Today we’d like to introduce you to Sahar Zamir.
Sahar, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Since I was 17 years old, I have been blessed with a lot of opportunities to work with great philanthropic organization around the country. I have raised more than $4.9 million (all for the children one child at a time) for these causes that are very close to my heart such as UNICEF, Covenant House, Hands United, TBC, Children Health Care of Atlanta, and Georgia Center for Child Advocacy. Currently, I am helping with Brawl for a Cause for our the biggest even on May 2, 2020. Being involved with such causes is what defines me as a person. It is a passion that has grown from my experiences as a child in Afghanistan. As you might know, Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world. Children, there are subject to the lives of extreme poverty. They face violence and have to deal with other threats such as child mortality, malnutrition, forced marriages, and sexual abuse.
When I moved to the US, I was determined that someday I would make a difference in their lives. Giving these children a second chance in an orphanage would be one way for me to give back to the community. Interestingly, all of this came together during a conversation I had with Zaher El Assi on our first date! It was so heartening to find another person who felt the same way about this as I did. To be able to do something worthwhile for children is something that is more than a project for us, it is our life mission. At Orphan Inc., we believe that no matter where you are from, the opportunities you get as a child is what will shape the future of the world. We are just trying in our own way, to give the world a second chance.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The entire process has been a wonderful learning experience for us. And the support and warmth people have shown us during this journey have reaffirmed my belief in the goodness in people. We plan to launch Orphan Inc. officially in early April 2020. And talks are already in full swing to partner with other orphanages located in Liberia and Afghanistan. I know the road ahead will not be smooth sailing, but I have faith in our abilities to see this through. I know having a great partner like Zaher we can accomplish the impossible. As for as struggles, I believe that all the philanthropic work I have been involved in for all these years has prepared me for this wonderful journey with Orphan Inc. I would like to quote Romans 8:28. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” Be Kind.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
The mission of Orphan Inc, a nonprofit organization, is to give children a second chance in life. Apart from covering their basic needs i.e., food, a comfortable place to stay and education, we also want to provide them an environment of family instruction where they will understand the meaning of love. Most of these children have lived all their lives as victims of war, domestic abuse and human trafficking and these experiences have not given them the best outlook on life and mankind. We feel that to be loved and to know that you are important in this world is a gift that these children deserve. Our motivation is our children, we want to teach them the value of giving back, and hopefully, we can all leave this world a better place.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to us is raising children that can make a positive impact on the life of others.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.orphaninc.org
- Phone: 4705387600
- Email: Z@orphaninc.org
Image Credit:
Amy Bley
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
