Fashion with a cause: Local youth sell clothing to support children's education

“Growing up I've been fortunate enough to be able to travel a significant amount - particularly to countries such as Bangladesh where clear disparities in health, wealth and opportunity exist throughout the population. These experiences definitely had a profound effect on me as I grew older - seeing children and youth the same age as I, with the same dreams and ambitions, who were so severely restricted due to the poverty they found themselves born into,” explains the 23-year-old.

“The desire to address these unfair situations resulting from the chance of birth is what led me to start Forward Knowledge. I believe that education allows every individual, regardless of their family income and status, equal opportunity - to compete on a level playing field. Thus, removing barriers to education for children, I believe, is a fantastic way to address and reduce inequalities which currently exist which can greatly improve all aspects of one's life.”

Rahman explains that throughout his high school and undergraduate years, he and his friends had often run fundraising initiatives for various causes. But he explains that just asking for money wasn't a sustainable funding model to truly support the poor. Forward Knowledge “encourages consumerism to be positive, where purchases can have a purpose”, he says.

The group has developed its own clothing line with its own in-house designs. Money raised through sales is used to pay for the schooling of underprivileged children in various countries. Each item of clothing sold will pay for one month's fees and related expenses. So far, they are supporting students in Togo and South Africa. Plans are underway to support students in Bangladesh as well.

Rahman explains that it was through a contact from one of his professors that he was able to form a partnership with a grassroots organization called Goedgedacht Trust, near Cape Town, which works with poor rural families.

The aim is to guarantee at least one year's funding per student. Rahman says the organization encourages customers to go beyond their simple purchase.

“We strongly believe in the idea of creating a movement,” he explains. “As such we bring groups of customers together to support individual students for the entirety of their school year. We ensure that a student has full funding for the entire school year available before committing, and are currently working on ensuring support for their remaining years of primary education.”

Rahman says he draws on his faith for inspiration.

“My faith has taught me to do all I can to better the lives of others, particularly the disadvantaged and children. As such, my faith provides me motivation to continue my work - showing me there is a deep value in what we are doing and trying to accomplish. It's a beautiful thing, really - that Islam places helping the poor so highly. At the end of the day, we will be remembered and judged on the impact we had, not on the size of our houses.”

To check out the clothing, and learn more, visit http://forwardknowledge.org/