ABOUT KARIMA
Serving High Wycombe since 1998
A community development charity in High Wycombe, named for the scholar the world called the mother of the generous, and run, mostly, by volunteers.
1998
Founded in High Wycombe as an informal collective, formally registering as a charity in 2007.
70+
Volunteers run everything
350+
Children in our schools, scouts troops and martial arts.
4
Supplementary schools
THE NAME
Named for the mother of the generous
Karima al‑Marwaziyya was a tenth-century scholar of Makkah, one of the most trusted narrators of Ṣaḥīḥ al‑Bukhārī, sought out by students who travelled from across the Muslim world to learn from her. They called her the mother of the generous.
In 1998, a small community in High Wycombe took her name for a project of their own: a place that would teach, serve and welcome, and give without counting the cost. More than twenty-five years later, that is still what we try to be. Allah bless those that have helped shape our journey.
WHAT WE ARE
Under one roof
Karima is a community charity, registered in England and Wales (No. 1121257). Led by volunteers, more than seventy of them, responding with community based projects to meet the growing needs of the community, tackling disadvantage and improving life chances of our users, through education and upskilling. Developing the mind, body and soul.
PRAYER SPACE
A prayer space, open for the two daily prayers (Fajr & Isha), two Jummah jamā’ahs, Taraweeh and Eid.
FOUR SCHOOLS
Four supplementary schools, teaching over 350 children from their first Qaida to the Alimiyyah programme.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
A public library, free and open to everyone in High Wycombe, run with Bucks Library Service.
YOUTH & SPORT
Tackling Health Inequalities, Supporting wellbeing projects, Youth clubs, scouts, sport, education and employability support.
A YEAR OF EVENTS
A year of events, from family days to programmes for all.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
A place to belong
We believe a place of communal gathering is a place belonging: where a child learns to read, a new arrival finds a friend, an elder is honoured, and a whole community is fed, taught and cared for.
We believe in serving everyone. Much of what we do is from various locations including Castlefield, the library, the events, the sport, is open to the whole of High Wycombe. And through what we deliver, Karima reaches communities beyond Wycombe. Karima al‑Marwaziyya gave her knowledge to whoever came to learn; we try to keep that door as wide. Opening the door, not judging, come come whoever you are.
WHERE WE’RE GOING
The next chapter
As we grow our provision we continue to expand our provision inlcludding our new project , The Centre. The next chapter of the same story that started in 1998.
Learn about the new Centre →
VISIT
Come and see us
The best way to understand Karima is to visit. Join us for an event, a prayer, a class, or just a cup of tea. You’ll find us at Castlefield Community Centre, Rutland Avenue, High Wycombe.
The Karima Foundation Team
CASTLEFIELD COMMUNITY CENTRE