On Tuesday, a delegation of Indian government officials, educators and journalists visited Islamic Relief USA’s headquarters in the Washington D.C.-metro area. They were part of the International Visitor Leadership program, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
“I found the work you are doing and the zeal you have to be thrilling,” said Navaid Hamid, a member of the National Integration Council of the Indian government. “After seeing your work, I have to say that the Muslims in South Asia need to learn from your organization.”
The delegation met with Islamic Relief USA CEO, Abed Ayoub (pictured above), to discuss Islamic Relief’s vision and work around the world. Islamic Relief has offices in 35 countries and is the largest Muslim NGO in the West. IR USA’s yearly revenue grew from $7 million in 2002 to $147 million in 2009.
“The meeting was very inspiring and was an eye-opener about the needs of India’s poor,” said Ayoub.
In a presentation to the delegation, International Programs Coordinator, Saadia Abdu, spoke about Islamic Relief USA’s projects in India. IR USA distributed Udhiyah/Qurbani packages to more than 700,000 people in need and IR USA’s donors sponsor 330 orphans in India through IR’s One-to-One Orphan Sponsorship program.
The Department of State plans to send another delegation to IR USA’s headquarters in May.
