Ref: AK/PR/2011/42
Housing Scheme and Economic Empowerment tops the Agenda
A visit by the Africa Federation delegation to Mombasa Jamaat took place from 16th to 18th December 2011. The AFED delegation was led by the Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi and accompanied by the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan and the Hon. Treasurer, Alhaj Mohamed Hemani. At the same time, the Chairman of AFED Education Board, Alhaj Samir Habib also traveled to Mombasa to meet with the Jamaat Education Board members and the management of Jaffery Institute of Professional Studies.
An important meeting with the Jamaat Chairman, Alhaj Sajjad Rashid and Managing Committee members was held on Friday, 16th December 2011. The new team came into office following the election of the Jamaat in September 2011. The meeting covered several areas, including housing schemes, medical and education. The Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali expressed profound appreciation to Mombasa Jamaat whose contributions to AFED has been significant in the areas of Tabligh, Education, Youth Development, Sports and also for hosting of various events and festivals in Mombasa on behalf of AFED.
Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi referred to Sajjad bhai Rashid as a committed and forthcoming leader having community at heart; he said he is a man of action and foresight. Sajjad bhai’s contributions to the community have been remarkable. The AFED Chairman was pleased to see the young team taking responsible positions in the Jamaat; he noted that the keen interest and determination demonstrated by these young people will be a source of inspiration to others and a catalyst to elevate the Jamaat to higher level of success.
On the Housing Schemes, the Mombasa Jamaat Chairman reiterated the need for housing for the low income and less fortunate people, similarly for those who are affording to own a flat through a Tenant Purchase Scheme. AFED Chairman Alhaj Anwarali assured that AFED will fulfill its commitment already given to the Jamaat to support the Housing Project for the low income and less fortunate deserving members of the Jamaat, this project will also be supported by the World Federation in collaboration with Africa Federation.
Both the Chairmen were keen to see improvements in the economic conditions of our community members, it was stressed for determined efforts to move away from giving out the monthly subsistence payments to families to a long term structured, controlled and well planned economic upliftment ventures.
The Mombasa Jamaat membership which once stood at 2,400 has dropped to 1,200 heads presently; a common challenge faced by several constituent Jamaats in Africa.
AFED DELEGATION MEETS THE BILAL MUSLIM MISSION OF KENYA CHAIRMAN AND BOARD MEMBERS
An AFED and Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya (BMMK) joint meeting was held at the AFED office in Mombasa on Friday, 16th December 2011. The meeting was also attended by the AFED Kenyan Trustee, Alhaj Sultan bhai Molu and AFED nominated Councillor, Alhaj Gulamabbas bhai Khaku who are also the Trustees of BMMK.
At the meeting, the AFED Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi expressed his deep satisfaction and appreciation to Alhaj Abbas bhai Nasser, Chairman of BMMK and his team for the focus and devotion towards the BMMK activities which he said was running professionally and should be emulated by other branches of Bilal Muslim Mission.
Abbas bhai presented a brief report of BMMK activities; he said the Mission is involved in promoting good understanding by reaching out to Muslims and non Muslims in Mombasa and neighboring villages in spreading the Madha’ab of Ahlul Baiyt (a.s.). He explained on the important role the media is involved with in educating the masses; he cited an example of the radio programs on KBC Pwani FM which BMMK is involved with. A full report of BMMK activities and projects being undertaken will be presented at the next Supreme Council Session, Abbas bhai and Mujtaba Peera gave a brief outline of the current activities, especially during the month of Muharram and Safar, these are:
Qur’an recitation competitionMuharram majlises, lectures and Juloos.Mu’allims (Teachers) TrainingImam Hussain (a.s.) Day
BMMK has embarked on an Economic Upliftment Program (EUP) for the local Shia families, which includes Live Goat Scheme, the Scheme which has proved quite successful in the villages and the recipient families can now evolve the income derived from this Scheme into other commercial ventures.
Out of 13 centres, only 3 centres are remaining for major rehabilitation, the centres were all sponsored by the well wishers from Africa and abroad, BMMK hopes that more sponsorers will come forward for the remaining 3 centres. There will be an official visit and opening of the Masafu Centre after the month of Safar (February 2012).
On behalf of AFED, the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan commended BMMK for their vision, structured methods of monitoring and good management of the activities and the efficient running of the centres in Mombasa and nearby villages. He noted with great satisfaction the attention given to financial management and the initiatives being taken currently to make BMMK to be self sufficient financially in the near future.
BMMK is intending to create a “Foundation Fund” for investments to generate income in order to fulfill the ambition of becoming self-sufficient financially.
The BMMK Website is due for major revamping, explained by Br. Mujtaba Peera, the BMMK CEO. It is hoped that some of our Website Developers and Designers in our community will come forward and contribute and help with their expertise to assist BMKK in this project.
The AFED Chairman and the Office Bearers wish to convey their deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Chairman, Alhaj Sajjad Rashid and the Mombasa Jamaat Managing Committee for their warm welcome and pleasant hospitality in Mombasa.
We also wish to thank the Chairman, Alhaj Abbas Nasser and the Board Members of BMMK for extending their valuable time to attend the meeting and for the enlightening report provided to the delegation.
Our sincere appreciation to Alhaj Sultan Molu, the AFED Kenyan Trustee for his guidance, cooperation and selfless services to the AFED.
Thanks also to the AFED Nominated Councillor, Alhaj Gulamabbas Khaku of Mombasa for his support and cooperation.
Secretariat