret, it’s not starting Ar Razzaq Foundation when the idea first sparked within me back in 2020.
I urge you all to seek out your motivation and discover the greater purpose behind your NGO. Embrace the journey and let your passion drive you to make a positive impact in the world. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; start now and let your noble aspirations flourish.
Us: Have you collaborated with other organizations or individuals to amplify the impact of your initiatives? If so, could you provide some examples?
MW: Our collaboration with Al Khidmat Foundation has been a fruitful partnership, and we want to continue working together in the future. Additionally, we actively contribute to the Edhi Foundation by donating clothes from our Clothes Bank.
In our commitment to fostering a collective impact, we have also collaborated with various student-led NGOs. Some notable collaborations include working alongside The Ansars, Al Muhim Foundation, Pakistan Youth Empowering Council, and Inspirate.
As we strive to expand our network and amplify our efforts, we are open to new collaborations. We eagerly seek opportunities to join forces with like-minded organizations and individuals who share our vision of making a positive difference in society.
