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Case Study
Thiruja's Story
After her father died when she was just an infant, eight-year-old Thiruja’s mother was unable to look after her. Not wanting to send the baby to an orphanage, her mother's sister Maheswari took her in, despite having three children of her own to raise on her labourer husband’s salary.
“I have only sons and I had always wanted a daughter,” she said.
For many years the family struggled to survive in their crumbling house in Kantale, a town in north east Sri Lanka. Maheswari’s elder sons recently left home and she is now left with Thiruja and her youngest son
“It is still difficult for us to manage with rising prices and the scarcity of work for my husband,” said Maheswari, who is thankful for the Rs 2,000 (US $20) she receives monthly from Muslim Aid Sri Lanka (MASL) under its Rainbow Family programme.
The money goes for school books, shoes, pens and uniforms. Thiruja receives a further Rs 3,000 a month into a savings account so she can go on to further education.
A shy, serious child with pigtails and sparkling white stones in her ears, Thiruja is a good student and happy to be at school.
“Whatever happens, I am determined that she stays in school,” said Maheswari. “I am very grateful to Muslim Aid for the extra money that has helped us a great deal.”
Kasun-Sri Lanka
Having experienced years of hardship Bisho looks much older than her 45 years. Six years ago, 
her husband committed suicide after he became depressed over an argugement with relatives. Bisho now brings up their three children alone. She lives off the meager earnings of her eldest son while trying to find the means to send her daughter and seven year old son Kasun to school.
Kasun is now a Rainbow Family Child helped through Muslim Aid Sri Lanka. He receives Rs 3,000 a month for educational expenses and another Rs 3,000 for his further education. With this Bisho pays for English classes and any extra equipment he needs for school. RECDO, who work in partnership with Muslim Aid Sri Lanak, visit Kasun regularly to see his progress at school.
He is a good student who likes to draw. One day he wants to join the military.
As Bisho tries to find the words to thank Muslim Aid, her voice breaks and tears roll down her cheeks. “Muslim Aid has helped me more than my family,” she said.
Janaki Kumari
Janaki Kumari was just 28 years old and the mother of two young sons when her husband, a government security guard, was killed by a bomb in Sri Lanka’s eastern Trincomalee district two years ago. Since then she has been living off his salary, which she is entitled to get until his retirement age.
Janaki is a volunteer in a pre-school but it is a daily struggle to manage
her family’s basic needs including the educational requirements of her seven year-old son Ravindu.
With the Rs 3,000 a month she receives from Muslim Aid Sri Lanka’s Rainbow Family Project, Janaki pays for extra tuition and English classes as well additional books and clothes. Another Rs 1,500 is put aside for Ravindu's further education.
“As a teacher myself, I know the value of education. Without an education, a child has nothing. I am very grateful for getting this assistance from Muslim Aid,” she said, adding that Ravindu was a good student who did well in school
Lakmali-Sri Lanka
Five years ago Podi’s husband was working in his field in Kantale in Sri Lanka’s eastern Trincomalee district when he was struck dead by lightning. He left behind two small children whom Podi had to feed, clothe and educate on her basic wages as an ice packer.
Her daughter, Lakmali, is being supported by Muslim Aid Sri Lanka’s Rainbow Family Project. Podi receives Rs 2,000 which pays for Lakmali’s dance classes and extra tuition. She also receives a further Rs 1,000 a month as savings for her daughter’s higher education. Lakmali is also the star of her school plays and recitals. She studies hard and the teachers are pleased with her progress,
“We have nothing to leave our children but education. It is very difficult for me to manage that’s why Muslim Aid’s money is a great help. At least I can use it for Lakmali’s education,” she said. “Other NGOs come with their ideas but it is Muslim Aid who actually did something.”
Nouman-Pakistan
Life was a total misery for a thirteen-year-old Nouman from Golra who lost his parents. He was so shattered by their deaths that he felt he could not continue with his studies. He faced a difficult life caring for his three siblings and disabled grandfather. Then he came across the Muslim Aid Rainbow Family child development programme. Having been selected for the sponsorship programme, Nouman gained admission into Al-Mehar Model School. 
However he was still very disturbed and unable to concentrate on his studies. With the emotional support from his Rainbow Family Mentor who specialises in working with vulnerable children, he is now confident enough to face the challenges.
His school principal described Nouman as very reserved and pessimistic when he first started but now he is a very lively boy. His life has been transformed and he is one of the most popular students in his class. The principle also admired the struggles he has faced during his short life and his attempts to improve the life of those less fortunate.
Miss Easha, his Chemistry teacher found Nouman to be a disciplined and intelligent student. His favourite subject is Physics because he wants to become a scientist and he also likes to play cricket in his spare time.
His best friend Anis-ur-Rehman is very happy to find an honest and caring friend who helps him with his studies.
Muhammad
Muhammad is the first of two children in the family. He was born on July 1st 1995 in a small village in Lam Raya, Aceh Besar. His father, Nasbi passed away when Nasir was only 6 years old. Since then, his mother, Zubaidah has been working as a freelance farmer.
“I’m not working today because somebody else came earlier than me, so they got today’s job, I’ll come early tomorrow though,” told Zubaidah to Muslim Aid.
Zubaidah goes to the field early in the morning and waits until someone chooses her to work on their paddy field. When she does not get picked, she has no income for that day.
Zubaidah usually gets food from her neighbours or she picks yam from the front yard and cooks them for the children.
Her son, Muhammad had been staying home to help his mother look after his younger baby brother. He had to stop going to school because they did not have money to pay for the fees.
Muslim Aid started its Rainbow Family Programme in Aceh last May 2007. The Rainbow Family Programme aims to help orphan children by providing them with funds for their education. Muhammad is one of the 32 children who are currently being supported by Muslim Aid.
“Before, when he attended school, he was a very shy kid. He always sat in the back because he lacked confidence. In my opinion, he acted like that because he was ashamed that he did not have the required books and he only had his old yellowish uniform,” said Nurina, Muhammad’s teacher.
Today, Muhammad is in 6th grade of Elementary School. He is performing well and is very excited to be back in school. He now wears his clean white school uniform and rides his bike to school. Muhammad has finally gained his self-confidence and is not shy to mingle with the other children “He now sits at the front of the class. He is always raising his hand to answer questions. He is one of my top students,” said his teacher.
“I want to study hard so then in the future I can support my family,” said Nasir.