Charitable and community groups across Bahrain have stepped up efforts to support families and individuals during Eid Al Fitr, despite ongoing regional tensions, to ensure children can still experience a joyful celebration.
From distributing financial aid and shopping vouchers to organising outings for orphans, these initiatives aim to make the holiday feel as ‘normal as possible’ for those in need.
A’ali Social Charity Society chairman Aqeel Al A’ali told the GDN that the society has transferred funds directly into parents’ bank accounts, allowing them time to prepare for Eid.
Mr Al A’ali
He explained that this method was chosen to minimise the need for in-person collection. However, beneficiaries receiving vouchers still had to collect them physically.
“Each registered family has received BD20 this year,” he said. “We wish we could offer more, as we understand how challenging and expensive life has become, but this amount reflects the funds currently available to us.”
He added that assistance was allocated based on family income and the number of children.
“We are doing everything we can to support families so they can enjoy a normal holiday season,” he said, adding that he does not want children to feel that this period lacks the usual joy and spirit of Eid.
Mr A’ali also encouraged the public to follow government guidelines, noting the unpredictability of the situation and highlighting the importance of unity during difficult times.
“It is common in Bahrain for communities to come together in support of one another,” he said. “Ramadan can be financially demanding for many, and we are proud to play our part.
“There is still time for people to donate so we can extend our support during Eid and beyond.”
Meanwhile, volunteers from Our Responsibility organised a special shopping day for 50 children, with each child receiving BD50 to spend. The group’s founder Rayana Sayyar told the GDN that eidiya was also distributed to children at an orphanage.
Ms Sayyar
She, however, noted that activities have been scaled back this year due to safety concerns.
“While we cannot host large gatherings, we still wanted to create a meaningful experience so the children do not feel alone or miss out on celebrations,” she said.
In previous years, the group organised large events featuring music, games and entertainment.
She also emphasised the importance of maintaining hope and faith during challenging times, while acknowledging government efforts to ensure public safety.
The Pakistani Women’s Association (PWA) launched its Eid clothing initiative to support families in need.
“Community members donated new and gently-used clothing, which were sorted and distributed to those who need them most,” president Shahmeen Islam told the GDN.
Ms Islam
“Although we are not organising gatherings due to the current situation, this initiative remains deeply meaningful. We delivered the clothes a week before Eid so recipients can celebrate with dignity, knowing they are prepared.”
To make a donation to the A’ali Social Charity Society, contact 39751570.
Ms Islam with the clothes
For more information, follow the Pakistani Women’s Association (@p_w_a_bahrain) and Our Responsibility (@ourresponsibility_bh) on Instagram.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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