Written by Zahra Haroon
In times of crisis, it is important to be generous and give to those who are suffering because they do not have enough. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused panic, not just because of the disease but because of the stalled economy and lack of productivity that the nation is having to deal with. It has become more and more difficult for most of our population to have access to food, water and other basic necessities. Aside from this, the inevitable depletion of hospital resources, which are necessary for the increasing number of infected cases, is also an arising problem
This month, students from TNS joined an initiative started by the prestigious healthcare organisation, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, in order to use social media as a means to spread awareness on the importance of Zakat. The initiative encourages the provision food and water to those in need, donations in money for hospital equipment and blood donations. Shaukat Khanum is a hospital and research centre that runs primarily on financial contributions from the public and the funds collected from Zakat allow patients who cannot otherwise afford healthcare to receive the best treatment possible.
This initiative was put in place to remind people to keep donating to the hospital as it continues to treat cancer patients and make developments in research. This highlights the important message that during this time when people are focusing their aid to fight the Covid-19 virus, they should also not forget about their responsibilities to support preexisting medical organisations and facilities that are still in need of public donations. An initiative like this is an important reminder that we must continue to give aid to fight other diseases, as well as support the sufficient progress being made in reducing mortality and the number of cases in the Covid-19 virus.
The students were given infographics, videos and informative posts, which they were instructed to share with as many people as they can through social media. Since the usual Shaukat Khanum student volunteer initiatives have not been able to take place due to the nationwide lockdown, turning to a virtual medium has become the best way to get students involved in making a difference.The posts shared would give the viewers information on the importance of donating as well as information on how to do so.
This was a great experience for the TNS students, as well as an excellent CAS opportunity that they could easily participate in from home. It also goes to show that the lockdown should not stop us from pursuing activities to complete CAS. There are many options to take part in for community service, especially virtually. Our participation is most important at a trying and uncertain time like this.