Aisha, a mother of two young children, never imagined she would be starting her life over in her mid-thirties. After years in an abusive marriage, she finally found the courage to leave, supported quietly by a small circle of friends in Auckland. The decision was not easy. Walking away meant stepping into uncertainty, shouldering the responsibilities of single parenthood, and navigating a system that felt overwhelming. But Aisha knew her children deserved a home free from fear, and she was determined to give them that.
With the help of a local women’s refuge and community support workers, Aisha secured a small two-bedroom unit through Kāinga Ora. It was modest and a little worn, but it was quiet, warm, and safe, something she had not experienced for a long time. As a survivor of domestic violence, simply having a lock on the door that she controlled felt like a new beginning.
Although she receives government assistance, the weekly budget is always tight. Rent takes up most of her income, and by the time she pays for groceries, electricity, petrol, and other essentials, there is barely anything left. She cuts costs wherever she can, buying in bulk, visiting the local budget food store, and making food that can stretch over several days. But some things simply cannot be stretched.
When the new school year approached, Aisha began to worry. Her children, eight and ten, both attend the local primary school, where the costs of uniforms, stationery, and digital learning devices add up quickly. She tried to put small amounts aside each week, but unexpected expenses – a doctor’s visit, a broken washing machine, a school trip – kept chipping away at her savings.
After the first week of school, her children’s teachers gently emailed Aisha to let her know they had been borrowing pencils and books. The weight of it all settled heavily on her; although she tried her best, her children were noticing the gaps.
Aisha had already applied for part-time work, anything that could fit around school hours. But securing stable employment while juggling childcare was difficult. She couldn’t afford after-school programmes, and she didn’t have family in New Zealand to help.
It was during a meeting with a community social worker that Aisha first heard about the New Zealand Zakat Foundation. The volunteer explained that the foundation supports individuals and families facing hardship, especially those whose basic needs are not fully met through government assistance. Zakat, a form of obligatory charity in Islam, exists precisely for situations like hers, moments where dignity, stability, and opportunity hang in the balance.
With hesitation, Aisha applied. She worried about being judged, but the process was handled with compassion and confidentiality. She was approved for support to purchase school uniforms, stationery, and essential household items, lifting a weight she had carried alone for months. Her children returned to school feeling confident and included, and Aisha felt, for the first time in a long while, that she had breathing space.
More than financial aid, the zakat support reminded Aisha that she was part of a community that cared for her wellbeing. It gave her hope and allowed her to continue rebuilding her life with dignity, strength, and faith one step at a time.
