The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the social fabric of our communities by exposing how some of the most important members of our community, for example the working poor and elderly, are disproportionately affected and made vulnerable by the pandemic’s effects. However, throughout this challenging time, we have also seen how the strength of our faith communities has brought hope and relief to those most impacted by this virus. Faith leaders and faith communities are playing a crucial role in providing essential services to people in terms of food, shelter, medical supplies, companionship and counselling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every Tuesday, Aaliya Jaffer walks into the principal’s office of the As-Sadiq Islamic School and greets the administrative staff with a cheerful smile and “Salaam alaykum”. She signs herself in and gets ready for a full day at school volunteering with the grade 3 teacher and her students.