Bashir Osman – A legacy of life
(1988-2015)
Bashir Osman was as an activist, a leader, a fundraiser and counsellor, born on the 10th of October, 1988, to Somalian parents.
Bashir was an advocate for fundraising and charity as a means to restore humanity to the world. His fundraising inspired others to ignite change in their communities and globally.
Aged 26, he was head of the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) when he tragically died in a drowning incident in 2015. Thousands of people attended his funeral from all over the UK. Before he passed away, Bashir had pledged to raise £165,000 for Penny Appeal to build 50 wells, providing clean water to tens of thousands of people across East Africa.
Sadly Bashir passed away before he was able to complete his fundraising challenge, for which he was training for the Tough Mudder challenge, which is a 12 mile-long obstacle course. In his memory, his family and closest friends continued his fundraising and surpassed the initial goal! His sister, Abyan Cusmaan, and her friends took part in the Tough Mudder challenge
In memory of Bashir Osman, we invite you to continue his legacy and donate to provide clean drinking water to communities across the globe.
“We like to continue Bashir’s legacy. Even though he did not know people in East Africa. He was always thinking about them.”
Murayo Aden, Bashir's Mother
Bashir's Legacy
The money raised by Bashir and his siblings, alongside the overwhelming support of the public to get behind them, raised over £169,000 in his memory. Over 50 deep water wells were built in Ethiopia, and in his parents’ native country of Somalia, benefitting over 215,000 people in total.
The health and sanitation situation in each region has rapidly improved, as well as stimulation of the local economy, by creating jobs and improving cash flow to the local labour market.
Bashir Osman’s career mission was to create innovative and sustainable solutions and be at the forefront of structural engineering and eventually be a pioneer in making a difference to people’s lives – his philanthropy with Penny Appeal made this a reality, and his legacy has made its effects everlasting.
Sadaqah Jariyah
The passing of an inspirational person is always tragic but we must ask what lessons can be learnt from his legacy. So ask yourself: what legacy are you working towards? What righteous deeds are you collecting? What wealth are you spending for the sake of Allah?
In the few years he had, Bashir Osman worked tirelessly to strive for a place in Jannah. He did not hesitate in the face of difficulties or barriers, but rather sought help from his Creator and strove to serve the Ummah to the best of his ability.
“Since these wells have been built. The community is very safe. May Allah (
Enku from Ethiopia
The Impact of Bashir's 50 Wells
This project has enabled Penny Appeal and its local partners to provide long-term support through the construction of
The project has contributed to resolving the water shortage in the regions of Hiran, Middle Shabelle, Lower Shabelle and Bakool in Somalia, and the Oromia Regional State of Bale Zone in Ethiopia.
The health and sanitation situation in each region has rapidly improved, as well as stimulation of the local economy, by creating jobs and improving cash flow to the local labour market.
Achievements
The construction of 50 wells with hand pumps in these Regions. was an unqualified success in terms of its aims and achievements as a project. As a result of this assignment, we accomplished the following:
- Over 215,000 people now have access to water supply and sanitation facilities
- The prevalence of
water borne diseases has rapidly declined - The travel time to fetch water has decreased from 2-3 hours to 10-15 minutes
- The school dropout rate of female students has decreased in the areas provided
- Empowerment of women has increased
- Improved health and Nutritional Status among women and children
- Livestock health situation and milk production has improved through
availability of water and reduction ofdistance between water and pasture
“A lot of people will be relieved from now and years to come. It would have meant a lot to him.”
Abyan Cusmaan, Bashir’s Sister
In memory of Bashir Osman, we invite you to continue his legacy and donate to provide clean drinking water to communities across the globe.
