At just 12 years old, Alifiya Hakimuddin of the Dawoodi Bohras of Manchester, has shown a remarkable commitment to helping those less fortunate. Concerned by the increasing number of homeless individuals in the city, Alifiya took part in a fundraising walk organised by her school, Parrs Wood High School, to help Centrepoint, the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity, which supports over 16,000 young people every year.
Alifiya’s journey began as a simple school activity but quickly turned into something much more meaningful. “At first, I did it for fun until it hit me how privileged I am and how hard life is for others, so I decided to slowly get into it a little more.”
The walk, which saw participation from many of her schoolmates, proved to be a significant success. As a school, they managed to raise over £1,000, with Alifiya herself contributing a significant sum. Her determination to make a difference did not go unnoticed. “I felt very good as my school and I helped many people who are unfortunately living on the streets with no food to get some sort of help that they so desperately needed,” Alifiya shared.
This experience left a lasting impression on Alifiya. “I learnt that not everyone is privileged, and we have to keep in mind before we do anything how much it could affect other people.” These words reflect a maturity beyond her years, as Alifiya understands the importance of empathy and action.
But Alifiya isn’t stopping here. She’s already thinking about future volunteer work. “I want to continue helping the homeless slowly, so I will try and continue doing small walks and maybe doing some more volunteering work,” she said. Her dedication to making a difference in her community is truly inspiring.
Alifiya believes that if more children her age got involved in helping their communities, it could lead to significant change. “If other kids my age and older helped, it would make a massive difference to the people living on the streets to the point that maybe some of them could even call somewhere a home.”
When asked what message she’d like to share with others about the importance of giving back, Alifiya’s response was clear: “When you do something for someone else, do it because YOU want to, not because you want to get something back, do it to make you happy.”
Alifiya’s efforts were part of Project Rise, a global initiative led by the Dawoodi Bohra community that focuses on uplifting the underprivileged and addressing critical social issues. Through Project Rise, members of the Dawoodi Bohra community around the world engage in various charitable activities, including providing food, shelter, and educational support to those in need. Alifiya’s participation in the walk for Centrepoint shows how, under the mission of Project Rise, young members of the community are taking active roles in making a difference. As she continues to advocate for the homeless and encourage others to do the same, Alifiya’s actions remind us all of the power of compassion and the impact one person, no matter how young, can have on their community.