On 19th July 2016, Bilal Comprehensive School at Temeke hosted the World Federation Development Officer Sister Atiya Sumar who paid an official visit to the School; she met the head of the School, Mrs. Siddika Karim, Admin Staff, Teachers and Students. She also held a meeting with the School administration on various issues of common interest, including discussion on the much needed support of Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme (ZCSS) for our students at Temeke.
Brief Background of ZCSS:
The Scheme was established over 30 years ago with the initiatives of the late leader of the World Federation and a Visionary, Marhum Mullah Asgharali M M Jaffer to assist the less privileged students in India, Pakistan and Africa. The Vision of ZCSS is to create a generation of skilled individuals who will strive together to uplift their families and communities out of poverty, thus empowering them to become self-sufficient.
Report of the Visit:
To our immense pleasure, we quote the visitor first experience as she reports;
“The first sight which greeted me was a group of boys playing football in the playing area, which was a large open compound. On one side of the compound were girls playing a local game. While passing through the compound, the football whizzed past me and the boys were so quick to apologise. I was already won over by the cheerfulness which surrounded these children. These were definitely some happy and well-mannered kids!”
Atiyabai was given a tour by the Principal of the School, Mrs. Siddika Karim; she complimented and was pleased with the aura surrounding the school which was extremely positive and joyful. The enthusiasm levels were high, not just amongst the students but the teachers too.
She found visiting the classrooms very rewarding to see that the students were taught English, Kiswahili and other subjects. She observed that they could answer questions in English quite fluently and that the Nursery students were taught through play and the older classes are taken through some serious educational processes and learning.
Sister Atiya Sumar’s Inspirational Story:
As I left from there (BCS – Temeke) feeling unusually energised and full of hope, I realised that the people in this school reminded me of a story I had read some time back but I saw it in practice today.
“Once upon a time, there was a wise man who had a habit of walking on the beach. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, who was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.
He called out to the man “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young man paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”
“I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”
Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”
At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, “It made a difference for that one.”
Education Development
Atiyabai found it truly inspiring that the school’s focus and dedication towards ensuring education enhancement for these students does not stop after Primary. Although BCS do not provide Secondary level education, the management has gone the extra mile to collaborate with some private and government secondary schools to take students on board after Primary education. Just recently, we had two of our students finishing a Law degree from a local university who are now employed by one of the largest companies in Tanzania. One of the students is studying medicine in a local medical college. And it only gets better and better. We have a student in Turkey and one in Russia both pursuing further education.
The World Federation Support – Fill My Cup Scheme:
We are thankful to the World Federation who recently provided us with some funds to cater for porridge to all the students in the school for the year 2017. BCS also provide nutritious breakfasts for all students in the school.
Looking Forward – The Development:
We appreciate the support of the Africa Federation through the Central Bilal Board (CBB), along with Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania and also our well-wishers whose continuous financial and moral support has enabled the BCS to reach to the level we are witnessing today, we strongly believe that there is much more that can be done to improve the standards of education, teachers training and provide amenities, like the sports ground for the students. We look upon our parent body and the World Federation for their support.
Prepared by: Bilal Comprehensive School, Temeke
SECRETARIAT
BILAL MUSLIM MISSION OF TANZANIA
24th October 2016 (22nd Muharram 1438 AH)