Name of Organisation
Islamic Ladies Social and Cultural Association (ILSCA)
How can people find you?
Website: http://www.ilsca.org
Contact: Sr. Shaleeza Khan-Ali (President)
Phone: (868) 755-6185
Email: [email protected]
How was your organisation formed?
In June 1970 some visionary women spanning the many Muslim organizations of Trinidad and Tobago came together to establish a united women’s organization. Their major goal was to contribute to the sustainable development of our nation in the field of social welfare, Islamic and secular education and cultural activities. Out of this initiative the Islamic Ladies Social and Cultural Association (ILSCA) was formed in 1971 with its objectives being, inter alia:
- Promoting the understanding and practice of Islam, locally and elsewhere.
- Rendering humanitarian and charitable services as an Islamic duty.
- Social and cultural activities.
These initial foundation members, led by Dr. Joan Homaida Kazim and ably supported by Mrs. Zalayhar Hassanali (former First Lady of Trinidad and Tobago), Mrs. Hazrah Hamid, Mrs. Khelafan Mustapha, Mrs. Yvonne Shah, Mrs. Hanifa Rahman, Mrs. Nellie Khan, Mrs. B. Imam Baksh, Mrs. Haffeeza Mohammed, Mrs. Ayesha Dookie, Ms. Maida Ali and Mrs. Hafeeza Ali, to name a few, developed a foundation which has seen over 50 years of growth as an NGO.
They were subsequently joined by more women of substance who played their part as executive members and committee members, continuing ILSCA’s development, meeting and surpassing its initial objectives. Some of these continue to play a role in ILSCA, such as Mrs. Zaiboon Khan, Mrs. Sharena Nabbie, Mrs. Acklima Ali, Mrs. Nafisa Ali, Hosein sisters, Ali sisters and Mrs. Rasheeda Mohammed, to name a few.
What area(s) of interest does your organisation have? What does your organisation do for your stakeholders? What problems do you aim to solve for them?
Our Mission Statement: ILSCA is a leading Muslim women’s organization that promotes Islam and the overall upliftment and development of women and family life. We improve the well-being of communities by:
- Providing social work and poverty alleviation services to those most in need.
- Promoting Islamic education, culture, and Da’Wah.
- Networking and advocacy to influence policy decisions at all levels.
To fulfil our mission, some of our projects and activities include:
Social Welfare – Poverty Alleviation
Our Social Welfare Programme started from inception in 1971. The objective of this Programme has always been to assist destitute and needy families throughout the country, either through the sponsorship programme or with one-time assistance.
Through our Sponsorship Programme we assist families financially every two months, in addition to counselling them in areas such as family life, parenting, health/environment, education and finance, as is necessary. Currently the country is divided into fourteen geographical areas and we service these sponsored clients through our caregivers who are members of our Association, who give of themselves voluntarily.
We consider our programme to be quite successful since we are continuously able to take some of the sponsored clients off the programme as they become self-sufficient and add others who are in need.
School Book and Uniform Program
On an ongoing basis ILSCA assists our sponsored families with the annual costly responsibility of providing the much-needed tools for school. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, having a device and connectivity to the internet was a necessity. In order to ensure that the children of our sponsored families had the opportunity to realise their potential during that trying time, we had provided at least one device for each of our sponsored families with children.
Islamic Education
Throughout the years ILSCA has sought to fulfil this objective via a variety of innovative as well as conventional ways:
- Starting in the 70’s we provided basic religious teachings through our weekly Maktab classes.
- In the 80’s we had adult classes in the areas of Islamic history, Arabic as a language and distribution of Islamic literature.
- Essay writing competitions, quizzes and poetry reading.
- In 2018 ILSCA collaborated with other organizations to conduct a 2-day Seminar on the Islamic Laws of Inheritance.
Health
ILSCA held a range of Health Education Programmes covering topics on Breast Cancer, drug abuse, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, Heart Diseases and Aids and the Quranic Injunctions. Courses have also been offered on ‘Care of the Elderly’.
In 2020, upon recognising the negative impact of the Covid pandemic on teens, we conducted a seminar entitled “Life Can Be Tough, But Mental Health Matters”. This extremely vital session was conducted over Zoom by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Katija Khan. It was well attended and, moreover, highly appreciated by teens and parents.
Cultural Activities
Throughout the years, ILSCA brought, to the general public, an appreciation of Islam as a religion and as a cultural experience. Through exhibitions, expositions and a concert we showcased the influence Islam had on the different cultures around the world and on Arts, Science, Medicine, Food and Architecture. For example:
- “The Origin and Spread of Islam” exhibition highlighted the spread of Islam.
- “The Bachon ki Dunya” (Children of the World) concert, set in the Alhambra Palace, was held in Queens Hall and Naparima Bowl. It featured the works of scientists, poets and philosophy, art and science.
- “Ramadan – a Month of Blessing” exhibition held at NALIS and the Atrium at the Airport exposed the nation to the concept and benefits of fasting during Ramadan.
What was your most challenging experience/project? How did you get through it? What made you stick with it to the end?
In 2012, ILSCA hosted a Seminar on the “Age of Marriage in Islam”. The objective of the seminar was to provide a response, from the Muslim community, to the proposed Standardisation of the marriage age in T&T by the Government. The five (5) major Muslim Organisations in T&T, namely ASJA, Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah Institute, Darul Uloom, TIA and TML were invited to participate; we also had representation from the UIO, IRS and IDM. We examined what currently holds in our Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act and looked at whether any changes should be recommended. The intention was to culminate with a Position Paper signed off by all participating organisations and sent to the Government. Presentations covered the following 4 areas:
- The Shariah Law regarding the Age of Marriage.
- Medical Implications of Early Marriage.
- Psycho-Social Implications of Early Marriage.
- Legal Issues regarding the Age of Marriage and the Age of Consent.
What benefits did it deliver?
After the Seminar a committee was formed to write the Position Paper, comprising members from the various organisations. The Position Paper was sent to the Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development in 2013. This was the start of ILSCA enabling the Muslim Community to put forward Position Papers and publish full-page articles on social issues affecting the national community, such as:
- 2012 & 2017 Marriage Act
- 2014 Parenting
- 2019 Decriminalisation of Marijuana
- 2021 Crime and Gender Based Violence
- 2023 The Atrocities and Humanitarian Crisis in Palestine
What is the coolest thing you’ve achieved/project you’ve been a part of or executed? What benefits did it deliver? What change did it cause, create, or enable?
In 2018 ILSCA recognised the need for the development of all the members of our sponsored families. A workshop was designed with concurrent sessions to benefit these families across four groupings: Parents; Young children 6–10 years; Young adults 11–16 years; and Tertiary Level 17–21 years. Sessions were facilitated by well trained and qualified members of ILSCA as well as trained and qualified well-wishers.
In the 6–10 years age group
Ayanna Omawale conducted an interactive, lively and fun session offering guidance through all aspects of “Hygiene & Keeping My Body Safe”. Zainab Abdullah, with the use of colourful and easy to follow visual aids, gave a significant, age-appropriate presentation clearly defining her topic “Friendship, Peer Pressure, Conflict Resolution & Bullying”. Nimah Muwakil, happily supported by Naseema Ali and other enthusiastic helpers, conducted the “Art Activity” with this group, giving the talented children different art projects. They were able to proudly display their creative works with their families afterwards.
In the 11–16 years age group
Zainab Abdullah again took her topic up a notch to the level of these participants. On the topic of “Puberty and Hygiene”, Dr. Adam Khan coached the boys in a discreet, interactive and informative session. Dr. Ayana Ramrekha coached the girls, beginning with each individual introducing herself in a friendly, interactive and safe session. Anievia Baksh-Khan’s topic “Study Tips, Time Management & Responsible Use of Social Media” was thoughtfully interactive, with the kids forming smaller groups to create and present their own timetable charts displaying the best use of time for various activities.
The Tertiary Level young adults’ group
Shameen Ali conducted “Social Interactions – Peers, Parents & Personal Relationships”. Naseema Ali skillfully conducted “Financial Management” from her knowledge in this field; her mother, Haseena Ali, honed by years of experience, added on as needed. Natasha Garib, supported by Angeli Elliot, coached on “Getting Ready for the World of Work”, including CV writing and interview skills.
Parents
Haseena Ali, with the assistance of Naseema Ali, coached the parents in “Financial Management”. Denise Mohammed then coached on “Parenting Skills”, introducing scenarios on communication skills and individual problem solving. Hatim Mohammed’s session on “Conflict Resolution” was interesting and interactive. Throughout the day, useful handouts and information on relevant services were provided, while refreshments were offered at intervals.
General Sessions for all Present
Mr. Siewdath Dupraj conducted an exceptionally useful and educational session on “Growing Our Own Food”. Dr. Darleen Franco conducted her session on “General Medical – healthy lifestyle, proper diet & exercising”, followed by Dr. Felisa Ramdass on “Dental Care”.
What change did it cause, create, or enable?
- It helped equip families to gain better skills for this life. It was phenomenal, as each imperative pillar of support in dealing with life was effectively addressed.
- Some parents remarked that this was the first time they were exposed to information on financial management, parenting skills and how to address problems through mediation.
- The general session “Growing our own Food” showed parents and children alike how simple it was to achieve this. They received tomato, patchoi and seme seedlings and seeds and subsequently showcased their produce weeks later.
Do you have anything else you’d like to add? What should people know about your organisation?
ILSCA continues to:
- Promote the religion of Islam in Trinidad and Tobago, regionally and internationally.
- Cultivate, preserve and upkeep the institution of family life.
- Collaborate with other organisations (Islamic, non-Islamic and civil society) to improve the well-being of society, promoting goodwill and harmony in T&T.
Our focus remains to improve the well-being of communities through the provision of social and humanitarian services to those most in need. As part of our advocacy and community support throughout the years, following are some of our more recent activities:
In 2015, we collaborated with the Cancer Society and Pretty Powerful groups to donate Head Scarves to be used by cancer survivors. We knew that scarves would assist those managing the side effects of hair loss during treatment.
In 2016, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, the Network of NGO’s implemented an initiative to distribute Care Packages to victims of Domestic Violence. ILSCA participated by donating packages towards this cause.
In 2017, with the devastating impact of the hurricane in Dominica and other islands, ILSCA, our members and well-wishers contributed towards the purchase of Crix, Canned Items, Soap and Sanitary Products. These items were sent to Dominica with the assistance of the Muslims of TT NGO. ILSCA also contributed towards the purchase of galvanised sheets sent to Dominica with the assistance of Br. Ashmead Ali of the Ashnad Foundation. Also in 2017, ILSCA initiated action geared toward bringing relief to families affected by flooding in central and south Trinidad. On the weekend of the flooding, 1,300 meals as well as mattresses were distributed with the assistance of Br. Ashmead Ali of the Ashnad Foundation.
In 2021, due to the volcano eruption, we responded to the St Vincent and the Grenadines relief effort by contributing 1,680 cases of water, delivered through the Muslims of T&T NGO. Also in 2021, in response to the overwhelming number of cases of Violence and Crime Against Women, ILSCA met with members to brainstorm ideas that would reflect the Muslim women’s response to what had been happening in our country. Coming out of this discussion, a full-page article was printed in the Express and the Guardian on Sunday 14th February 2021, calling for the coming together of civil society to bring about the necessary changes to our beloved country. This article was the genesis for an NGO “Call to Action” which started work by focusing on 4 areas:
- Parenting and Family Life
- Education
- Culture
- Judiciary and Law Enforcement
The objective is to bring about the necessary changes in the society for a better Trinidad & Tobago, whether institutional or societal.
In November 2022, to bring some measure of relief to families affected by the flooding in Bamboo Village, ILSCA provided 325 meals distributed through the Bamboo Jamaah in boats supplied by the residents. In December, ILSCA made available a large amount of clothing, footwear and household items at the Bamboo Masjid Hall. The clothing which remained was packaged and sent to the Woodland area to those also affected by flooding.
As it has done in the past, ILSCA continues to partner with various NGO’s and Governmental agencies for the benefit of the national community and thereby engendering community spirit.
Our Vision: We envisage communities empowered and transformed by our programmes and services that conform to the principles of Islam.
In a perfect world where you have all the resources necessary, what would your dream project be and what would you want it to achieve?
With all the resources necessary, we would like to set up a home for those women in need of a safe home or a temporary shelter, providing short-term shelter and the opportunity for coaching toward sustainable and gainful employment or entrepreneurship undertakings. We would like to provide mentors to teach and train these women in various fields of cottage industries in order to enable them to perform various tasks and skilled trades, with the intention of marketing for sustainable income — curtailing dependency and by extension bringing value to the wider nation. We would set up training & computer rooms, industrial kitchens, woodworking tools or clay ovens, sewing rooms and such depending on the trade.
In addition to this, we would like to facilitate appropriate emotional, psychological and Islamic counselling services when needed.
Are there any upcoming events, good news, or announcements you’d like to share with readers?
Annually we recognise the children of our sponsored families who have been successful at various examinations — SEA, CSEC, CAPE and Tertiary level. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic that was not possible. In December 2023 we recognised 47 students who achieved these milestones during the period 2020–2023. We also took the opportunity to recognise the children of our members who were successful at these exams.