Ref: EBS/Flash/05/2013
Essential Pre-Departure Briefing
For Students Heading Abroad
The Africa Youth Network in collaboration with the AFED Education Board, and with the assistance and coordination with the AFED Capacity Building Group and the KSI Jamaat of Dar es Salaam, held a Pre-Departure Briefing (Workshop) for students heading for their first year of University. The two day conference which was held on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August 2013 at Delhi Darbar in Dar es Salaam, was specifically designed to equip students on the various challenges faced at University as they venture abroad to live within an environment that is a world away from home. While this journey can be extremely exciting for a student, there are pitfalls and obstacles to watch out for.
The event addressed the following subjects by different speakers:
Building Confidence – By Shama Dewji, Shabbirhussein Khalfan & Sameer Kermali
- Power of Self
- Self Awareness
- Capacity vs. Capability
- Tolerance vs. Respect
- Non – judgmental / Authenticity
- Critical Success factor: Values
- Communication Skills: Emotional Intelligence
Social Challenges – By Akash Akaria:
- Living within a highly diverse environment.
- Tolerance towards other cultures, races, sexual orientations and religions that are different.
- Dealing with racism /any other form of discrimination.
- House shares, peer pressure and budget management.
- Dealing with culture shock and home sickness.
Academic Challenges – By Zeenat Thawer:
- Learning university-standard skills such as referencing, conducting presentations, writing lengthy reports, using the library and online resources.
- Self evaluation
- Time Management
Spiritual Challenges – By Hasnain Khimji:
- Spiritual tools to carry.
- Self and spiritual development during your journey.
- Divine virtues: Modesty, Taqwa, Istikama & Dignity.
- Spiritual practices – Keeping up with wajibaats such as prayers, fasting due to time / logistics, important duas to carry.
- The availability of halal food and keeping an eye out for unlawful substances.
- Exposure to drugs, alcohol and sex.
- Dealing with Islamophobia.
(The spiritual challenges module was initially supposed to be addressed by Sheikh Jaffer Ladak of United Kingdom as advertised. However due to his sudden ill health was unable to travel. Br. Hasnain Khimji kindly accepted to take up this module).
Numerous other activities were also held to help students get thinking about dealing with everyday challenges in a University life and environment.
A total of 32 students from Mombasa, Arusha and Dar es Salaam participated in this event. The following are a few of the many feedbacks received from participants:
The session ended with a closing ceremony on Sunday 24th August at Mamboz Sizzlers Conference Room at 7:30 pm, which was followed by dinner.
The ceremony was attended by AFED Hon. Treasurer, KSIJ Higher Education Council Chairman, AYN Chairman, EB Chairman, EB Hon. Secretary & Board members, EB Career Counselor, Organizing committee of KSI Jamaat of Dar es Salaam, and the participants.
AYN Chairman Br. Nishathussein Karim in his closing speech thanked all the students for participating in this event and he stressed that whatever knowledge they have gained will surely assist them in their journey ahead.
The AYN Chairman concluded by extending his sincere gratitude to the Education Board and the KSI Jamaat of Dar es Salaam Organizing Committee who were fully involved in the organization, logistics, and management of the event. He further stated that without the dedication and hard work of all those involved, an event such as this would have been a difficult task. He also thanked the AFED office bearers for their support and guidance.
The AFED Hon. Treasurer – Alhaj Mohammed Hemani and KSIJ Higher Education Council Chairman – Alhaj Hussein Peera also spoke few words and wished the participants every success in their Higher Education and University life ahead.
The full cost of the two days Workshop was borne by the Africa Federation.
All the participants were presented with a certificate for participation.
The Chairman, Alhaj Samir Habib and the Education Board members of the Africa Federation wish to express their profound appreciation to the KSIJ Organizing Committee of Dar es Salaam for their unflinching support and cooperation throughout the event.
SECRETARIAT
EDUCATION BOARD OF AFRICA FEDERATION