Philanthropic Efforts in Poverty Alleviation: A Study of Nurul Huda Islamiyah Orphan Support Initiative

Abstract

Aim: This study examines the role of philanthropic interventions in poverty alleviation among vulnerable children, with particular focus on the Nurul Huda Islamiyah Orphan Support Initiative in Abuja, Nigeria. It specifically assesses how the initiative contributes to improving the welfare and socioeconomic conditions of orphans and underprivileged children through educational support, healthcare provision, and assistance with basic needs. Methodology: The study adopts a qualitative approach drawing on both primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data were obtained from relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries of the Nurul Huda Islamiyah Orphan Support Initiative, while secondary data were drawn from relevant books, journal articles, reports, and other scholarly materials on philanthropy, poverty alleviation, orphan welfare, and faith-based social intervention. The data were descriptively and analytically examined to assess the initiative’s contributions and the challenges affecting its effectiveness and sustainability. Results: The findings indicate that the initiative has contributed to poverty alleviation among its beneficiaries by improving access to education, healthcare, and essential basic needs while supporting greater self-reliance and improved welfare. However, the effectiveness and sustainability of the intervention are constrained by limited financial resources, increasing demand for assistance, and concerns regarding the continuity of funding and programme implementation. Conclusion/Novelty: The study concludes that faith-based philanthropic initiatives constitute an important complementary mechanism for addressing poverty and improving the welfare of vulnerable children in Nigeria. Its novelty lies in providing a focused examination of the Nurul Huda Islamiyah Orphan Support Initiative as a localized faith-based model of poverty intervention, demonstrating how philanthropic support can move beyond immediate relief toward educational, health, and self-reliance outcomes. The study therefore highlights the need for stronger institutional partnerships, transparent accountability mechanisms, and sustainable financing strategies to enhance the long-term effectiveness and developmental impact of orphan-support initiatives.