Press release

Today’s launch of Zamzam Foundation UK brings Somalia’s biggest charitable organisation to the UK, making it easier for British Muslims and the Somalia diaspora to support those living in some of the most challenging conditions in Somalia. A new website and social media channels will share news of Somalia aid programmes and accept donations from the UK public.

Zamzam Foundation has a unique connection to local communities that has created a strong track record of delivering aid in hard-to-reach areas. The launch of Zamzam UK allows greater support for Somalia – a country that is full of potential but hampered by complex challenges of poverty, climate change and conflict. Zamzam UK will provide vital funds to build a brighter future for Somalis through its support for orphans, funding of new schools, livelihood grants that build self-reliance, and peacebuilding projects, alongside the organisation’s emergency aid work.

The UK launch follows a partnership agreement between the trustees of Zamzam Foundation and Somali Relief and Development Forum (SRDF) – a UK registered charity established in 2011 to bring together UK Somali diaspora organisations in support of victims of a horrific famine that killed 270,000 people. As a result of the 2023 partnership agreement, SRDF has a new working name, Zamzam Foundation UK (Zamzam UK).

Dr Hany El-Banna OBE, co-founder of both SRDF and Islamic Relief – now the world’s biggest independent Muslim charity – says:

“This is an innovative and inspiring partnership. SRDF’s status as a UK registered charity and its history of engaging with Somalis in the UK give Zamzam Foundation a fantastic platform to connect with the Somali diaspora and raise funds. Zamzam’s extensive experience and well-respected programmes mean SRDF now has a uniquely capable implementing partner to fulfil its charitable mission to deliver transformational aid and development projects across Somalia.”

Omar Jama, Executive Director of Zamzam Foundation, says:

“Back in 1992, when Zamzam was founded, our country was shrouded in darkness and despair, and a bright future seemed an impossible dream. I was fortunate to receive an education in one of the fledgling schools associated with Zamzam Foundation and to become a Zamzam project assistant after graduation from the university. Today I am proud to lead an organisation that has grown into a real beacon of hope for all Somalis.

“I am delighted that the partnership we have formed in the UK with the Somali Relief and Development Forum is enabling SRDF to raise awareness and raise funds in the UK as Zamzam Foundation UK.”

Tahir Tahir, Chair of Trustees of SRDF/Zamzam UK, says:

“For Somali diaspora communities and the wider public in the UK, donating to Zamzam UK is a straightforward and effective way to support what Zamzam in Somalia is doing to build a brighter future for our homeland. For people living in poverty across Somalia, I hope Zamzam UK will become a significant source of hope and support for many years to come.”

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to so many people who have helped and inspired us on the journey to where we are now. I would particularly like to thank Zamzam Foundation and its Chair and Executive Director for their support. I would also like to thank M3 Strategic Marketing, DHA Communications, Dr Hany El-Banna, our legal and governance advisors, and our friends at Islamic Relief, East London Mosque and the Muslim Charities Forum for their professional support and guidance.”

Zamzam UK’s plans for 2025 include a community launch and dinner at East London Mosque on February 12, 2025, where the charity’s Ramadan campaign will be launched, and a parliamentary event in May. It expects to appoint a Donor Care Officer and a Mosque and Community Relations Coordinator in December to oversee its donor communications and community engagement.

For more information, to request an interview, to obtain images for publication or broadcast, or to register to receive future Zamzam UK press releases, please contact Martin Cottingham on 07702-940982 or email martin@zamzamsom.org.

Website: Zamzamfoundation.org.uk
X: https://x.com/Zamzam_UK
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zamzam-foundation-uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zamzamfoundationuk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zamzam_uk/

Notes to Editors:

• Zamzam Foundation is a Somali aid and development charity that has been saving and changing lives across Somalia for more than three decades. It works with local people, UN agencies and other international funders and partners to overcome the challenges of climate change and conflict, supporting families to lift themselves out of poverty.
• Zamzam Foundation UK is the new working name for SRDF, an organisation that is a separate legal entity from Zamzam Foundation in Somalia. SRDF is registered in the UK with both the Charity Commission (No. 1143208) and Companies House (No. 07723237). Zamzam UK/SRDF exists to raise awareness and funds in the UK and internationally to support Zamzam Foundation’s humanitarian projects across Somalia.
• In 2023, Zamzam Foundation’s work touched the lives of more than 2.2 million people through programmes delivering emergency aid, healthcare, clean water, food security, sustainable livelihoods, and education – as well as peacebuilding to reduce conflict over scarce resources.
• Zamzam Foundation has provided the seed funding to design and build the new Zamzam UK/SRDF website, develop new social media accounts and develop a UK team to engage with donors, supporters, funders, mosques and UK communities.The website and its easy-to-use donation platform have been designed and built by M3 Strategic Marketing, which has a track record of developing over 600 WordPress websites. DHA Communications has developed Zamzam UK’s social media policy, strategy and content. Both agencies were selected through competitive procurement processes and have worked closely with Zamzam’s inhouse team.