Bradford community champion Nazim Ali has returned from his 19th international humanitarian mission this time to one of the world’s poorest nations – Burundi, where he oversaw the opening of 40 newly built homes and distributed hundreds of food parcels, meals, and children’s gifts.
The trip, which took place from 27th October to 1st November 2025, was part of a joint initiative between the Nazim Ali Foundation and the Keighley-based Green Crescent Aid UK charity.
The mission team, led by Nazim and joined by volunteers Mohammed Shakeel and Mohammed Umar, worked intensively over one week to deliver aid across the East African country.
The 40 new houses, have been built through funds raised during Nazim’s 12th annual Ramadan 10K Run (March 2025), when he raised a whopping £85,810. The homes were officially inaugurated in a ceremony attended by a Burundi government minister and the Turkish ambassador.
Alongside the housing project, the team distributed 245 food parcels, each weighing 23.5kg and costing £23. They contained staple supplies such as rice, flour, beans, oil, and salt. A further 400 hot meals, hundreds of sweets, and 200 small toys were given out to local children.
Across his years of humanitarian work, Nazim has now helped build and deliver 347 homes for vulnerable families across six countries: 133 in Malawi, 63 in Syria, 35 in Pakistan, 36 in Uganda, 40 in Afghanistan, and 40 in Burundi. All have transformed lives through safe housing and community support.
“It was deeply humbling to see the joy on the faces of families [In Burundi] moving into their new homes,” said Nazim.
“The children’s eyes lit up when they saw the sweets and toys. It reminded me exactly why I make these sacrifices every Ramadan for the 10K charity run.”
Burundi remains one of the least developed and poorest countries in the world, heavily reliant on imports and foreign aid.
Nazim, who works as a careers adviser in Bradford’s inner-city schools, has partnered with Green Crescent Aid UK for over eight years, previously supporting initiatives such 800 live goat distributions in Malawi.
“The people of Burundi may have little materially, but their gratitude and spirit are immeasurable. These experiences reaffirm my belief that compassion and community can transcend borders,” Nazim added.
