In mid-2023, the Afrika Hayat Association embarked on a humanitarian mission from Istanbul to Chad, aiming to implement impactful developmental projects to improve the lives of local communities. The journey included the inauguration of water wells in southern Chad, approximately 237 kilometers from the capital, N’Djamena. Despite the challenging, rough roads that took seven and a half hours to traverse, the team remained steadfast in achieving their noble mission.
A mud mosque reflecting the struggles of “Mayouloumia”
On their way back to N’Djamena, the team stopped in the village of Mayouloumia, located 140 kilometers from the capital, to perform the Maghrib prayer. The village vividly reflected the hardships faced by marginalized communities. Home to 1,000 residents, 95% of whom live in extreme poverty, the village also suffers from an illiteracy rate of 90%. Muslims make up approximately 85% of the population, yet their religious facilities were strikingly modest.
The team encountered a deteriorating mud mosque, which, despite its poor condition, served as a vital spiritual center for the villagers. The mosque’s fragility was apparent both inside and out. During conversations with worshippers, the villagers expressed their urgent need for a new mosque, hoping for a place that could better accommodate their prayers and gatherings.
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from documentation to action
Upon returning to Istanbul, the team shared photos and documentation of the mosque’s condition with several donors. A swift response came from the Malaysian charity Insaf Insani Association, which expressed its willingness to fully fund the construction of a new mosque. The new project was aptly named the “Dome of the Rock Mosque,” symbolizing renewal and dignity.
The birth of a new mosque in Mayouloumia
Construction of the new mosque began in early 2024 and was completed within just three months. Built to the highest possible standards, the mosque was officially inaugurated in September of the same year. The project went beyond the mosque itself; a solar-powered water well was installed alongside it, providing clean drinking water for both the villagers and travelers passing through.
A new dawn in Mayouloumia
The opening of the new mosque brought immense joy to the residents of Mayouloumia, transforming the once-dilapidated mud structure into a beacon of hope and unity. The mosque is now not only a place for prayer but also a community hub that strengthens social bonds. Additionally, the new well supplies clean water, a much-needed resource for daily life.
The story of the Dome of the Rock Mosque in Mayouloumia highlights the transformative power of humanitarian collaboration. It serves as a call to institutions and individuals worldwide to continue supporting development projects that build a brighter future for disadvantaged communities. Even the simplest acts of kindness can profoundly impact countless lives.
With this achievement, Afrika Hayat Association and Insaf Insani Association add another milestone to the record of humanitarian contributions, leaving Mayouloumia as a testament to the profound impact of teamwork and compassion in building a better present and future.
