restlessbeings

Rohingya: The Human Story
2012-07-23 08:00 - 2025-02-11 17:00 (America/Chicago)
A special event for press and limited guests—exploring the human stories behind the recent clashes and the state-led campaign against the Rohingya in Burma. Featuring exclusive footage, firsthand accounts, and expert analysis.
Uncovering the Human Story Behind the Rohingya Crisis
Restless Beings has been campaigning for the Rohingya community since 2010.
In June 2012, violent clashes erupted, leading to an escalating ethnic cleansing campaign against the Rohingya in Burma. As one of the leading organizations advocating for the Rohingya, Restless Beings has been at the forefront of activism and awareness in the UK.
This exclusive event is designed for press and select guests to gain a rare and in-depth look at the human cost of this crisis.
What to Expect
Exclusive Footage & Firsthand Accounts

Never-before-seen visuals from July 17–19, 2012
Audio and pictures directly from Myanmar since the violence began
Testimonies from Rohingya community members in the UK
Audience-led analysis of next steps for the community
Expert insights into the worsening humanitarian situation

This event will start and end promptly. Please arrive early and plan your travel accordingly.
For press inquiries or questions, email: info@restlessbeings.org

LYRIX ORGANIX: RELAY
2012-07-01 08:00 - 2025-02-10 17:00
This summer, RestlessBeings has teamed up with Lyrix Organix
For an exciting event where all proceeds will go towards supporting the RestlessBeings human rights projects, helping voice the voiceless and sustaining the work we are doing with and for the marginalised communities who are at the heart of each of our projects. Details below:
To celebrate the launch of the ‘**Lyrix Organix: Relay**’ tour – in conjunction with **Showtime, Mayor of London** and **London 2012 Festival** – Lyrix Organix re-imagines The Yard Theatre as an explosive hub of spoken word, live music, beatbox, DJ’s, live street art, photography, talks and film for a special charity micro-festival. One-off, one day and one aim; to push the boundaries of live performance at one of London’s most exciting new art spaces.
The Courtyard epi-centre will see the launch of the genre-defying outdoor tour production, ‘Lyrix Organix: Relay’, commissioned by the Mayor of London, which will transform streets and parks across London this summer. This special event will immerse audiences in a 360 degree experience of the UK’s finest poetry, live music, live art and film (including award-winning documentary ‘**We Are Poets**’ and the premiere of a short film about Lyrix Organix at Glastonbury Festival 2011). The main evening performance will see headline performances from poetronica-pioneers **The Kings Will** and show-stopping cellist **Ayanna**.
‘LYRIX ORGANIX: RELAY’
MICRO-FESTIVAL LAUNCH PARTY
@THE YARD THEATRE
Sunday 1st July // 1-11pm
The Relay Team:
**DEAN ATTA** – **ZEE GACHETTE** – **GRACE SAVAGE** – **NATTY SPEAKS**
##Live Music & Poetry:
– THE KINGS WILL
– AYANNA
– HOLLIE MCNISH
– POET CURIOUS
+ open mic (see Lyrix Organix website for details)
##Film & Talks:
– **WE ARE POETS** (award-winning film preview) **LYRIX ORGANIX** (Glastonbury documentary) **RESTLESS BEINGS** (Documentary shorts & talks)
Live Art: JOANNA LAYLA + special guests TBA
DJ’s: MASAI – ANON – RESTLESS BEINGS DJs – TROL 23
@THE YARD THEATRE
Queen’s Yard, Hackney Wick, E9 5EN
(nearest station: Hackney Wick overground)
Tickets only £7 // available from The Yard box office:

**Profits donated to Restless Beings.**

Building Hope
2012-06-16 08:00 - 2025-02-10 17:00
RestlessBeings short documentary screenings will be followed by an informal discussion and an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the films, the projects, the communities we are working with, and make suggestions, support, and help us develop our work.
If you are new to RestlessBeings, this is a great event for you to meet the team, find out more, and get involved. Alongside this, there will be food, networking, and positive vibes to start the weekend with…
Join us 🙂
This is a FREE event.
However, you must register. We have limited space on the night. Dinner will be provided & hopefully drinks and cake too :]
Registration:
To book your place, please email kiran@restlessbeings.org with the following information:
Full Name
DOB
Email Address
Mobile Number
Home Address
Profession
Why are you interested in attending this event?
How did you find out about RestlessBeings?
What makes you restless about the world today?
Email the form above and wait for a confirmation email from us 🙂
Enjoy Pear Drops in a Can, as Drop Drinks will be available on the night for purchase (100% proceeds going to RestlessBeings).
This event is kindly supported by LBTH.
Food will also be provided by Nina Spice Rozina Iqbal.
Cakes provided by missBeesbakery.

Kukusanya
2012-05-05 08:00 - 2025-02-10 17:00
Set by the river in the intimate Studio Lantern Theatre, over 500 restless beings, from varying occupations and backgrounds all over the UK came together as a united tribe to celebrate 4 years of restlessness at Kukusanya! Armed with Love, Light & Lollipops, a Restless Beings staple, supporters built up the excitement on twitter with the #kukusanya tweet-a-lot competition, reaching out over 165,000 followers, and were ready to get down to drum beats and feel good vibes!
Since our inception little over four years ago our work has taken us from the Roma community across Europe to the street children in Dhaka, women’s rights in Kyrgyzstan and to the Rohingya community in South-West Burma. In harmony with the transnational nature of our work, the event carried a vibrant tribal theme knitting together the distinctive traditional arts of countries across the globe.

The electric vibes were felt throughout the night, with the audience chilling out on traditional Moroccan and Bedouin cushions and rugs set amongst the intimate stage, set alive with the many beautiful arts of different culture all over the world.

Musical delights were in an abundance ranging from the Quqin played beautifully by Nora Wang and composer and incredible flutist Shammi Pithia stunned the audience with his performance with singer Sonna Rele. Live music from our long time supporting artists, the vibrant duo Native Sun, Suzana Ansar and amazing drumming skills from Khansar, Latin, British, African hip-hop rapping dexterity from Street Souls UK, a surprise acoustic performance from Aruba Red as well Melissa Melodee performing the 100kids anthem ‘Broken Hearts’ with all the Restless Beings team singing on stage with her added to the celebration. Bringing a visual treat to the night, Brazilarte executed a show stopping capoeira performance and Manaia Maori stormed the stage with their chants, music and dance, including the haka- indigenous to New Zealand.

Akkas Al-Ali (Directed by Tommy Lexén and played by Priyank Morjaria, Shaeran Thomas, Mauricio Brandes, Matthew Gibbs, Caitlin Thorburn, Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge and Tara Jaffar), playwright and director, brought a short but powerful piece of theatre looking at the kidnapping of women for marriage in Kyrgyzstan (Ala Kachuu), the oppression of the Roma people across Europe, the treatment of the Palestinians and the murder of Trayvon Martin.

With a focus on demanding change and voicing the voiceless, Restless Beings also announced the latest exciting developments with two of our projects. We are now up and running in Kyrgyzstan, helping to combat Ala Kachuu or bride kidnapping which is largely non-consensual and often involves violent kidnapping, mistreatment and rape of women. After an emotionally charged trip to the country in April this year, just a few weeks before Kukusanya, the Restless Beings team interviewed women and families who had faced Ala Kachuu and are now dealing with the many fall outs of the practice. The team held workshops with local charities, filmed an advertisement to be aired on Kyrgyz TV to encourage men and women to say no to Ala Kachuu and initiated dialogue with other NGOs aiming to find a resolution. Incredibly having recently achieved NGO status for Restless Beings, we have partnered with a women’s right organisation, Sezim to offer a counselling service to women affected by Ala Kachuu.

Kukusanya also marked the end of our 100kids campaign which started in February 2012. We set the challenge to Restless Beings all over the world to raise at least £100 in 100 days for the 100 street children that are going to be given a future to at our Restless Beings Village in Bangladesh. With a phenomenal response of nearly 400 Restless Beings taking up the challenge from 32 countries worldwide and 31 cities and towns in the UK alone!

The top 3 100kids fundraisers were announced at Kukusanya, with Shareefa Panchbhaya claiming 3rd place raising £1,701.25 by chopping off all of her hair to show how street girls in Bangladesh do this to appear as boys in fear of rape and sexual abuse. In second place were two little sisters, Aliyah and Khadija aged 4 and 6 and together they raised £3,292.00 being sponsored for horse riding, a 3 mile walk and swimming! Claiming 1st place, raising a total of £3,568.85 was Amera Otaifa, who as the winner of the 100kids challenge will be able to fly out to the Restless Beings Village in 2013 when it will be a fully functioning home, school, rehabilitation centre and a safe environment for street children to play and live out their childhood, as they should.

Although the 100 days of the challenge are up, the problems facing the children in Dhaka are not. Please do not forget them and continue to support the project by signing up on www.onehundredkids.com like TV Presenter and Journalist – Tasmin Lucia-Khan!

With your support consistent, grassroots change is achievable – our 100kids campaign, having raised over £45,000 in 100 days is testament to that! We also debuted ‘Building Hope’, a short film documenting our work with the street children in Dhaka, Bangladesh and the reason why your help is so needed!
Thank you to all who took part in the 100 kids challenge and all our guests at Kukusanya – your help keeps us going and facilitates change in vulnerable communities.
Stay Restless.
Love, Light and Lollipops!

Spring Fair for Restless Beings
2012-03-02 08:00 - 2025-02-11 17:00
A fun evening event to help raise money for Restless Beings. Come along and bring friends and family. From live DJ’s to henna artists, food and lots more. A great way to enjoy your Friday evening, make new friends and help a worthy cause.
Tickets are £15 per adult and £13 per child. Please follow the link below to make your payment:
Online tickets are now closed. Please buy your tickets at the door.
Please email all guest names to springfairmanc@gmail.com once you have made your payment.
There will be a limited number of tickets available. So book early to avoid disappointment.
If you want to help on the night please contact us on the wall page. 🙂
Find out more about the RB Village project and about the £100 in 100 days for 100 kids campaign.

Poets & Pioneers Nights
2012-02-02 08:00 - 2025-02-11 17:00 | London, London Address, London, SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
DJ SNUFF / RESTLESSBEINGS / SPEAKERS CORNER / D’GAF
East London’s hottest intimate live music/hip-hop/poetry nights @ D’Gaf.

Mic Righteous
Kingpin [Caxton Press]
Supar Novar
Jimmy Jitsu
Nate, Prose
Nekz
Oracy
DJ Snuff + Open Mic Cypher
& MANY MORE

Enjoy delicious food and lush mocktails whilst soaking up some ‘edutainment’ with beats and rhymes from pioneering poets of our generation!
£5 @ Door
EMAIL rahima@restlessbeings.org to ensure your name is on the guestlist – all names on the list will be able to pay at the door and enter.
Ticket proceeds go to RestlessBeings charity.
Look forward to jamming with you on the night. Bless!

Human Writes 2
2011-11-11 08:00 - 2025-02-10 17:00
Hip-hop raises the volume on Human Rights
With the symbolic green hand of change hung up at the front of the Rhythm Factory in Whitechapel, it was evident that the Restless Beings had landed and occupied the venue! Hip-hop was about to drop some beats to raise the volume and shine the spotlight on human rights all around the world. With the audience and supporters armed with Restless Beings signature lollipops and human writes goodies, the stage set, and artists eager to perform – Human Writes 2 – our annual Hip-hop for human rights gig was to finally begin!

The biggest names in the hip-hop scene, a group of like minded artists with the most conscious and positive music bought the show down and inspired the audience to creatively act and make change for what they are Restless about. DJ Snuff, the groundbreaking DJ and Co-founding member of the Peoples Army movement, well famed for his Speakers Corner sets was dedicated on the decks warming the 300 change-makers with old school hip-hop vibes. Opening up the show was up and coming rapper and poet Kayne Anthony, followed by the talented emcee and singer Melissa Melodee, poet Lorianne – part of the Hip-hop Shakespeare Company founded by MOBO award winning hip-hop artist Akala – and incredible and long standing Restless Being supporters – Poetic Pilgrimage – who performed with guitarist and singer Santiago to stun the audience with their set. (link: http://www.restlessbeings.org/music/who-is-quest-rah text: Quest Rah) also performing with Haan bought lyricism to the forefront and (link: http://www.restlessbeings.org/music/native-sun-profile text: Native Sun) consisting of Mohammed Yahya and Serena Leah then followed, performing ‘Legacy’ with their melodiously rhythmic African hip-hop tones. Jimmy Jitsu, young but quickly rising to success, performed two brand new tracks from his new EP to be released in January 2012. The night continued to move the audience, both the beats and the message behind the music. Caxton Press made up by Manage, Kingpin, eMCee Killa, Amy True & DJ Snuff bought the house down their track ‘The Press’. (link: http://www.restlessbeings.org/music/restless-beings-talks-life-music-and-human-rights-with-mangaliso-asi text: Mangaliso Asi), along with percussionist Kensaye, got the audience feeling ‘On Top of the Globe’. The crowd were then enthralled to be blown away by Nathan ‘Flutebox’ Lee & The Clinic performing ‘Night Rider’ alongside two other compilations. Lovelle then performed her set followed by the greatly anticipated Black the Ripper, recognised by The Guardian, as one of the top ten rising stars of 2011 and if everyone wasn’t moving by the time Ty was on stage, then they certainly were with his performance!
The open mic competition gave the opportunity for the biggest boxfresh and young talent to take the stage. On the night six contestants, selected from hundreds of applications performed for the chance for an amazing prize, an exclusive video directed and produced by Global Faction, and a one day studio session with rapper Nolay, as well as a set at the next Human Writes gig in 2012 and a free ticket to all Restless Beings events for the year, not to mention promotion to over 100,000 Restless Beings supporters. Poet Curious set proceedings and showed exactly why he won the first Human Writes open mic competition last year. The open mic featured some real talent in the youth scene, varying from emcees, rappers, singers to poets, with the likes of Trigga Tanna, Akillez, Rain Freedom, Emerge MC, Sean Yelo and Salaam Jones, who all performed with passion and a desire for change through music. Rusharr, a 17 year old beat boxer from Tower Hamlets, astonished the audience with a 5 minute set of several hip-hop tracks with various rifts. Based on delivery and content, it was then up to the audience who raised the roof with cheers and screams to decide on the winner… It was a close call, but Rain Freedom came out on top! Just 24 hours later, with shout out’s from BBC London Radio, Rain Freedom was also then interviewed on Revolution on Reprezent Radio!

The promotion of human rights, peace for all and the demand for an end to the marginalisation and persecution of communities can be achieved just as effectively, if not more powerfully through music and poetry, and this was ever more evident with the unity that results in the gigs. Throughout the night videos of the Restless Beings projects were played on loop and explained by the Restless Beings directors on stage; Rahima Begum and Mabrur Ahmed, another reminder of why everyone was gathered together. Through entertainment, the Human Writes audience are certainly taken through a learning experience. One hip-hop fan in the audience, Farhana, had said that she was “*previously unaware of the Uighur community, let alone the issue of bride kidnapping ala kachuu – tonight has opened my ears to some great artists and my eyes to some horrific issues in the world.*”

The excitement was also felt and visible to see online. Our Web & Social Media Team set into motion a tweet-a-lot competition which having run from midnight Friday 25th November to midnight 27th November, resulted in thousands of tweets with #HumanWrites. All in all over 90,000 people were reached through this campaign, and none of that is including RT’s! Ty the day after the gig tweeted: “I’ve never done a show anywhere in the world and the day after, the audience and the artists are all speaking on twitter. NEVER.” In fact the gig is still being talked and tweeted about now, and has lead to more support and calls for a monthly gig with DJ Snuff and Speakers Corner uniting with Restless Beings to be held at D’Gaf in Maryland to start in January 2012 to continue to raise the volume on international injustice!
Our hip-hop gigs primarily raise awareness of our projects and human rights issues throughout the world, however on the night just over £1,700 was raised bucket collections from our generous supporters! As a grassroots charity we appreciate that it’s often difficult for little ripples to make big waves of change, but on Saturday night and since, together as collective, some pretty awesome creative waves were made and are continuing to be made. That being said, it’s easy for the spot light on human rights and struggling communities to be dimmed and continue to go unheard once again. The ‘unfashionable’ human rights issues of the Uighur kidnapped Brides in Kyrgystan or the Rohingya persecuted by the military Burmese Junta may not be in the mainstream media but together we can keep trying to raise awareness, funds and hope for marginalised people across the world.
There is still yet a lot to be achieved, as Mohammed Yahya pointed out “Who knew about the riots in Mozambique?” We must continue and struggle to make it our responsibility to learn more about the world and look to alternative sources to do.
Follow us on twitter and follow Open Mic winner on twitter.
If you would like to volunteer, fundraise for or donate to Restless Beings and become an active member of change, please get in contact.

A Date with the RestlessBeings Summer 2011
2011-08-12 08:00 - 17:00
On the hot summer evening of August 12th, a group of change-makers gathered at “Jungle Braii,” a restaurant situated in the heart of East London. These individuals came together with a shared purpose: to voice the voiceless and echo the unheard cries of five diverse communities around the world, all while sharing an intimate dinner with Restless Beings.
The evening was a spectacular mix of old and new faces, all united by a passion for helping those in need and raising funds for both the hungry drought victims of East Africa and the Restless Beings Human Rights Projects.
As guests arrived, they were handed small cards featuring images of animals, setting the tone for a lively jungle-themed evening. The night commenced with a short introduction to Restless Beings and an overview of their key projects, shedding light on:

Bangladeshi Street Children, who endure horrendous abuse and neglect.
The Rohingya Community, persecuted and driven from their homeland, left to survive without humanitarian aid.
The Uighur Community, particularly the women in and around Kyrgyzstan, who live in fear of “Ala Kachuu” (bride kidnapping), a practice that strips them of their rights and safety.
The Roma Gypsy Community, who face racial discrimination and systemic barriers that force younger generations to leave school early with little to no education, even in a developed nation like the UK.

The co-founders of Restless Beings also took the opportunity to highlight another urgent crisis: the devastating drought in East Africa. With no clean water and failing crops, tens of thousands had already perished, with countless others on the brink of starvation. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Restless Beings pledged that all funds raised on the night would contribute to the East Africa Appeal.
Amidst the laughter and conversations, guests excitedly sought out others with matching animal cards. The room soon filled with the sounds of Lions roaring, Zebras galloping, Butterflies fluttering, and Parrots squawking. Each animal group then participated in a creative challenge: designing a T-shirt with slogans that reflected why they were “restless.” The winning design would later be printed and sold on the Restless Beings website.
As hunger set in, guests were treated to a delicious spread of South African cuisine, complemented by tables adorned with fresh fruit, refreshments, homemade cupcakes, and colorful sweets. The atmosphere remained joyous, with mingling and animated discussions continuing well into the night.
The sold-out event was a resounding success, bringing together over 70 like-minded activists. Together, they helped raise an incredible £1,680 through ticket sales and pledges, which would be allocated between Restless Beings Projects. Additionally, a remarkable £635 was raised purely through donations on the night to support the emergency food crisis appeal for East Africa.
The overwhelming support demonstrated that evening reaffirmed the power of collective action. But the journey does not end here.
Turn your whispers into shouts, spread the word, and help make an impact. Without your support, there is no change, no justice, and no end to suffering.
Love, Lights, and Lollipops!

Human Writes
2010-11-27 08:00 - 2025-02-10 17:00
Conscious lyrics to ignite your conscious; Hip-hop turns up the volume on Human Rights!
Set in an underground, Concrete basement, in Shoreditch, on a Saturday evening hip-hop and lyrical talent exploded on an intimate stage in the name of Human Rights! When Aruba Red tweets the Restless Beings ‘Human Writes’ gig to be ‘The official Roots/John Legend pre-party’ you know you’re not going to be disappointed! With a massive line up of the most established and upcoming artists in conscious music, Restless Beings supporters were certainly in for something special!
Despite the winter freeze and the forecast for snow, over 300 activists and appreciators of real music attended to help give a voice to the voiceless! Welcomed by the usual Restless Beings goodies of lollipops, badges and pencils, a hub of good vibes and shared love of musical talent resonated from the offset, with the illusive DJ Snuff playing classic hip-hop tunes to warm the guests up.

Opening up the night was a talented 15 year old, Sindy, followed by RYU & Onoe. Muslim Belal, moved the audience with his account of his transition to Islam calming the audience poignantly. Mohamed Yahya with Serena, and Poetic Pilgrimage blessed the stage and got the crowd moving, with their upbeat progressive tracks and the positive rapper, Logic MC also performing with Crazy-haze most definitely got the “People’s Army” mobilised. Later, Lady Ny had the audience mesmerised with her beautiful voice and also sang with the illustrious Purple. Pugnacious MC, currently a SOAS undergraduate student also bought raw talent to the stage with his tracks! Restless Beings were then blessed with a surprise appearance and support by the artist that Benjamin Zephaniah describes to be “One of the best lyricists in the Western Hemisphere” – LOWKEY! Performing the iconic ‘Long live Palestine’ and ‘Terrorist’ the crowd were reminded lyrically of human rights issues around the world. The message was further reiterated by the Iron Braydz performing a Restless Beings favourite ‘Free’.

Employing the true beauty of hip-hop and conscious music, audience participation was key in raising the atmosphere. This was conveyed in abundance in the Open Mic session of the gig which aimed to promote boxfresh talent. Out of 500 applicants, 10 artists were chosen to perform for 2 minutes to impress both the crowd and the judges- consisting of the established artists. The Open Mic artists, for some being their first organised performance, included Electric, J Kas, Zak, Sunshine, Mitz, Curious, Ruthless MC, Farhat, Little Moh and Suspect MC. All performed with their own original sound and style and the judges then painfully selected the two acts they thought to be the best- Sunshine and Curious! Both were very different in the style, Sunshine enthusing her melodious soulful tones to champion love and peace. Curious, on the other hand, by day a secondary school teacher, employed cleverly articulated lyrics to win the crowd round. After another performance, this time for 3 minutes, the crowd chose Curious to be the winner of the Open Mic Competition, with screams and cheers that reverberated off the concrete! In an industry that places more power and value with the audience, rather than a record label, the prize for Curious is invaluable as he is set to be endorsed by not only the crowd, but by the established artists/judges and Restless Beings! Among social mediums alone, his voice can be projected to over 250,000 people with RB and artist followers combined!
To close the show, following the more up tempo tracks, the crowd were able to sway to a more serene acoustic set by Natty, performing ‘Coloured Souls’. Other highlights of the night were Natascha of Aruba Red, a long time supporter of Restless Beings, performing an impromptu collaboration with our Open Mic Champion, Curious, beat boxing!
The underlying message of the gig was to raise awareness and charge the activism of human rights around the world. As a hub for activism and social change, and after the success of Project 1- helping the street children of Dhaka, Restless Beings launched Project 2 earlier this year. This project consists of the issues of Uighur Women’s Rights in Kyrgyzstan, the persecuted Rohingya people in Burma and Bangladesh and the marginalised Roma Gypsy community in Eastern Europe. Despite living in a so called ‘modern’ society, it concerns, in different ways, the restoration of basic human rights, which are greatly lacking for such communities as they live in stateless conditions. Our aim is the restoration of these basic fundamental rights on these communities that have been discriminated against, and displaced on the basis of who they are, how they are and what they believe in.
The spotlight is on them and change is coming, with YOUR support!
Despite the gig being more to do with raising awareness of the key issues behind the persecuted communities, a staggering £1,500 was raised, all of which, will go straight towards the human rights project! The support of the artists and the audience was humbling and it is testament to the movement of change out there. However, although the gig is over, the process of change continues. The importance of those post event ‘Monday morning discussions’ at work, school/university , the gym-wherever, helping to spread the word of change cannot be forgotten.
Voice the Voiceless and stand up for Human Rights!

Restless Beings FOR PAKISTAN
2010-08-26 08:00 - 2025-02-11 17:00
The evening of Thursday, 26th August 2010, at Jungle Braai, London, was an evening of restlessness—restlessness about the state of the world and the current Pakistan plight. A form of restlessness that demanded unity and passion, powerful enough to deliver change to our world, which it so desperately needs.
It is in this spirit that Restless Beings hosted their charity dinner for the victims of the Pakistan floods and raised a phenomenal £2,025 for DEC’s Pakistan appeal.
The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaking about Pakistan, asserted that “these unprecedented floods demand unprecedented assistance.” The international response to Pakistan’s plight has been fraught with delays and political tensions, failing to provide this so-called unprecedented assistance. However, individuals have stood up and claimed, enough is enough. The power vested in people to campaign for change and make a difference was clearly evident in the generous hearts of friends, humanitarians, and activists who came together to support Pakistan at Restless Beings’ charity appeal.

Co-founders and Co-directors of Restless Beings, Mabrur Ahmed and Rahima Begum, introduced the event, highlighting what Rahima described as the “holistic” nature of Restless Beings as an organisation. Despite not having any projects based in Pakistan, this event was an emergency response born out of necessity and common humanitarian grounds.
A short video was presented to guests, displaying the plight of the Pakistan victims, the global response, and DEC’s appeal. Following this, the evening’s guest speaker, Ajmal Masroor, took the floor.
Ajmal commanded the room with his inspiring words, highlighting the need for humanity to take heed of their moral, social, and religious duties to one another. His key message, along with the video and the evening in general, emphasized the importance of building and nurturing relationships with fellow human beings, reconnecting with our brethren, and ensuring that we do not fail one another in times of need.
It was with this powerful message that Ajmal began taking bids for donations just before iftar (breaking fast), resulting in an amazing £1,200 pledged in under fifteen minutes.
With this fantastic amount already raised, the evening continued with great food, networking, and further donations.
One of the evening’s key guests, Rooful Ali, founder of Emerald Network, an organisation striving to unite Muslims through networking, commented:
“It is wonderful to see Restless Beings expand beyond their projects to respond to the Pakistan floods disaster. Their ability to be selfless should be commended and inspire others, inshallah, to do similar events.”
Similarly, another guest, Taslimah Yousuf, remarked:
“These events are really worthwhile as passionate people can really make a difference.”
A Call for Action
The UN estimates that over 20 million people have been affected by the Pakistan floods, and this number continues to rise.
This is a call for action. A call for change.
Not just for Pakistan but for campaigning for justice, peace, and humanity across the world.
Restless Beings is a humanitarian effort that seeks to work with marginalised communities worldwide, advocating for the prevention and relief of poverty and actively promoting human rights.
You may view the Restless Beings film DEC Pakistan Floods Appeal which highlights the plight of the victims of the Pakistan Floods.

A Dinner Date with Restless Beings
2010-08-19 08:00 - 2025-02-10 17:00
On the 19th August, surrounded by jungle murals and African drums, Jungle Braai restaurant in East London was transformed into a heaving hub for creating a change, as it hosted an intimate dinner with Restless Beings.
During the month of Ramadan, supporters, activists and friends gathered to support the charity in their quest to raise awareness and fundraise for their two ongoing projects; ‘Bangladeshi Street Children’ and ‘The Persecution of Three Communities’. Our gracious supporters and donors included our kind sponsors, Victor Stone and many new faces from as far as Birmingham, Bedford and Bath, who came to not only learn about, but support and help promote the Restless Beings cause.
Before the fast was broken at sunset an introduction to Restless Beings was given by both Mabrur Ahmed and Rahima Begum, the two Co-founders of the organisation. This was shortly followed by a documentary that presented the success of the first RB project, launched in 2008 with ‘The Big 10 Challenge’. It depicted the harrowing experiences of the street children, filmed during Mabrur’s experience, on his last journey to the rehab centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It certainly stirred emotions, as clips of the children’s self harm was shown, one of the many consequences of taking a drug called ‘dandy’. However, the positive effects of the Restless Beings rehab centre was certainly clear, as the results of strong support, optimism and dedication for change proved to have remarkable effects on the Bangladeshi children. One guest, moved by the video, commented: ‘Its great to see where the donations you have made go to, and how it is used in such a positive manner, creating a tangible difference’. Indeed RB focuses on making permanent, consistent and egalitarian change.
The video then showed our next project, ‘The Persecution of Three Communities’. This project consists of the issues of Uighur Women’s Rights in Krygyzstan, the persecuted Rohingya people in Burma and Bangladesh and the marginalised Roma Gypsy community in Eastern Europe. It concerns, in different ways, the restoration of basic human rights, which are greatly lacking for such communities as they live in stateless conditions.
However hope was the lasting sentiment. A hope that with the support of effort of those who feel restless, change can be made. The success of the rehab centre is testimony to such. Whilst dining on sumptuous South African cuisine, guests were able to network in order to share resources as well as find out more about the Restless Beings team and their work.
The evening was an amazing and humbling success, raising around £3,000! From ticket sales, to donations and stretch pledges, a great sense of community was achieved in order to help other, less fortunate communities. Further, many guests also expressed pledges to raise funds individually or amongst friends in order to help the cause too, by way of dinner parties and cake sales.
In the mean time Restless Beings would like to announce their next event, an iftar in aid of the Pakistan flooding, raising money for DEC Appeal. With flood waters affecting a fifth of the country, and stretching for more than 600 miles, lives and homes have been shattered and we appeal to you to dig deep and give generously during this time of need. The event will be taking place at Jungle Braai again and more information can be found on the Restless Beings website.
If you would like to volunteer, fundraise for or donate to Restless Beings and become an active member of change, please get in (link: http://www.restlessbeings.org/contact text: contact) for more information.

Stateless Beings
2010-05-01 08:00 - 2025-02-11 17:00 | London, London Address, London, SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
2 years of Restlessness for the Silenced, the Voiceless, & the Marginalised.

FILM
FOOD
MUSIC
CHANGE
LOVE

[NO SUITS & BOOTS, JUST GEEKS & FREAKS]
A party for PEACE makers, JUSTICE seekers & EARTH warriors!

1 MAY 2010
@ 6.30pm
@ The RichMix
34-47 Bethnal Green, Shoreditch, London E1 6LA

TICKETS: £10 (pre-booked) or £13 (@ door)
Online tickets are now closed.
Please buy your ticket at the door.
For more info & to buy tickets > Call 07930943229 / 07506100785
If you don’t want to miss it, grab your tickets now. We have sold out in previous events, so would urge all you lovely people to get your tickets asap online and get yourself automatically on the guest list.
This event will highlight our work so far in the Bangladesh for the street children in Dhaka who are exposed to the worlds of drugs, abuse, severe homelessness, hunger, prostitution and injustice on a daily basis. Break this cycle with us for good. This event will also be the launch of our second project, a commitment to human rights which spans across three communities, in three countries who share one struggle. Join us for one night to mark many more days and nights and moments where we can all collaborate to make a difference for the unheard, the forgotten and the persecuted; The underdogs of our global family.
**FOOD **> (VEG options will be available/Halal for those who need to know/nom nom too :] – courtesy of Meraz Cafe
**FILM **> Screening of two documentaries which cover the humanitarian work RestlessBeings is doing and the work it intends to do for communities who are yet to be reached out to.
*Dress Code: Be Yourself, Be Wild, Be Green (wear whatever you like, whether you want to come in fancy dress or your pyjamas or in a paper bag or a tie dyed sack, it’s all gravy like bisto baby 🙂 )*
[No Children under 13 years / Non Alcoholic Event]
**Kindly Sponsored/Supported by the lovely people at:**

Victor Stone
MerazCafe
Cupcake Coutur

Still Restless
2009-05-02 08:00 - 2025-02-11 17:00
An event that marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of Restless Beings.
An occasion that brought together some of London’s finest unsigned artists to celebrate the achievements of the organisation and its supporters during its maiden year.
The night was interspersed with mesmerising entertainment, delectable foods, an exclusive film screening and a splash of Restless Beings’ signature lollipops – all for the impoverished street children of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
From start to finish, the venue was heaving with an audience that knew how to have a good time. Guests, kind in their intentions, and urbane in their taste, were presented with a host of eclectic and diverse entertainment to feast their eyes and ears on. Food for thought was provided by the first ever public viewing of a documentary filmed by Mabrur Ahmed, co-founder of Restless Beings, during a research trip to Dhaka. The plight of the street children was laid bare, and the audience digested the dangers faced by the forgotten children, day after day.
The event celebrated the successes of the fresh and vibrant approach – a signature mark of Restless Beings and its supporters ” to tackling the long-standing injustice of street children. There was much to be collectively proud of, but it was abundantly clear that there was a lot more to do. And this was the great challenge that was imprinted onto the minds of performers and supporters alike: more awareness needed to be raised, more campaigners needed to be recruited and more donors needed to come forward. In short, more people needed to really care about the great number of children who are forced to abandon their childhood for the worst possible type of adulthood. The atmosphere was charged with this realisation, and that had to have been the best part of Still Restless.

Gaza FullSTOP
2009-01-15 08:00 - 2025-02-10 17:00 | London, London Address, London, SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
This special event was in collaboration with the School of Thought to raise money in aid of those being persecuted in Gaza. In memory of the people who have lost all that they have. And in support of those still under the darkness of injustice and hypocrisy.
Esteemed speakers and passionate performers saturated the night with their sorrows and disbelief at the atrocity faced and mass murder committed against the innocents of Gaza.
On this night, artists came together to creatively express and highlight the frustrations and powerlessness we feel when witnessing basic human rights being stripped from the defenceless. When daylight massacres are committed and nothing is done to stop them; when no one stands forward to be saviours for the weak; and when even the act of providing medical and food aid is denied without explanation.
This night delivered the message that, though we are far away from the afflicted area, we feel their pain and wish to fulfil the title of being ‘human.’ Heartfelt prayers and donations were made by those who attended, with the hope of supplying essential aid for the injured and affected.
Guest Speakers

George Galloway (Politician, activist)
Yvonne Ridley (Media personality, activist, journalist)
Ken O’Keefe (Director of Aloha Palestine and activist)
Ajmal Masroor (Media personality, Imaam)
Maha (Palestine Solidarity Campaign)
Dahlia (Interpal Representative)

Talented Performers

LowKey
Logic
Spitz
Mohammed Yahya
Aruba Red
Poetic Pilgrimage
QuestRah with Phonetikz & DPZ
Purple
Take2
Pearls of Islam
Masikah
Umar (Beat boxer)
Jamal Kalan (Poet)

Supported By

Interpal
Platform Magazine
Victor Stone
Queen Mary BSoc
InsideDesi
Eclectic Azure
Savortex
No18Studios
Network Bangla
Sylhet in London
Cinema Libre
NuVibes
IDEEN Media
Second Phaze Design
Muslim Youth Helpline
Enchanted Beauty
Muslimyouth.net
Aerosol Arabic
Just Muslim
Cheeky Maggot Productions
Aloha Palestine
Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Islamic Design House

Launch Event
2008-05-01 08:00 - 2025-02-10 17:00 | London, London Address, London, SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
Restless Beings hosted its very first event on the evening of 1 May 2008, launching itself into the public arena in order to bring to the public’s attention the organisation’s reason for being and the innovative way in which it works. With the first Project taking the organisation to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Restless Beings aims to tackle the issues that children in street situations endure on a daily basis and, more generally, to raise awareness of marginalised communities across the world.
The launch event was held at the City Lane City Hotel in the heart of East London. The sell-out event, despite a last-minute increase in capacity, was an absolute success with guests enraptured by the presentation and informative structure of the evening, all the while being entertained throughout the night. With a delicious spread, the first film screening of Restless Beings’ very own documentary and special speakers, the guests were also entertained by a plethora of live singers and musicians all focusing on social change. Artists included the likes of Pearls of Islam, Poetic Pilgrimage, Spitz, Cherry Lee, Ear for Imagery, Suzana Ansar & Yamin Chowdhury & Co, Tai Mahmud & Razzo & many others. Guest speakers included Syed Ahmed and Baroness Uddin, both of whom showed great support for the cause and helped Restless Beings raise funds throughout the night.
The documentary highlighted the social problems that Restless Beings hoped to address through Project 1 and introduced video footage of the affected areas of Dhaka, the victims of prostitution and abuse and the scale of the problems that they face on a daily basis. The harrowing stories brought home the severity of the situation, and allowed Restless Beings to fully convey its message to the audience.
Fund-raising activities, such as the auctioning of small gifts on behalf of the charity, and a call for donations, resulted in a total amount of over £4000 being raised, with much more committed in pledges. Restless Beings’ partner organisation, Shishu Tori Sangsta, was also in attendance and hopes to work together with Restless Beings in the near future. Shishu Tori Sangsta runs a “Schools under the Sky” programme, helping to teach literacy and numeracy, as well as organise recreational activities in a number of informal open-air schools, which are held in Dhaka, and is therefore well positioned for future collaboration.
The event ended near midnight with the documentary as the final piece of the evening show and the attendees showing outstanding support for the organisation and its objectives. With more events on their way, Restless Beings looks forward to the continued participation and support from its sponsors and donors.
