Connecting Hearts to the Next Level
Nawawi Center is a Muslim grassroots registered charity 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.
Upcoming Events
Past Events
Learning Communities Hub Final Session
Learning Communities Hub Final Session
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We had a fantastic learning journey for the parents and the children. Unfortunately, We have reached the end of our journey.
Learning Communities Hub Launch
Learning Communities Hub Launch
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LC HUB is a continuous 10 week pilot programme funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE) with the intention to connect and engage with the ethnically diverse Muslim community in Christchurch.
Paint ‘n’ Chill – It’s back!
Paint ‘n’ Chill – It’s back!
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It’s back due to popular demand! Join the girls for a whole day of painting and chilling. As always, Lunch provided!
Hawwā Girls Lockdown Program
Hawwā Girls Lockdown Program
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Over the lockdown period it was important for us to stay connected with each other. We created a series of activities via zoom to stay
“Beautiful Hearts” – Hawwā Girls Camp 2020
“Beautiful Hearts” – Hawwā Girls Camp 2020
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The Hawwā Girls Camp 2020 was the second annual Camp organised by Hawwā Girls. It allowed for a opportunities to interact, build long-lasting friendships and connections with local Muslim Christchurch girls
“Feel the Fitra” – Bani Adam Boys Camp 2020
“Feel the Fitra” – Bani Adam Boys Camp 2020
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Bani Adam has successfully held the first ever large scale Muslim Male youth camp in Canterbury. Previously, canterburians would have to travel to Dunedin or
Est. 2010 | Children aged 5-12
Nūrāniyyah Academy
Building a strong Islamic foundation for young children.
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.
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.
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.
Tanzeel Khan
Youth Leader
Languages: English, Urdu, Hindi
Tanzeel is a dedicated student, footballer and youth leader with an easy-going personality.
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.
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.
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.
