When it comes to service, age is no barrier. That’s the spirit behind Kids 4 Humanity, a growing initiative that empowers children to take part in Humanity First’s mission through creativity, compassion, and community action.
During the Humanity First USA Telethon in May, two young callers—Zayd and Sadeem—shared their stories, each offering a glimpse into how even the smallest hands can make a meaningful difference.
📍 Zayd’s Story: From Sleepless Concern to Community Action
Zayd’s journey began with a restless night. After returning from a trip to Los Angeles in January, he learned about the devastating fires that had broken out shortly after their visit. The news weighed heavily on him. His mother, Laila, recalled how he couldn’t sleep, telling her that it was upsetting him and he wished he could do something more.
That desire to help led them to Humanity First’s Kids 4 Humanity. Zayd didn’t stop at donating—he mobilized. With help from his brother Idris and friends Kamran, Farran, Iqrah, Zoya, and Arousa, they set up a table in their Seattle mosque. They made signs, handed out flyers, and even created a cardboard version of the Humanity First logo figure to draw attention.
“I brought them in by making it fun for everybody,” Zayd said during the live call. “So then they wanted to do it more.”
Their campaign helped raise funds for the Humanity First Telethon and inspired others to join in. As Laila put it, “It was a great blessing, and all of the kids came together. They were so excited.”
🍋 Sadeem’s Story: A Lemonade Stand with a Global Vision
Just a few minutes later, another young voice joined the call—six-year-old Sadeem from South Virginia. His story began with a trip to the library, one of his favorite places. “I love going to the library and reading books and building Legos,” he said. But when his mom told him that many children do not have access to schools or libraries, he was moved to act.
“I got very sad and I decided to save money for them,” Sadeem explained. He started by setting aside money in a special box in his room. Then, he made a plan: during summer break, he would open a lemonade stand to raise funds for children in need. His dream? “One day I am going to open a library in Africa so all the kids can play with Legos and have lots of books to read like I do.”
He did open a summer lemonade stand this month – his hard work is now part of the Kids 4 Humanity campaign to support the Masroor School in Guatemala, showing how a simple idea can grow into something powerful. Sadeem says “I am so happy that I could help, and I’m excited to continue helping others in need.”
Sadeem and the Seattle youth are just two examples of how Kids 4 Humanity is giving children a platform to lead with empathy and action. Whether it’s organizing a neighborhood fundraiser or dreaming up a library across the world, these young changemakers are proving that service starts early—and that their voices matter.
Kids 4 Humanity is proud to support Humanity First’s Masroor Ahmad School under the Knowledge for Life Program. This school educates over 300 Guatemalan students each year from pre-K through middle school.
