ICF Launches Rs 3 Crore Fund To Support Distressed Mothers Of Autistic Children In Kerala
Jeddah: The Indian Cultural Foundation (ICF), the expatriate arm of Kerala Muslim Jamaath, has launched a humanitarian project to support families of children with severe disabilities. The initiative, named ‘Rifae Care,’ aims to provide monthly financial support to families, especially mothers across Kerala who are facing severe hardship while caring for children with disabilities. With an initial yearly budget of Rs 3 crores, ICF will provide Rs 30,000 yearly to 1,000 selected families across the state.
“Mothers of autistic children and those with cerebral palsy face a life that most of us cannot imagine. These mothers are confined to their homes, caring for their disabled children around the clock. They miss important family events, festivals, and celebrations. Their social lives have disappeared. Their own health suffers from the endless stress and work. This project is meant to lend a helping hand to these mothers,” said Basheer Ernakulam, ICF’s Saudi National Finance Secretary.
The financial burden makes things even worse. Therapy sessions, medicines, and special equipment cost huge amounts every month. Many families cannot afford the care their children need. Under Rifae Care, families will receive Rs 2,500 every month. For mothers who have given up everything to care for their disabled children, this support offers a small but real sense of relief, ICF office bearers said.
The response to Rifae Care has been extraordinary. The organization received more than 4,000 applications from families in need. Each application was carefully reviewed to identify the families facing the greatest hardship. In the first phase, 1,000 families, who are in the most desperate situations, have been selected as beneficiaries. The sole criterion for selecting beneficiaries was the severity of hardship these families face in caring for autistic children, they said.
Broader Welfare Fund for ICF Members
Beyond disability support, ICF has also launched a broader welfare program called ‘ICF Care’ that helps expatriate ICF members facing crises. The organization will collect Rs 500 as a yearly premium from members and provide up to Rs 3 lakh for those facing serious illness. In case of death, the fund provides up to Rsb5 lakh to help the surviving family.
ICF Saudi National General Secretary Siraj Kuttiadi, National Deputy President Mujeeb AR Nagar, National Welfare Secretary Luqman Pazhoor, and Media & PR Secretary Ashraf Ali MK also spoke at the press meet in Jeddah.
