This Summer, I've signed up as a Champion for Children in Embrace’s Back 2 School Challenge to raise funds to help vulnerable children walk tall into school this September.

For half a million children in the UK living in poverty, the start of a new school year brings stress, shame, and exclusion - not excitement. They face bullying, isolation, or even being sent home simply because their family can't afford the right uniform or basic supplies.

“Whoever clothes a believer will be clothed from the green silks of Paradise.” (Tirmidhi)

🎒 Meet Ayah

Ayah fled Gaza after experiencing trauma no child should ever have to endure. On top of processing the horrors she left behind, she faces another daunting beginning: a new school, in a new area, in a new language. Now, poverty stands in the way of her education too.

Her widowed mother receives just £9.97 per child each week. After paying for food, almost nothing remains.

For Ayah, there is no money for a bag. No uniform. No father to walk her to the school gates.

“We are asylum seekers and not allowed to work. We live hand to mouth. We can’t afford school clothes.”

 

👟 Meet Ahmad

His father is in prison. His mother is doing her best, but it’s not enough to cover school costs. He walks through the school gates in torn shoes, a blazer two sizes too small, and a heart full of dread.

Children like Ayah and Ahmad have already survived war, trauma and displacement. They shouldn't have to face exclusion simply because their family cannot afford the basics. But you can change that.

Every Child Deserves Something Before September

So far, 440 children have received just £50 towards their Back to School costs.

But 347 children have received £0.

With just 9 days until schools reopen, our immediate priority is simple:

To make sure every child receives at least £50.

And if we can raise more, we want to increase that support.

£50 will not cover everything. The latest government figures put the average annual cost of school uniform at around £389 per child, rising to around £450 for a secondary school child.

But every donation helps relieve the pressure on a struggling family and gives a child more of what they need to start school with dignity.

Your Donation Can Help Provide:

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Your Donation Can Help:

• £50 – Make Sure No Child Gets Nothing
  Help us reach one of the 347 children still waiting.


• £65 – Pack Their Bag with Dignity
  Help towards essential stationery, equipment and school supplies.


• £185 – Give a Child the Start We Hoped For
  Help us provide the level of support our original campaign target was designed to give each child.

First, let’s get £50 to every child. Then, together, let’s see how much closer we can get to £185.

Let’s help children feel included, not ashamed.

9 children in every classroom live in poverty - through no fault of their own.

Children from refugee families, single-parent households, or with a parent in prison face barriers no child should.

Your donation can restore hope and dignity.

“Whoever relieves the hardship of a believer in this world, Allah will relieve his hardship on the Day of Resurrection.”

Please donate today and help me reach my target.

Together, we can make sure no child is left behind this September.

Don’t let poverty be part of their school uniform. Help them walk tall this term.

Zakah eligible. 100% Zakah policy.