BAVINA SOOKDEO
Sajina Kadir, a seasoned attorney whose 14-year journey in the legal realm is intertwined with her passion for social justice, is the co-founder, director and legal adviser of the Socially Displaced Restoration Centre (SDRC).
Kadir is at the forefront of a movement dedicated to lifting the disenfranchised from the shadows of neglect.
But her impact doesn't stop there. With her leadership role in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Community Justice Clinic and her commitment as a tutor with the Adult Literacy Tutors Association (ALTA), Kadir embodies a holistic approach to advocacy and empowerment, championing the cause of women.
Empowering through legal intervention, education
Kadir was propelled by her affinity for reading and writing, leading her to pursue a legal career despite exam anxieties. She firmly believes that academic setbacks are mere detours in life's journey, advocating for resilience and perseverance in pursuing one's goals.
She told Newsday, “I think a lot of people go through the anxiety of passing an exam, and whilst assessment is much needed in any field of study, it really is my firm view that the result of an exam is not reflective of the true potential and capabilities of the person taking that assessment.
"I feel like I am living proof that any failure at school is but merely a detour in God’s plan versus the end of the journey. It is important this is known prior to approaching studies so any unfortunate grades do not perturb progress, but actuate an inner strength to persevere to attain the desired goals regardless of any challenges faced.”
Socially Displaced Restoration Centre (SDRC)
In response to the plight of homeless individuals in Couva, Kadir and her sister, co-founders of SDRC, tried to provide immediate relief. Starting with distributing sleeping bags, they soon expanded their operations, in collaboration with the community police, distributing meals through the Couva Community Police Station Council.
As their commitment deepened, they formalised their efforts by establishing the SDRC as a non-profit company in March 2021. Over the past three years, they have partnered with the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation and the police Central Division to make weekly food distributions.
[caption id="attachment_1069896" align="alignnone" width="544"] The Socially Displaced Restoration Centre, founded by attorney Sajina Kadir, provides relief for homeless people in Couva. Photo courtesy Sajina Kadir -[/caption]
Additionally, they organise care days on the Inshan Ali Promenade, Couva, offering showers, clean clothing, basic medical attention and hygiene packages.
“We are a company supported by the community and based on volunteerism,” Kadir explained. “Our mission is to establish an overnight shelter with rehabilitation services, and we are currently engaging the attention of the stakeholders to obtain a building in Couva for this purpose.”
Kadir’s motto
"Live in peace before you rest in peace," encapsulates Kadir’s philosophy. She a
