Economic Empowerment Project

As part of Zakat Foundation’s ongoing goals toward improving the condition of communities throughout the world, we have initiated a “Micro Credit” program. Through this program an individual could request the loan of monies in any amount up to $1,000 for assistance in creating a small business or to receive training.

It is the hope of Zakat Foundation that this money will help people achieve self-sufficiency through the betterment of career and improving upon one’s own economic situation. By assisting people at an individual basis in this fashion, we can stimulate the growth of an entire community. ZF provides the start up capital for anyone to buy supplies, equipment or learn vocational skills all to help build this desired business.

One of the first beneficiaries of this project is a 29-year-old widow in Ghana. Until her husband’s death in 2003, Nafaitu Shaban was involved in the trading of women’s clothing. After she was widowed and left to care for her daughter (now six years old) she lost most of her capital and fell into difficulty fending for herself and her child. She even became unable to provide the school fees for her daughter.

With the support of only $200 from The Zakat Foundation, she was able to restart her trading business. She is so grateful for the support of all who contributed to help her re-establish her independence and provide for herself and her daughter.

Nafiatu Shaban, with her six year old daughter, displays the products of her business created with the support of Zakat Foundation.