Ref: AF/PRESS/2015/48
On Saturday, 14th February, 2015, the Africa Federation (AFED) Honorary Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan and the Africa Federation Tabligh Board (AFTAB) Chairman, Seyed Hassan Naqvi visited Mwanza for a meeting with the Jamaat officials, and also paid a curtsey visit to Bilal Muslim Mission Mwanza Branch where they held brief discussions with the Branch Chairman, Alhaj Sibtain Meghjee in his office.
The meeting with the AFED delegation was attended by the Vice Chairman of the Jamaat, Alhaj Mohamed Moledina, the Hon. Secretary, Br. Salim Panjwani, Alhaj Mohamed Fayaz Fazel, Asst. Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Zulfikar Karim, MC Member/Trustee, Alhaj Arshad Jetha, MC Member, Alhaj Murtaza Alloo, Head of Madressah and Head of the Qur’an Competition Organization and Alhaj Salim Dhalla, Qur’an Competition Coordinator from Mwanza.
Various topics were discussed; among them was the forthcoming 11th AFED Qur’an Competition which is being hosted by the KSI Jamaat of Mwanza.
The discussions were focused on the four key areas, these were:-
- Secular Education – That no child should fail to attend school for lack of funds.
- Higher Education ZAKMEF Loan – To encourage those who complete their secondary education to pursue higher education, preferably should take up undergraduate studies locally or within Africa region, and for postgraduate degree students can pursue at overseas universities.
- Tabligh – Religious education starting from the Madressah, encourage our students to pursue higher religious studies in some renowned Hawzas so that they can acquire religious education and knowledge which would help the Jamaats in human resources and developing infrastructure, teaching in schools etc.
- Economic Development – Jamaat to look into opportunities and to re-develop its present assets to generate more income for the Jamaat. From the income, a number of projects can be developed, for example “House To Own” & “Rent To Own” Schemes which AFED is encouraging Jamaats to pursue for its members.
It was very pleasing that Mwanza Jamaat will be hosting the forthcoming AFED 11th Qur’an competition in Mwanza, from 14th to 16th August 2015. Alhaj Murtaza Alloo, the Head of Mwanza VLC Madressah who will be heading the organization of the Qur’an Competition provided a detailed plan of the organization and he will be assisted by the Alhaj Salim Dhalla, volunteers from ladies and gents section.
The Vice Chairman, Alhaj Mohamed Moledina explained that whilst there are a number of good opportunities in Mwanza for business development and industries, he expressed sadness to see the number of membership is dropping; currently there are about 350 heads only in Mwanza. He pointed out that other communities like Bohora population in Mwanza is growing very fast.
Alhaj Zulfikar Karim pointed out that students from our community in Secondary Schools in Mwanza are performing very well in academics and are producing excellent results in the National exams.
Alhaj Aunali Khalfan pointed out the importance of carrying out Census of the Jamaat and also explained on the need to for Jamaat submit copies of the Title Deeds, Trust Deeds etc. of the Jamaat properties in Mwanza for safe keeping centrally with AFED Secretariat.
Though it was a brief visit to Bilal Mwanza Branch, fruitful discussion was held with Alhaj Sibtain Meghjee, Bilal Mwanza Branch Chairman. He explained on the various projects being undertaken in Mwanza region and the challenges they face in the wake of the current situation of the negative propagation and misinformation by some elements against the Madh’ab of Ahlul Bayt (AS).
AFED Secretariat wishes to express its profound appreciation to the Managing Committee and the Trustees of the KSI Jamaat of Mwanza for the warm reception and for the wonderful hospitality accorded to the AFED delegation. We also wish to thank the Head of VLC Madressah for hosting delightful dinner at his residence for the visiting delegation and Jamaat MC Members.
We are thankful for the good cooperation and support we continue to receive from the Jamaat. We are also thankful to the Jamaat for hosting the AFED 11th Qur’an Competition, we pray to Allah (swt) to make this important event a big success, Insha’allah.
SECRETARIAT