Building resilient communities through education: Survé Philanthropies and Ansaaru Rahman join forces

In a renewed effort to expand educational access and deepen community impact in the Western Cape, Survé Philanthropies has strengthened its partnership with the Ansaaru Rahman Educational Center in Seawinds, Retreat. 

The collaboration signals a shared commitment to holistic education - one that blends academic support, ethical grounding, and active community engagement.

Ansaaru Rahman Educational Center is a community-based madrasa serving young people across Seawinds, Lavender Hill, Hillview, St Montague Village, and Steenberg. 

Ansaaru Rahman Educational Center has built a reputation for offering an afternoon Madrasa programme that balances religious instruction with community service.

Its initiatives, including Ramadan workshops and the Quran Intensive programme, are designed to foster both personal growth and social responsibility among pupils.

For Survé Philanthropies, education remains a cornerstone of its broader mission to uplift marginalised communities across South Africa through bursaries, mentorship, and youth development programmes. By aligning with a grassroots institution embedded in local neighbourhoods, the organisation hopes to extend its reach and deepen its long-term impact.

Saarah Survé, chair of Survé Philanthropies, said the partnership is intended to go beyond short-term assistance.

“We hope that this partnership with Ansaaru Rahman Educational Center becomes more than a moment of support,” she said. “We hope that it evolves into a sustained investment in human potential. Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to shift generational outcomes, and by working closely with the centre, we aim to help create an environment where young people are not only academically supported but holistically nurtured.”

She emphasised that the long-term vision focuses on building resilient communities through empowered individuals.

“In the long term, we hope to see learners emerge with confidence, critical thinking skills, and a strong sense of civic responsibility,” Survé added.

“True community development happens when education strengthens not just individual opportunity, but collective resilience. This partnership is about laying foundations that will continue to bear fruit for decades to come.”

At the heart of the collaboration is a shared belief that education must speak to both the intellect and the spirit. Sheikh Fidel Jones, founder of the Ansaaru Rahman Educational Center, described the madrasa as a place of warmth and belonging for young people navigating complex social realities.

“Ansaaru Rahman brings love, joy, and happiness to our community, filling our youth’s lives with colour, smiles, and fun so they can spread peace and blessings to others,” Sheikh Jones said.

He noted that external support plays a critical role in sustaining and expanding these efforts.

“Survé Philanthropies’ generous support gives us that extra boost to do even more,” he said. “Fresh ideas and new perspectives drive our growth, and we’re excited to continue working with Survé Philanthropies to expand our activities and progress together.”

Through bursaries, youth programmes, and expanded access to initiatives such as the Quran Intensive programme, the partnership aims to create pathways for academic success while nurturing ethical leadership and civic engagement.

Organisers say the collaboration reflects a broader model of community development - one in which philanthropy works hand in hand with local institutions to strengthen social fabric from within.

For more information about the partnership and Survé Philanthropies’ work, visit survephilanthropies.org  and follow Survé Philanthropies on social media @survephilanthropies. 

To learn more about the Ansaaru Rahman Educational Center and its initiatives, visit inlight.org.za  and follow them on Facebook @Ansaaru Rahman Educational Center.