DAQVAH Hosts 11th Annual Fundraising Dinner and Awards to Advance Education and Women’s Empowerment
DAQVAH Charity Foundation successfully hosted its 11th Annual Fundraising Dinner and Awards on October 18, 2026, under the theme “Invest in Education, Empower Women and Change Lives.” The event brought together donors, subscribers, stakeholders, community leaders, and distinguished guests who shared a common commitment to improving access to education and empowering women and girls.
Delivering the welcome address, Fatimah Bah, Communication Manager of DAQVAH, highlighted the significance of the event’s theme and the organization’s continued dedication to transforming lives through education.
She noted that the theme reflects a reality witnessed daily within communities, emphasizing that educating a child opens the door to a brighter future, while empowering a woman strengthens families, uplifts communities, and inspires future generations. She further explained that education is not merely about learning but also about dignity, opportunity, hope, and breaking cycles of poverty and inequality.
Speaking on the purpose of the gathering, Fatimah Bah stated that the event was organized to raise funds that would provide educational opportunities, empower women and girls, and create pathways for sustainable development. She stressed that every contribution made during the evening represented a dream restored, a child encouraged, a woman empowered, and a life transformed.
In his presentation, Sheikh Farouq Adam Bah emphasized the importance of serving humanity, describing it as one of the greatest forms of worship in Islam. He observed that many people often associate worship only with acts such as prayer, fasting, Hajj, and the payment of Zakat, while overlooking the significance of helping others.
Drawing from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he explained that the most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to humanity. He encouraged attendees to support charitable initiatives that address educational challenges and provide assistance to vulnerable individuals and families. He praised organizations such as DAQVAH for their role in helping children remain in school and providing hope to those facing hardship.
Delivering the keynote address, Madam Zainab Bashir focused on the educational challenges confronting Muslim women and girls. Referencing statistics within Muslim student populations at tertiary institutions, she highlighted the significant disparity between male and female enrollment, noting that Muslim female students remain underrepresented compared to their male counterparts.
She stated that many Muslim women continue to face numerous obstacles in accessing higher education, including social and cultural barriers, discrimination, safety concerns, and financial constraints. According to her, financial limitations remain one of the most significant barriers preventing many talented young women from pursuing their educational aspirations.
Madam Bashir called on individuals, organizations, and development partners to invest in the education of women and girls, emphasizing that such investments have far-reaching benefits for families, communities, and national development.
The dinner and awards ceremony also provided an opportunity to recognize DAQVAH’s supporters, donors, subscribers, and partners whose contributions continue to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families.
The event concluded with a strong display of generosity and commitment from attendees, reaffirming the collective belief that education and women’s empowerment are powerful tools for social transformation.
DAQVAH Charity Foundation expressed its gratitude to all donors, subscribers, partners, volunteers, and guests whose continued support strengthens the organization’s mission of creating lasting opportunities for children, women, and communities across Sierra Leone.
©️ DAQVAH Communication Unit
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