Help Me Help Rinad Tamimi

UPDATE: Voting period has ended and Rinad has been announced as the winner.

There has been controversy surrounding the issue and I've clarified a few things here.

This is my friend, Rinad Tamimi. Her friendly and cheerful demeanour will make you think she's just another typical 17 year old. In many ways she is but in one way, she isn't. Rinad was born in Palestine where people are still struggling for basic human rights such as access to healthcare and education.

Although it was not an easy process, Rinad and her family were able to move to New Zealand three years ago and it has given her family a brand new lease on life. Her parents are wonderful people whom I've had the pleasure of getting to know while I was in Dunedin. Listening to her Mum's stories about how she overcame challenges as a university student in Palestine was heart-wrenching but also inspiring. Rinad plans to  follow her mother's footsteps as she plans on starting university next year and study Information Technology, God willing. She is working hard in high school to get good grades but university tuition fees are not cheap and she needs a scholarship to pursue her dreams. You can help Rinad with just ONE click by voting for her here:  http://ampvoting.orcas.co.nz/Applicants/Details/12046 (but you must sign into your Facebook account first).

You (yes you!) have the power to help not only Rinad, but her children and grandchildren and so on. As the saying goes, if you educate a woman, you educate a nation. This is a chance to make a difference and all I need you to do is spare two minutes (or even less!) to log onto your Facebook account and click on 'Vote for Me' at this page.

It really is that easy!

Thank you in advance and please don't forget spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, etc. It will make a difference, trust me. Every vote counts. If you're wondering, "Why should I take the time to do this?" Well, I've personally learned that when I help others, even in a very small way, my life becomes more blessed, alhamdulillah (Praise be to God). It's something I can't explain. All I can say is, don't underestimate the power of helping people and don't underestimate God's mercy and generosity.

"Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile."  

~Wilfred Grenfell