The financial struggles that he faced early in life motivated Abdul Zorhab to form a non-government organisation dedicated to assisting the poor and disadvantaged in the Western Division
Mr Zorhab said his source of inspiration was his late grandmother Sabra Khatoon and that’s how he formed the One Nation Our People Youth Foundation.
“She taught me the true meaning of generosity and compassion, even when we didn’t have much. She was always willing to share and help others.
“Watching her live her life way instilled in me the belief that kindness has a ripple effect and a way of coming back.”
Mr Zorhab wanted to carry on her legacy by creating something that would not only help people in need, but also inspire others to give, regardless of how much or how little they have.
He said he established his NGO in 2021 with a few ex-college friends and colleagues who responded positively when he shared the idea with them.
“Our shared experiences and passion for giving back united us. We began by undertaking small community projects, and as word spread, more people were drawn to our cause.
“The impact of our efforts encouraged others to join, creating a sense of purpose and belonging within the group. It was truly inspiring to see how quickly people wanted to get involved once they saw the good we were doing.”
One Nation Our People Youth Foundation is unique in its approach because they don’t just provide temporary relief; but also focus on long-term solutions to uplift communities.
“For example, instead of only distributing groceries, we also help people establish sustainable sources of income, such as backyard gardening, which enables them to support themselves over time.”
Mr Zorhab said their projects have included climate change programs, feeding the homeless, caring for stray animals, creating job opportunities while also prioritising youth mental health, suicide prevention and leadership training programs.
The journey to finally establishing the NGO was riddled with financial setbacks with donors withdrawing at the last minute while communities waited for assistance. His only option was to foot the costs.
“Long nights, extended travel and criticism from those who didn’t understand our mission added to the obstacles,” he said.
Mr Zorhab said balancing outreach work with his personal life has also been difficult with him having to forgo time with his own family time just to assist vulnerable communities.
“The biggest challenge was during COVID-19 when I had to stay away from my own family to support other families in isolation
“There were even times when I lost job opportunities because of my commitment to community service, but these sacrifices only strengthened my resolve to continue the work.
“Life wasn’t always easy because we experienced hardship and had to work for everything we had.
“These early experiences shaped my values and ultimately drove me to want to make a difference in the lives of others who might be facing similar challenges.”
Mr Zorhab said his future plans included completing his education, settling down with his family and continuing his community work.
“Professionally, my goal is to take my commitment to the highest levels, which means possibly entering Parliament and representing the people at national level.
“In a role like that I’d have a greater platform to advocate for the vulnerable, push for sustainable development and create even larger impacts.”
Mr Zorhab’s advice to young people is to believe in their ability to make a difference, no matter how small or insignificant their platform may seem.
“Surround yourself with people who share your passion and together you can create real change.
“Remember, it’s OK to face setbacks, they’re part of the journey, but don’t let challenges stop you from using them as fuel to drive your dreams forward.
“Serve your community, help those around you, and know that every positive action, no matter how small, brings us closer to a better world. Lead with empathy.”
