Hawwā Girls Camp 2020
When: Friday January 17th – Monday 20th, 2020Who: Muslim Girls aged 15 –
About Us
Connecting Hearts to the Next Level
Nawawi Center is a not-for-profit Muslim grassroots organization founded in 2008 that aims to bring people together, advocate peace and build a stronger community in Christchurch. With a team of professional volunteers trained in project and event management, Nawawi Center has run events and projects ranging from educational workshops, camps and retreats to community festivals.
Est. 2010 | Children aged 5-12
Nūrāniyyah Academy
Building a strong Islamic foundation for young children.
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Est. 2017 | Girls aged 13-30
Hawwā Girls
A support network for girls as they discover what it means to be Muslim New Zealanders. A program for the girls, by the girls.
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Est. 2019 | Boys aged 13-30
Bani Adam
A boys youth group and support network aimed at strengthening the bond of brotherhood within the Muslim community.
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Recent Articles
Introducing Bani Adam
This Saturday Oct 5th, Nawawi Center is launching it’s latest initiative: Bani Adam
Supporting Teens: A Workshop Part 2!
At Nawawi Center, we have been working hard to support our young friends.
Meet Our Team
“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”
Ayesha Jones
Director
Languages: English, Malay
Ayesha loves learning about different cultures, which comes in handy in her role with NZ’s diverse communities.
Nadiah Ali
Project Advisor
Languages: English, Malay
When Nadiah isn’t busy being a scientist, or running community programs, you’ll find her in her happy place: scaling the grand NZ mountain peaks!
Hashmat Lafraie
Strategy Advisor
Languages: English, Farsi
A lawyer by training, Hashmat was a leader of the Muslim student association in Otago before lending his skills to the team.
Hesham Jones
Project Advisor / IT Manager
Languages: English, Malay
Although he has over 10 years experience in Project Management and IT, Hesham’s greatest contribution are still his Dad Jokes.
Salha Hasi
Youth Leader / HR Manager
Languages: English, Arabic (Libya)
Salhas busy life consists of being a mum, owning her hijab business and teaching, but still finds time to read, go on walks, watch Harry Potter, drink coffee and eat chocolate.
Zimna Thaufeeg
Strategy & Finance Advisor
Languages: English, Dhivehi
With a background in policy and finance, Zimna manages to juggle work, family and volunteering into her busy schedule.
Dalia Mohamed
Head Teacher
Languages: English, Arabic (Egypt)
Our resident expert on Qurʼān recitation, Dalia leads our longest standing educational program, Nūrāniyyah Academy.
Asayal Al
Youth Leader
Languages: English, Arabic (Saudi)
Asayal has a passion for helping marginalised people and communities. She’s also a speech therapist and keen volunteer!
Nailah Hasi
Youth Leader
Languages: English, Arabic (Libya)
Nailah is a student who loves volunteering for the community and working with kids.
Shafiqah Ilyana
Youth Leader
Languages: English, Malay
Shafiqah is a speech therapist who loves sports and working with the community.
Abdul Baset Khalifa
Youth Leader
Languages: English, Arabic (Libya)
Abdulbaset is a sports Podiatrist and a keen footballer, with a passion for working with the Muslim youth of Christchurch.
Hamza Mohamed
Youth Leader
Languages: English, Somali
The next Lebron James, both in his basketball abilities and giving back to the community.
Ceryse Scott
Office Administrator
Languages: English, Samoan
Ceryse is a part-time sociology student who enjoys supporting the diverse communities in Christchurch.
Huda Richards
Youth Leader
Languages: English
Huda has a big heart and passion for children and is committed to playing a role for the next generation on Muslims in our community.
Hannah Tawfeek
Youth Leader
Languages: English, Arabic (Egypt)
Hannah is a fashion design student who also loves to film. She loves to work with the community and has a passion for helping youth.
Nehaad Al-Waiz
Youth Leader
Languages:English, Hindi, Urdu, Fijian Hindi, Fijian, Punjabi
A business owner by day, and a dad by night, Nehaad has a passion for youthwork and community development.
Salaamah Shah
Youth Leader
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Salaamah is a busy nurse but in her spare time, she loves to bake and be active.
Zakkiyya Shah
Graphic Designer
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Zakkiyya is the creative talent behind our slick graphics. She also likes admiring nature, traveling, experiencing cultures and making smoothie bowls.
Nuru Mzee
Youth Leader
Languages: English, Swahili
A geology student interested in bringing out the best in youth.
Tanzeel Khan
Youth Leader
Languages: English, Urdu, Hindi
Tanzeel is a dedicated student, footballer and youth leader with an easy-going personality.
Suhaylah Richards
Patron
Languages: English
A respected and long-standing member of the Christchurch Muslim community, Suhaylah has a keen interest in working with new Muslims.
Jumayah Haji Ahmad
Patron & Head Teacher
Languages: English, Malay
Jumayah is a life long learner and community volunteer with a passion for building bridges with the wider Christchurch community.
Taalib Jones
Patron
Languages: English
The original patron of NC, Taalib’s long-standing support extends back to our organisational conception.
Zayid Jones
Patron
Languages: English, Malay
The founder of Nawawi Center, Zayid now lives in Thailand with his family, although his heart will always be in Christchurch.