Orphan Fun Day at the Zoo

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A group of civic-minded UKZN students took orphaned children on a fun trip to the Zoo in Cato Ridge recently.

Chair of the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) and third-year Physiotherapy student Mr Abdullah Omarjee said the children were especially excited to see lions and leopards and enjoyed their burgers and snacks as well as a game of soccer, playing on the jungle gym, swings and water slides, decorating cookies, and interacting with the volunteers.

Omarjee said they were inspired to host the Annual Orphan Day project as a way to give back to the community. ‘Being part of this project allowed me to realise how fortunate I am to have both my parents living and also the smiles of the kids brought me joy. This is something we take for granted.’

Ranging in age from 4 to 16, more than 120 children enjoyed the outing. ‘We were told by the guardians that they talk about their day out for the whole year, reminding me to always give thanks and appreciate what I have,’ said Omarjee, who also serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the UKZN South African Society of Physiotherapy.

The day’s outing, which has been running annually for a decade, is made possible by volunteers from various MSA chapters - this year, MSA Medical School, MSA Durban University of Technology, MSA Howard College, and MSA PMB helped MSA UKZN Westville organise the event. ‘I thank my executive team for the hard work they put in, in making the day possible, and all other organisations and community volunteers involved,’ said Omarjee.

‘We also thank Mr Muzomuhle Mhlongo, Mrs Sinenhlanhla Ngidi and Mr Penwell Ndaba of Student Governance and Leadership Development and Mr Muhammad Paruk of Campus Pro, who sponsored two 65-seater buses. Thanks as well to our sponsors for the food and the hampers.’

The M.A. Motala and Sunlit Gardens orphanages were given hampers containing toys, general supplies and sanitary products. Each child also received a lunchbox, a juice bottle, and snacks.

The purpose of the MSA is to care for the needs of Muslim students on campus and to serve the community in areas surrounding UKZN campuses regardless of race, ethnicity or religion. ‘The student organisation has over 300 members on the Westville campus with leaders studying towards degrees in BCom Accounting, Physiotherapy, Computer Science, and Optometry, to name just a few,’ said Omarjee.

If you’re keen to join the organisation or find out more about their activities on campus, follow them on Instagram or email them at ukznwestville@msa.org.za.

Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer

Photographs: Supplied