Ref: AF/PR/58/2015
Alhaj Mohamed-Jawad Khaki from the United States of America and Dr. Amir Lakha from the United Kingdom met the Africa Federation officials on their visit to Tanzania, the meeting was held at the AFED office in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, 27th August, 2015.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, the Chairman of Education Board, Alhaj Samir Habib and member of Education Board, Alhaj Mohamed Sumar, The Chairman of Economic and Housing Development Board, Alhaj Akil Hirji and his Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Ahmed Sachedina. Alhaj Mohamed-Jawad Khaki and Dr. Amir Lakha explained on their visits to various towns and villages in Tanzania having seen various projects and also the challenges faced by some local institutions and organizations, due to lack of human resources, skills and finance.
The discussion was centered on the following areas:-
- Humanitarian and social services projects in support of initiatives by the local institutions.
- Healthcare management in remote areas where good medical services are lacking.
- Improvement in educational standards, like teachers training, teaching equipment and schools facilities, i.e. sanitation, supply of clean water, boreholes etc.
- Economic development, tapping the economic opportunities available.
- Skills development to make families and especially widows self sufficient.
- Working in coordination to utilize and maximize the available resources and potentials.
In the year 2000, the Khaki Foundation had committed US $ 112,000 to AFED in support of the Higher Education Loan Scheme, four students have benefitted from this scheme, and more will receive the loan as students who have completed their studies repay the loan. On this visit, Alhaj Mohamed-Jawad was updated about the position of the funds and students’ repayments. Alhaj Mohamed-Jawad expressed his satisfaction on the quality of reporting and promptness of the AFED Education Board, he commended the flow of information from the AFED Secretariat on various projects, events etc. He further promised to support in the field of education.
Alhaj Anwarali explained that the need for financial support in the field of education is increasing by each passing year; this is due to increase of tuition fees etc. at the Universities and Colleges, he said; our Education board is constantly looking for avenues for the support and scholarships, currently AFED provides loan of US$8,000 for each academic year to students of higher education. Charitable Organizations like the Khaki Foundation are of great assistance in supplementing AFED’s Higher Education Loan Scheme; he appreciated their support and cooperation.
Alhaj Akil Hirji briefed the visitors on the ongoing efforts by his Board on AFED’s housing plans and explained on the Schemes being planned to assist members who are in need of affordable housing in our Jamaats.
The visitors were briefed on AFED’s initiatives to become self sufficient, though this may take some years to realized the vision, initiative like the Umoja Commercial Complex in Dar es Salaam is a step-forward in this direction.
The Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi expressed his deep appreciation to Alhaj Mohamed-Jawad and Dr. Amir for taking time out to visit various towns and villages in Tanzania and to meet up with the AFED office bearers, the Education Board and Economic & Housing Development Board taking keen interest in these key sectors. He stressed that the needs and demands in these two sectors are huge and the support from the African Diaspora can make substantial difference.
Secretariat