A UK-based international development organisation has renamed itself after signing an agreement with the largest charity in the east African country of Somalia.
British charity the Somali Relief and Development Forum (SRDF), established in 2011, signed a partnership agreement with the Zamzam Foundation last year and will now be known as Zamzam Foundation UK.
SRDF trustees agreed with the Zamzam Foundation to use “Zamzam Foundation UK” as its working name to help raise funds to support orphans, schools, make grants and deliver emergency aid work in Somalia.
The partnership will make it easier for British Muslims and the Somalia diaspora to support and raise fund for people in the east African country, the charities said.
Zamzam Foundation UK, which remains a separate legal entity from the African charity, has also launched a new website and social media channels to share news of Somalia aid programmes and accept donations from the UK public.
Founded in 1992, Zamzam Foundation has delivered aid in remote areas across Somalia and in partnership with other charities including Save the Children and Oxfam.
‘A fantastic platform’
Hany El-Banna, co-founder of SRDF and Islamic Relief, said: “This is an innovative and inspiring partnership.
“SRDF’s status as a UK registered charity and its history of engaging with Somalis in the UK give Zamzam Foundation a fantastic platform to connect with the Somali diaspora and raise funds,” he said.
“Zamzam’s extensive experience and well-respected programmes mean SRDF now has a uniquely capable implementing partner to fulfil its charitable mission to deliver transformational aid and development projects across Somalia.”
Omar Jama, Zamzam Foundation executive director, said: “Back in 1992, when Zamzam was founded, our country was shrouded in darkness and despair, and a bright future seemed an impossible dream.
“Today I am proud to lead an organisation that has grown into a real beacon of hope for all Somalis.
“I am delighted that the partnership we have formed in the UK with the Somali Relief and Development Forum is enabling SRDF to raise awareness and raise funds in the UK as Zamzam Foundation UK.”
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