Home Affairs Correspondent
Six-year-old twins Amal and Ameerah Shikoh have mobilised their primary school, St Francis of Assisi Church of England Primary School in Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, to support flood victims in Pakistan, demonstrating that a strong sense of civic duty can begin at any age.
The sisters’ charitable journey began when they were just four, after learning about the devastating 2022 floods in Pakistan. The disaster struck a personal chord, as the girls have extended family in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sialkot. Hearing that children like them had lost homes, belongings, and family members, they felt moved to act.
With the support of their teachers and classmates, they organised their first fundraiser, a cupcake sale that raised £70. It was a small amount, but for such young children it reflected something much deeper. Their mother, Dr. Aisha Shikoh, recalls: “They were so little, but they understood suffering. They understood that children just like them were hurting. And they believed they could help.”
This compassion resurfaced powerfully this year when further floods struck parts of Pakistan. Now older and more confident, the girls helped lead the planning of a more ambitious school fundraiser, speaking with teachers, designing posters, and encouraging classmates to donate, raising £170 for Penny Appeal’s flood relief efforts. Their desire to help has also been strengthened by seeing children in Gaza comforting one another despite hardship, reinforcing their belief in offering help wherever they can.
The recent fundraiser was entirely the twins’ initiative. “They said to me, ‘We can’t just watch this. We must help,’” Dr. Aisha explained. “What touched me most was that it was entirely their idea.”
Their father, Dr Shahzad Shikoh, connects their actions to the family’s values. “From a very young age, they’ve understood that being Muslim means caring for others. To them, humanity comes first, and their faith gives that meaning.”
The twins themselves have a clear, simple philosophy. “If someone is hurting, we should help. We are all one family,” they said.
With their names reflecting their ambitions, Amal, whose name means ‘hope’, stated, “I want to bring hope to the world!” Ameerah, whose name means ‘leader’, added, “I will lead the people who give hope!”
Proving their commitment extends beyond emergency relief, the sisters are already planning their next charitable projects. Last Ramadan, they helped pack iftar food packs for local struggling university students, learning that charity is not only financial but also about giving time and kindness. With the next Ramadan approaching, they are brainstorming ideas for a small treat stall with date boxes, handmade Ramadan cards, and a supervised mini henna corner offering simple designs. They are still refining their plans, but their enthusiasm never stops growing.
Their parents hope the story encourages others. “Our children are capable of so much when we trust them, guide them, and nurture their compassion,” said Dr Aisha.
Amal and Ameerah continue to prove their commitment to their motto: “If we all help a little, no one has to suffer alone.”
(Photos courtesy of Shikoh family)
