A campaigning website called Our Responsibility continues to help struggling families and individuals in Bahrain access financial support for a wide range of challenges.
So far, 65 cases have been received through the platform, covering everything from debt settlements to educational sponsorship, renovation projects and food support initiatives during Ramadan.
The website was introduced to make it easier for struggling people to seek and receive support, especially during the holy month.
What started as a Instagram page in 2023 has since evolved into a fully-fledged non-profit registered organisation dedicated to supporting orphans, vulnerable children and families in need.
“We created this platform to make it easier for people to both seek help and offer support,” the organisation’s founder Rayana Sayyar told the GDN.
“It clearly lists all open cases where donations can be made, and it also allows individuals to submit their own cases.”
The 33-year-old explained that once a case is submitted, it undergoes a thorough review process involving several authorities, including the Social Development Ministry, to verify the authenticity of each request.
Applicants are required to provide bank statements and valid identification to confirm their financial situation.
“After the case is reviewed by the relevant authorities, including the Social Development Ministry and Our Responsibility’s board members, it is then published on the website for donations,” Ms Sayyar said.
Members of Our Responsibility also conduct home visits to interview applicants, allowing them to better understand each family’s circumstances and the challenges they face.
To encourage those in need to come forward, the listings remain anonymous. However, additional details can be shared with donors who wish to sponsor a case.
Among the highlighted initiatives is the renovation of the children’s psychiatric ward at Salmaniya Medical Complex.
“We require around BD80,000 to complete the full renovation,” Ms Sayyar said, adding that the project aims to transform the ward with new colours, furniture and a more welcoming design to create a comforting environment for young patients.
“The current environment can feel unwelcoming and may negatively impact children receiving treatment, while the renovation will also introduce inpatient services that are not currently available.”
The design will be completed by Ms Sayyar’s 8/23 architectural design studio in Manama.
The website also features several debt-relief cases for families facing financial hardship.
These include raising BD3,186 to settle electricity bills for a family impacted by ongoing health challenges and BD3,500 to support a divorced father-of-three struggling with essential expenses.
Another case appeals for BD1,400 for a single father-of-two dealing with accumulated electricity bills, and BD2,200 for a mother unable to work due to serious health issues.
“We co-ordinated with members of parliament across the kingdom to identify severe debt cases requiring urgent assistance,” she said, adding that as an additional safeguard, funds are not transferred directly to beneficiaries.
“Instead, payments are made by Our Responsibility to the relevant authorities or service providers.”
Other cases listed on the platform include educational support for a sixth-year medical university student whose father is unable to cover the remaining BD6,000 in tuition fees, as well as BD7,200 for an orphaned student to fund the next three years of study at another institution of higher learning.
Further fundraising efforts are also being directed towards Eid shopping and Gergaoun celebrations for orphans, along with providing iftar meals for families in need during Ramadan.
Ninety per cent of the cases involve Bahraini nationals, although individuals of other nationalities are also welcome to apply for support.
Highlighting the importance of community spirit, Ms Sayyar encouraged the public to get involved, particularly during the holy month, a time dedicated to giving back and supporting those in need.
“Some people need help but don’t know where to turn,” she said.
“By creating this platform, we are giving those in need the opportunity to receive support while keeping their identities protected.”
She added that throughout Ramadan, the organisation plans to share the impact of donations by publishing interviews with beneficiaries, allowing them to tell their stories and the hardships they have faced.
Ms Sayyar also urged anyone in need of assistance to come forward and apply for support through the platform.
Since 2023, Our Responsibility has worked in partnership with relevant authorities to renovate fire-damaged homes and orphanages and sponsor both healthcare and university education for those in need.
Ms Sayyar was named winner of the Woman in Social Services category at the Women of the Year Awards 2025 in Bahrain.
She was recognised for her significant contributions to the community, particularly her work with orphans and children in need. Last year, BD60,000 was raised.
For more information, reach out to @ourresponsibility_bh on Instagram.
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