When Afsar came to the UK, she went from being a law student to depending on Universal Credit so she could survive.
Here’s how your Zakat helped her pursue a bright new career, giving her the means to support herself and fill an important role in the community at the same time.
I was a law student. I’d always dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but when my situation changed, circumstances out of my control led me to leave my country and move to the UK.
I had to start all over again, in Yorkshire, away from everything I’d known. I couldn’t complete my studies and I couldn’t find work. Eventually, after several years waiting for my case to be processed, I was granted refugee status. This meant I could apply for Universal Credit, so I had something to live on.
I was just about getting by, but every month was a struggle, and I couldn’t help feeling like I was wasting my potential. I decided to sit down and brainstorm some new career options. I realised pretty quickly that I had a skill that was in-demand: I was fluent in Farsi. I did some research into becoming an interpreter. The only thing holding my back was that I didn’t have the qualifications needed, and there was no way I could afford to get them on my small income.
That’s when I turned to National Zakat Foundation for support. After checking my eligibility for Zakat, they gave me a £1,343 grant from their Work Fund, so I could do a Level 6 Diploma in Community Interpreting.
With the help of this Zakat, I’ve been able to get the training I need to become a qualified interpreter. Now, I’ll be able to give back to my local community, find full-time work and be able to support myself permanently. Who knows, before long, I’ll be able to give Zakat to help other Muslims in need.
This post is based on a true story.
