Al-Qalam 
By Al-Qalam Reporter
A group of vibrant young changemakers from the Muslim Youth Movement of SA’s Ambassadors for Change programme recently lit up the faces and hearts of elderly residents at the John Conraide House in Durban.
On 29 April, during a moving and joyful visit as part of their community upliftment initiatives, they spent time at the retirement home, entertained the elderly, and treated them to delicious snacks.
The visit, led by students from Al-Falah College and Orient Islamic School in partnership with the Islamic Guidance AFC team, demonstrated the immense impact that youth can have when driven by compassion and purpose. The day was filled with laughter, fun and meaningful connections. “It was lovely to see the genuine joy and excitement from the elderly there. You could see how much it impacted them, how it made their day, and I feel it in turn impacted us as well, as it allowed us to see just how much something that may seem insignificant can impact others,” said volunteer Amir Elhashash.
One elderly woman, overcome with emotion, told the volunteers: “I feel so loved by today’s visit. Thank you, young people.”
Another grateful resident added: “You have spoilt us and we love you for making time for us and bringing us the most delicious eats. Blessings to you.”
For Ambassadors for Change student Afsa Makangila, who spearheaded the planning of the event, the experience was deeply profound. “Subhanallah, the experience was unmatched. I didn’t expect them to be that happy and grateful for the little that we did. Everyone brought something to the visit to make the event extra special, be it scones, biscuits, or hot dogs. We had a variety of snacks, both sweets and savoury,” she said. She said it was personally an eye-opening experience for her.
“We helped them get out of their comfort zone, but it was such an amazing and beautiful experience. We take little things for granted, but a small gesture of this nature had such a significant impact on the lives of the elderly. I would never have imagined doing this if it had not been for the training I received through the Ambassadors for Change programme,” said Makangila. Makangila also noted that their journey doesn’t stop here.
“We have a soup drive coming up in June, and we are then going to do an orphanage visit in July,” she said.
Fellow ambassador Suhail Ally described one moment in particular that touched him deeply. “One of the things that stood out to me was that when we were serving the elderly, one lady communicated to another woman next to her that I should feed her because she couldn’t drink by herself, and she also could not speak. When she wants to communicate, she has to communicate with her eyes. Something small that we take for granted can make someone else’s day,” said Ally.
Ally dispelled common assumptions about elder care facilities. “There’s a misconception that people who are put in old age homes are neglected. But some of the elderly expressed how happy they were to be in that environment because they got to meet other people like them, make friends, and it gave them a purpose,” said Ally. He said the visit was deeply moving, being able to witness elderly residents face physical challenges, yet they were overflowing with gratitude.
“Simple acts like conversations and snacks brought warm smiles. And for me, helping that lady drink water was a memorable moment, showcasing the impact of small kindnesses,” he said.
The impact of the visit left a lasting impression not just on the residents, but also on the facilitators who witnessed the event unfold.
“It was astounding to witness what these students were able to pull off at the retirement home. And they did it all by themselves,” said Arun Naicker, a facilitator with the Ambassadors for Change programme. She said what they offered to the elderly were things that you would put on your Eid or party tables.
“They went out of their way to make it such a special event for the elderly. It’s so heartwarming to witness the passion and dedication of these youth. They have put their hearts and souls into doing great things and making a real impact in society. This year’s batch of Ambassadors for Change students are truly remarkable, and I’m excited to see what they do next,” said Naicker.
The Ambassadors for Change programme, at its core, is about equipping youth with leadership skills and a strong sense of social responsibility.
Naicker said that through community projects like these, the programme is transforming young lives and, in turn, uplifting those often forgotten by society.
As Makangila so aptly put it: “The experience was transformative, and life-changing. We got to focus on an aspect of society that many people forget. They forget that the elderly exist, that they need love, care, and attention, and shouldn’t be forgotten. They just need people to talk to them and to hear them out. And something little can make a big impact in their lives and brighten up their day.”
