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Muslim Climate Watch •

The Islamic Charities Battling the LA Fires

On January 7th, a series of unrelenting wildfires erupted across Los Angeles. As the flames burned, a wave of compassion and action rose to meet the challenge—led by organizations like Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).


Entire communities were engulfed, homes reduced to ashes, and over 150,000 residents were told to evacuate. In just one week, the estimated damage was 12,000 structures. IRUSA’s Di...
Build a Water Project •

AI Water Consumption & What You Can Do

Who doesn’t love AI? In today’s world, artificial intelligence has become an indispensable tool, assisting in everything from free math tutoring and comprehensive document summaries to even generating grocery lists. Over the last quarter century, we have grown increasingly reliant on machines for support. As a result, AI has seamlessly woven itself into nearly every aspect of our lives—so much so that imagining a world without it feels impossible.But where does AI receive its intelligence? The a...
Salaam Food Pantry •

Winter Blanket Drive

On November 23rd, Peace Terrace Academy, a private Islamic school hosted a Winter Blanket Drive to bring warmth and comfort for the upcoming winter season. The drive was held at Peace Terrace Academy in Fremont from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It proved to be a success, with the community donating over 300 brand-new blankets for adults and children.In addition, Peace Terrace Academy students prepared and donated 100 hygiene kits, which they purchased, packed, and assembled themselves. These kits included...
Build a Water Project •

The Future of Smart Water Management Systems

Smart Water Management (SWM) leverages advanced technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence, to optimize the collection, distribution, and use of water resources. These systems aim to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure sustainable water use, addressing the critical challenge of water scarcity exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and urbanization.Water scarcity is a growing global concern, with many regions facing severe shortages due to...
Build a Water Project •

The Importance of Water Conservation in Urban Areas

Urban areas, characterized by dense populations and extensive infrastructure, face unique challenges in managing their water resources. Sustainable water use in cities is critical for environmental preservation and ensuring long-term water security. Brian Richter, a renowned water conservation expert, emphasizes the imperative of sustainable water practices in urban settings to avert the severe repercussions of water scarcity.Urban water pollution is a significant issue that exacerbates water sc...
Build a Water Project •

Increasing Frequency of Water-Related Disasters

Water-related disasters, including floods, droughts, and extreme weather events, have increased in frequency and severity over the past 50 years. This trend is expected to continue due to the impacts of climate change, which exacerbate both the occurrence and intensity of these events.The increasing global temperatures caused by climate change play a crucial role in this crisis. As temperatures rise, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading to more intense storms and heavy rainfall. This i...
Build a Water Project •

Water Footprint: Understanding and Reducing Your Impact

Water is a vital resource that sustains life on Earth. Yet, with growing populations and industrial demands, freshwater resources are under increasing pressure. Understanding and reducing our water footprint is crucial in mitigating water scarcity and promoting sustainable use. This article explores what a water footprint is, how to measure it, and practical ways to reduce it.A water footprint measures the amount of freshwater used to produce goods and services consumed by an individual, communi...
Build a Water Project •

Singapore's Four National Taps: A Blueprint for Water Security

Singapore, an island city-state with limited natural water resources, has developed a comprehensive strategy known as the Four National Taps to ensure a reliable water supply for its citizens. This multi-pronged approach leverages diverse water sources and innovative technologies, securing the country's water future despite its geographical and climatic challenges. The Four National Taps include water from local catchments, imported water, NEWater, and desalinated water. The first pillar of Sing...
Build a Water Project •

Building Wells: A Lifeline for Impoverished Communities

Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet millions in poverty-stricken areas still lack it. Building water wells in these communities can significantly improve their quality of life. Let’s explore the process of constructing wells and their profound impact on impoverished communities.The first step is selecting an appropriate site, which involves geological surveys and hydrological studies to identify locations with adequate groundwater. Factors such as the water table level, soil...
Salaam Food Pantry •

Family Giving Tree and SFP Support Students for the New School Year

In a heartwarming collaboration, Family Giving Tree donated 110 backpacks to the Salaam Food Pantry, ensuring that students within the Fremont community are equipped and ready for school this year. These backpacks, filled with essential and thoughtfully selected supplies, were distributed by age and grade to support local families as they prepare for the upcoming academic year. Family Giving Tree is a nonprofit committed to addressing inequity in California by providing under-resourced children...
The Borgen Project •

Tackling Poverty Through Education in the Middle East

Education is a key determinant of economic stability and growth. In the Middle East, where poverty levels are high, access to education can significantly affect an individual’s economic prospects. According to Maher Hamoud, a professor of political economy at the University of Leuven, Belgium, “People tend to be easily manipulated when the level of education is low.” However, the relationship between education and poverty is not merely about individual empowerment; it also affects broader sociop...
The Borgen Project •

Singapore’s Social Safety Net: A Blueprint for Reducing Poverty

Singapore, often hailed as an economic miracle, boasts a diverse economy that has propelled the nation to high-income status. Additionally, the country’s financial landscape is distinguished by a blend of globally leading industries, including manufacturing, services and emerging sectors. Manufacturing, a cornerstone of Singapore’s economy, spans electronics, chemicals and biomedical sciences. Furthermore, it contributes significantly to gross domestic product (GDP) and employment.
Meanwhile, th...
Salaam Food Pantry •

Back2School with ICNA Relief & Salaam Food Pantry

On August 3rd, 2024, ICNA Relief, in collaboration with Salaam Food Pantry, held its annual Back2School Event. From 11 am to 1 pm, volunteers gathered to distribute free backpacks with school supplies, candies, clothes, and food to help students in need prepare for the upcoming school year.The Back2School Event is more than just a charitable distribution; it symbolizes hope and opportunity for families facing economic hardship. This year, the event was a resounding success, providing 120 backpac...
Salaam Food Pantry •

SFP Snack Packs: Nourishing Fremont’s Unhoused Community

In the heart of Fremont, a community-driven initiative is making a tangible difference for the unhoused residents of Alameda County. In January of 2023, Salaam Food Pantry (SFP), in collaboration with Bay Area Community Health (BACH), launched the ‘Snack Packs for Unhoused Folks’ program to provide vital nourishment for those in need. This endeavor highlights SFP’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of Fremont’s community.Orlando Yang volunteers his Sundays biking to the Salaam Food Pantry...
The Borgen Project •

How Chile's Water Reform is Reducing Poverty

In recent years, Chile has faced significant challenges related to water scarcity, with more than half of its population living in areas experiencing severe drought conditions. Recognizing the importance of sustainable water management, the country has implemented reforms since 2022 to address water scarcity and improve quality across the nation. These ongoing reforms, supported generously by the World Bank, have enhanced water resources and played a crucial role in reducing poverty to foster a...
The Borgen Project •

The Palestinian Education Crisis: Scholasticide

Palestine, composed of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, is a region enduring prolonged conflict and political instability. The West Bank (bordered by Israel and Jordan) and the Gaza Strip (bordered by Israel and Egypt) are home to a combined population of more than 5 million Palestinians. The geopolitical conflict with Israel has led to severe socioeconomic challenges, including high mortality rates, restricted access to resources and continuous warfare.
The ongoing conflict has inflicted devas...
The Borgen Project •

Uyghur Health Care Disparities in Xinjiang

The Uyghur population in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) faces numerous health care challenges. These challenges contribute to the overall hardships experienced by this ethnic minority. These plights stem from systemic discrimination, inadequate health care infrastructure and human rights violations, all of which exacerbate poverty.
The distribution of health care services in Xinjiang is highly unequal. Approximately 80% of the region’s health care infrastructure is concentrated...
Salaam Food Pantry •

Making a Digital Difference

In February of 2024, Salaam Food Pantry received a donation of 42 used Dell Intel i7 laptops from Seagate for economically disadvantaged families, students pursuing online education, and individuals seeking employment. Ahmed Samiuddin, the IT Director at Seagate Technology spearheaded this initiative and shares his story. One of Salaam Food Pantry's (SFP) outreach programs, which sources laptops for disadvantaged young high school students, sparked an idea to Mr. Sami. He approached his company...
The Borgen Project •

The World Bank’s Education Reform in Africa

Education is a critical area of investment for poverty alleviation and sustainable growth. The World Bank has enabled education reform in Africa by focusing on creating equitable and quality schooling systems. This article highlights successes in three countries: Rwanda, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), showcasing the World Bank’s impactful mission throughout the region.
Rwanda has made substantial strides in education reform through the Quality Basic Education for Human Capital...
The Borgen Project •

Tackling Poverty in the Cook Islands Post-Pandemic

The Cook Islands, an idyllic South Pacific archipelago, faced significant socioeconomic and poverty challenges after the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditionally reliant on tourism, global travel restrictions severely disrupted the nation’s primary industry, leading to widespread economic hardship.
The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a devastating blow to the Cook Islands’ economy. Tourism, which contributed approximately 70% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018, abruptly halted as global travel...
The Borgen Project •

Fighting Diseases in Palestine

Palestine includes two non-contiguous territories located in the Middle East: the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The West Bank is home to 3.2 million people and Gaza to 2.1 million. Since Oct. 7, 2023, continuous warfare between Israel and the resistance of Palestine has resulted in a severe health crisis, highlighted by a rapid spread of infectious diseases and the collapse of essential health care services.
Political and economic instability–worsened by the blockade and fighting– has left the h...