Day 18: Educating children

"Iqra"  -- 'to read'; the first word revealed in the Holy Quran

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, "The acquisition of knowledge is a duty incumbent on every Muslim, male and female."

Guest blogger: SaanyaHer name is Yusra, and her smile can light up a room. She and her brother Akram are two of the first kids I started supporting to go to school, in a village in Gujarat, India, through my card-making fundraising efforts.  Moin is another.  He sent me a card a few years ago when he was in third grade, which said: "the word 'thanks' is very short to express my feelings. May God repay your kindness."  Moin's brother Faiyaz also wrote to me, "Thanks a lot sir, by your help, tomorrow I will be a literate man."  Akram wrote, "I will try my level best to get good results in my exam and make you proud of my achievement."Today I sent a check for $500 to Pennies for Education and Health, an organization started by our very good friends, to continue the education of the children I've been supporting for the past six years.  I raised the money by selling my handmade cards.  I've never met any of these kids, but I feel like I know them through their photographs, report cards and letters.  I hope one day I'll meet them and we'll be able to make cards together.  Until then I'll keep trying "my level best" to make sure they have an opportunity to go to school. Day 18: Deed 18:  Helping children learn.