The Zahra Trust UK

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Back to School

Dignity, learning and hope for every child.

For many vulnerable children, orphans and widowed mothers, the back-to-school season brings hardship instead of hope. Poverty and loss can leave children without the essentials to learn and mothers without secure ways to support their families. We aim to change that.

Join a global Shia community bringing opportunity and support in honour of the Holy Family (as).

DonateChoose a Package
Children and widows supported by The Zahra Trust Back to School campaign
Active Campaign

Every gift honours the Ahlulbayt (as) and carries their legacy forward.

— The Zahra Trust Back to School

79M+
Lives changed
16
Countries reached
100%
of your gift reaches the cause

Choose your gifts

Start with essentials

Back to school essentials
Back to school essentials
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School meals
School meals
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School fees
School fees
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Where most needed
Where most needed
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Supporting children is only part of the story, you can also fund

Technology & Development
Technology & Development
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Skills Training
Skills Training
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Sponsor a classroom
Sponsor a classroom
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A movement bigger than any one gift

Today you’ve helped 35,944 walk into classrooms.

This year, the need is greater — and so is our resolve.

20+
classrooms restored
100+
widowed mothers trained and employed as teachers
15,000+
school meals
5,000
backpacks
5,000
essentials kits (pencils, notebooks)
2,000
uniforms provided
Sponsor a classroom

Why your gift matters

A legacy that outlives you

For the child who receives their first school uniform and walks with confidence.

For the parent or caregiver who can provide food and build a more secure future through meaningful work.

For you — because every page read, every prayer whispered and every life lifted becomes part of your legacy.

Donate Now

Case Studies

How you’ve helped to transform lives

Malika

Case study

Malika

“If this school did not exist, I might never have been able to access education. Now, I have goals, I am hopeful, and I know I can have a good future.”

Reduced school fees and daily snacks helped nine-year-old Malika return to the classroom after financial hardship forced her out.

Mahdi

Case study

Mahdi

"To every orphan, I say: Do not lose hope in the future, no matter the circumstances. For at the end of every tunnel, there is light."

Sustained educational support helped Mahdi overcome hardship, qualify as a medical specialist and prepare to serve the community that once supported him.

Zainab

Case study

Zainab

“I am now able to attend school daily and follow my lessons without worrying about the lack of books or stationery.”

With support for tuition, transport, books, stationery and a uniform, eleven-year-old Zainab now attends school daily and is growing in confidence and achievement.

Your questions, answered

Answers about the Back to School campaign.

What is the Back to School campaign?
The Back to School campaign supports vulnerable children and widows in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Lebanon. It provides essential school supplies, uniforms, meals, classroom support, and economic empowerment so every child begins school with dignity.
Who does this campaign support?
Orphans and vulnerable children with school essentials, food, and tuition support; children with disabilities through inclusive education; widowed mothers through training as classroom assistants and educators; and entire classrooms through renovation and sponsorship.
How can I contribute?
Donate on this page — sponsor supplies or uniforms, cover a child's school fees, provide hot meals, fund classroom renovations, digital tools or inclusive education, or support training programmes for widows. Donations are tax-deductible where applicable.
What is the goal of the campaign?
To impact over 1,000 lives — improving education access, dignity, and future opportunities for children while empowering widows through meaningful employment and training.
Is my donation tracked or reported?
Yes. We prioritise transparent impact reporting — you'll see where your donation goes, with updates on school support, widow training and classroom transformation.