Naïma's story: the testimony behind an extraordinary fundraising effort!

We recently had the joy of interviewing one of our biggest donors, who has stood by LIFE for many years now. No gift is too small and every gesture counts, but it is worth mentioning that, to date, her tireless fundraising has paid for more than 67 wells in around ten countries across the world. Her story is powerful and deeply moving.

1. What made you want to get involved in humanitarian causes and start this fundraising?

Naïma :I'm a very empathetic person by nature. From an early age, certain images shocked me deeply: malnourished African children walking barefoot for kilometres carrying heavy jerrycans of water, or pregnant women with a baby on their back and heavy basins on their head, just to get water!

The issue of water has always moved me deeply. Today, I can't accept that something so ordinary in our daily lives is an impossible task for millions of men and women on earth. Things like drinking water, taking a shower or washing your clothes.

I have no words to describe the joy I felt when I received the photos and videos of the first wells. The children's laughter and beaming smiles, and the women singing and dancing for joy in the villages, moved me so much. So I decided to do everything I could to help people in need by committing myself to humanitarian work.

2. What was your goal when you started this fundraising?

I also encourage the people around me to fundraise in their own circles by setting themselves a goal, for example raising €500 from their family. Lots of donors love taking on a mini challenge. I spur them on as best I can and follow up with them by phone. People often ask if they can give my number to a few family members, as some want reassurance. I encourage them not to stop at a one-off collection but to move on to regular giving, even just €5 a month. All my donors are reassured very quickly and happy to have found a 'good' charity. In fact, as well as supporting the well projects, many donors regularly give me donations for other appeals, since 'the people most beloved to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others'.

3. How do you find the time for this (fundraising)?

Naïma: People are very wary. They're afraid of coming across an unreliable charity, or that their donation won't reach its destination or won't be used wisely. So I explain that I've been raising money for wells for around twenty years and have built them with several charities. I tell them I ended up staying loyal to two in particular, including LIFE️. I believe 100% in its caring vision of humanitarian work and in its well-run projects. I talk about the team's energy and their absolute professionalism. I mention the audits carried out in the field to check that the wells are working properly and not wearing out. I invite donors to visit the website or LIFE's Facebook page

4. Did you know this fundraising would grow so much, and that you'd bring so many people together for the cause of wells?

Naïma: My first goal was to please Allah. Our beloved informs us: during the month of Ramadan, I buy about 250 collection boxes and hand them out to the people around me. I set up a 'Ramadan special' project, for example a €9,500 water tower, and through a Doodle link sent to everyone taking part, they can vote and choose the project's name. They see the results with the percentage each name received. This little bit of fun gets them more involved, and I also follow up with people who, despite the best of intentions, are swamped by the daily commute-work-sleep grind. Sometimes it has taken people three years before sending me a cheque. I never give up. When I see a wish to do good, I do everything I can to help that person see it through. I stress that no donation is too small. At first I just wanted to build one well, then two, then three... I saw that everyone I spoke to was very receptive and joined in quite readily. That gave me confidence and encouraged me to talk about it more often, so I aimed even higher. To be honest, I love what I do so much that I don't count the hours at all. I keep my Excel files of donations received up to date in the evening, before bed. As for the fundraising itself, I talk about the water issue whenever the chance arises. As a maths and physical sciences teacher, I'm lucky to have a job that lets me live out my passion for humanitarian work. During the school holidays especially, and on my free half-days during the week, I'm able to give short reminders for women in a few mosques. Each time, I present my projects with my 'book' of photos of completed projects. I always carry direct debit forms to offer too. I've also encouraged family members and friends to form a small group of donors so we can fund projects together. The idea is to take part in several projects and leave a small footprint in several countries, such as Niger, Mali and Cambodia.

5. How and where do you look for new donors to bring on board?

Naïma: It's often my smile and boundless enthusiasm that get things going. I don't dwell on misery. I focus on the happiness that building a well brings to a village. I emphasise the complete, 180° turnaround in living conditions, especially for women and children: less illness, and the chance to go to school because so much time is freed up. I go into detail. People think a well is only for villagers to drink from. It's also used to water vegetable gardens, give livestock water so families can make the most of their milk, perform ablutions and so on. 6. How do you convince them? My smartphone is full of photos and videos of completed projects. I show them while presenting the projects, and the effect is immediate! I also talk about it with everyone I know. I'm very expressive, and my words come from the bottom of my heart. Many people tell me they're touched by my sincerity. Once convinced, donors stay loyal and spread the word. 7. What advice would you give today to people who'd like to fundraise for humanitarian causes?

I talk about it almost every day, whether with those close to me, the shopkeepers in my neighbourhood or at work. I take the time to send photos, videos and detailed information about the projects to anyone interested. We thank our loyal donor for this wonderful testimony and for the time she gives every day to doing good in the world. Her determination and energy show each of us that it's possible to act on a large scale, make a difference in the world and help those in need. Don't hesitate! Talk about it whenever the chance arises. It's the most beautiful adventure you could ever have. Whatever difficulty or tiredness you may feel, or fear of not managing because of work or family commitments, keep a good intention!