A note from our Founder
Assalamu Alaykum, my name is Nicole Edwards, and I am the Founder and Director of Ummah Jameelah Islamic Education. I hold a Bachelor of Education and currently teach at Ilim College, but my heart has always been in creating nurturing, faith-centred spaces for young children and their families.
My journey into Islam reshaped my life in the most beautiful ways. As a revert, the early years of motherhood were filled with deep learning, connection, and community. In 2005, alongside friends, I developed Ummah Jameelah Playgroups to fill the gap for faith-based early education. As our children grew, the programs evolved with them. Running Islamic playgroups became a source of healing, friendship, and purpose - not only for me, but for my children as well. Those relationships and shared experiences built the foundation for what Ummah Jameelah has become today: Now 20 years on, a place where families belong, grow, and feel supported.
Until now, Ummah Jameelah has remained proudly not-for-profit, through the support of our families, to which we nurture more than 350 children each week.
Outside of my work, you’ll often find me exploring new places or camping with my children - adventures that remind me of the beauty of simplicity, curiosity and togetherness.
My passion for Islamic education is rooted in a desire to empower our next generation with confidence, character, and love for their deen.
Through Ummah Jameelah, we hope to strengthen community bonds and support families in raising children who thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Together, we are building a strong, connected ummah - one little heart at a time.
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Click through to meet some of our team that make Ummah Jameelah the beloved organisation it is today
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Founding Director.
21 years at Ummah Jameelah
Bachelor of Education
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13 years at Ummah Jameelah
Post Graduate Certificate in Islamic Pedagogy
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16 years at Ummah Jameelah
Pharmacist and Mathematics Teacher
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9 years at Ummah Jameelah
Palestinian, Speaking Arabic and English
Diploma of Childcare, Diploma of Education Support, Bachelors of Political Science, Undertaking course in Montessori Teaching.
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2 years at Ummah Jameelah
Pakistani, speaking Urdu and English
Environmental Scientist, Women in Leadership Training with Brimbank Council & Certified in Playgroup Facilitation
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14 years at Ummah Jameelah
Lebanese, Speaking Arabic and English
Certificate in Education Support & Certified in Playgroup Facilitation
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2 years at Ummah Jameelah
Turkish, speaking Turkish and English
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3 years at Ummah Jameelah
Half Lebanese, Half Australian, speaking Arabic and English
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11 years at Ummah Jameelah
Croatian, Speaking Croatian and English
Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
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16 years at Ummah Jameelah
Georgian, Speaking Georgian, Russian and English
Certificate in Early Childcare Education
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12 years at Ummah Jameelah
Turkish, Speaking Turkish and English
Our Zakat Partner
National Zakat Foundation (NZF) is Australia’s dedicated Zakat body. Through this partnership, Ummah Jameelah has been able to sustain and expand our programs, open new locations, and offer scholarships to families who may not otherwise have access to Islamic early education.
Whether you need support or are ready to give, NZF is here for you.
How We Work With Local Partners
NZF works alongside trusted community organisations, mosques, and service providers across Australia to reach Muslims in need.
Local organisations are often the first to see when families and community members are experiencing hardship. As a service provider already supporting local families, Ummah Jameelah helps connect those in need to the right assistance. NZF provides the Zakat distribution infrastructure, Islamic governance, and direct financial support.
Together, we help make the Ummah’s responsibility to care for one another a lived reality.
Need Support?
If you are experiencing hardship, you may be eligible to receive Zakat support.
NZF provides direct financial assistance to eligible Muslims across Australia, including help with:
Rent and housing costs
Utilities
Groceries and essential living expenses
Medical costs
Zakat is not charity - it is your right. To find out if you qualify or to apply for support, click the button below.
Ready to Give Your Zakat?
If you are obligated to give Zakat, NZF can help you:
Calculate what you owe
Answer your questions
Ensure your Zakat reaches eligible Muslims right here in Australia
Giving locally means your Zakat moves quickly, with full Islamic governance and accountability, to people in genuine need within our own community.
Our mission is to foster a life-long love of learning and love of Islam in your little ones, through play-based learning and childhood joy.
“What we teach children to love and cherish will always outlast what we teach them to memorise.”
