Blogging has long been a part of the way Islamic Relief tells our story, but now, for the first time, we have recruited 5 bloggers from our staff around the world to share their stories with you on a regular basis.
We hope their memories and impressions will give you a deeper insight into the work Islamic Relief does and the people we serve.
It’s a pleasure to introduce our new regular bloggers:
Charles Njanga
Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, where he is still based, Charles is Islamic Relief’s Regional Media Creator for Africa.
His role involves producing ‘content’ – videos, photos, case studies etc – from the region, as well as supporting staff in 8 Islamic Relief country offices to develop their own skills and content.
This can involve offering technical support from afar or travelling around the region. Charles is also responsible for approving media materials from Africa on Islamic Relief’s internal creative content database, IR Digital.
Prior to joining Islamic Relief, Charles worked as a news editor, as well as a communications consultant and communications coordinator.
“Stories are powerful tools for passing on knowledge, information, social norms and values, and sharing history,” Charles says when asked why he wanted to become a regular blogger.
“I enjoy painting pictures with words and taking the reader on a journey while sharing experiences. I have always enjoyed writing from an early age and was an avid consumer of novels. I like creatively weaving words to create a vivid picture in the mind of the reader.”
Hiba Ben Abdennabi
Hiba is a new addition to Islamic Relief, joining our office in Tirana, Albania, as the Media and Communication officer.
“Since I started working with Islamic Relief, I continuously found myself eager to keep a log, not wanting to forget the people that I meet during the many field trips that I go on.
“When I was told about the call for regular bloggers, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to write these logs and, most importantly, share them with everyone. I want to allow the readers to travel with me, explore this beautiful region and feel the closeness that I feel with its people.”
Khaled Al-Wakeel
Khaled is Islamic Relief’s Regional Content Creator for the Middle East and Europe, based in his native Jordan.
He draws on his background in communications, journalism, videography and photography to produce content and help Islamic Relief offices in the region to do the same, fulfilling a similar role to Charles.
Khaled states “connecting peoples’ stories through experiences, giving voice to those who most need representation, sharing achievements and milestones, as well as hardships” as his motivation for becoming a regular blogger.
Elizabeth Mandala
Elizabeth is a Communications and Media officer for Islamic Relief, based in Blantyre, Malawi.
Her work involves capturing, documenting and telling stories about Islamic Relief’s projects in Malawi. It also involves publicising this work as well as creating and maintaining the visibility of the organisation.
Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication, prior to working for Islamic Relief, she spent three years working as a reporter.
“Regular blogging will help me enhance my professional image and connect with fellow bloggers. Writing allows me to express myself very well. The goal is to connect a reader with the happenings across the world and to inspire someone. It is a satisfying feeling for me,” Elizabeth says.
Mohammed Ismail
Mohammed is a Safeguarding and Accountability Officer, and father of 2, based in Gaza City.
Prior to his current role, Mohammed worked as an officer for Islamic Relief’s Orphan Sponsorship Programme in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“I did lots of writing when I was at school,” Mohammed says. “I found in it a way to express myself. I find writing a creative way to formulate ideas and thoughts. As a Palestinian, I feel I have to raise the voice of my people to be head, and to tell our story to the world.”
Tomorrow we’ll be publishing the first blog from Hiba, please come back to read about her experience visiting a Ramadan food parcel distribution in Kosova.