Lucknow: The Zakat and Charitable Foundation organised a formal award ceremony to honour girls and women who completed various skill-development courses at its Model Community Centres across the city. The event was held at Iram Convent College, Bholanath Kuan, Akbari Gate.
During the ceremony, certificates were distributed to course graduates, while top performers in mehndi (henna) design and stitching competitions received special awards recognising their achievements. The programme was hosted by Nida Fatima, with recitation of the Holy Qur’an performed by Bushra Khatoon.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Afreen Usman gave a detailed introduction to the Zakat and Charitable Foundation, outlining the objectives and activities of the Model Community Centres operating in different parts of the city. She explained that the centres’ primary goal is to teach girls and women practical, useful skills that allow them to make use of their abilities and move toward financial self-sufficiency. She noted that the Foundation currently runs five Model Community Centres across the city, which have so far benefited more than 600 girls and women. She added that the Foundation’s aim goes beyond simply offering courses; it seeks to help trainees stand on their own feet, refine their talents, and access opportunities for dignified employment.
In his address, the Foundation’s Secretary, Maulana Zubair Malik Falahi, spoke about the importance of cooperation and community service. He said there are two ways to help someone in need: one is to guide a blind person by the hand to their destination, and the other is to help restore their sight so they can walk the path and reach their destination on their own. He said the Foundation’s efforts are focused on the latter approach – equipping girls and women with skills and abilities so they need not depend on others, and can make their own life decisions and shape a better future. He said the Foundation wants its girls to have within them the ability, passion, and courage to turn the dreams they envision into reality, adding that education and skill-building instill confidence, which becomes the foundation for moving forward.
Shaheen Islam gave a PowerPoint presentation on the theme of women’s empowerment. She said that empowering women does not mean stepping outside the bounds of Islamic and moral values; rather, Islam grants women honour, dignity, and rights while also giving them a meaningful role to play in society. She noted that the Qur’an clearly outlines women’s rights and responsibilities. She added that since the present era is one of digital technology, it is essential for girls to learn modern technology alongside artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital skills.
Awards were also presented to the top performers in the mehndi design and stitching competitions organised by the Model Community Centre. In the mehndi design competition, Fatima Shahid placed first, Roshni second, and Gulfeshan Idrees third. In the stitching competition, Sara Taj placed first, Kainat Bashar second, and Nadia Zaidi third. All position holders were felicitated, and certificates were also distributed among the other course graduates.
Dr. Uzma Mubashir, Tabassum Qidwai, Hina Jafri, Sabuhi Alvi, Rizwana, and other speakers also addressed the ceremony.
