AFRICA FEDERATION SOLIDARITY DAY 2020
The Africa Federation annually marks the 15th of Shaban – the birth anniversary of our beloved Imam of the time, Al Hujjah (ATFS) as Solidarity Day. As part of the AFED Solidarity Day Initiative this year, because of the outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic, the Ad-hoc Committee together with the Jamaats prepared Hygiene packs for distribution to the Local Community and Health Centres in the fight against the pandemic.
DAR ES SALAAM
The Ad-hoc Committee in collaboration with the Dar es Salaam Jamaat Solidarity Day Team prepared Hygiene Packs consisting of Hand Sanitizers and Medicated Soaps to help protect against the Covid-19. On Saturday, 4th April 2020, 1,000 packs were handed over to the Ilala District Mayor in Dar es salaam, Tanzania.
At the handing over ceremony the Mayor thanked the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Community for their contribution and appreciated the kind gesture of the Africa Federation Solidarity Day Ad-hoc Committee for their thoughtfulness towards their fellow citizens during this time of need to protect oneself from the Coronavirus.
Among those present at the brief handing over ceremony at Ilala District Commissioner’s office were Africa Federation Solidarity Day Convener Alihassan Kassam, Africa Federation Nominated Councillor Muslim Hassanali, Director of G1 Security Company & Sponsor Bashir N Bandali and Solidarity Day team members – Kumail Haji, Mohamedraza Bharwani & Mohamedabbas Karim. Click here to view the distribution video.
In addition to this, over 1,000 of these hygiene packs were also distributed to patients and staff at Muhimbili National Hospital, Mbagala Rangi Tatu Referral hospital and Amana Regional Referral hospital. The handing over ceremony was attended by the Vice Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, Dar es Salaam Jamaat Managing committee member, Br. ShaneAbbas Jessa, Prof. Karim Manji, Afed Solidarity Team Convenor Br. Alihassan Kassam and Dar es Salaam Jamaat Solidarity team representative Sr. Sarah Somji. Whilst distributing these hygiene packs, the patients were taught and given health education by Prof. Karim on how to use the sanitizer effectively.
A further 250 family hygiene packs were handed over to the Dar es Salaam Jamaat Social Service Committee for distribution to our KSIJ Welfare families.
The Solidarity Day organizing committee is very grateful to Br. Bashir N Bandali and Br. Shaneabbas Jessa for their support and contributions. A very big thank you goes out to all members of the Solidarity day team and volunteers for their valuable time and efforts that they have dedicated towards this project.
MWANZA
To coincide with the death anniversary of Imam Ali (A.S.), Africa Federation Solidarity day 2020 in collaboration with Mwanza Jamaat distributed 500 Hygiene Packs (Sanitizers & Soaps) and 300 Reusable Masks to Mwanza Region Traffic police force.
The Distribution was done in the presence of Mwanza Region disciplinary officer, Mwanza Region RTO and other police force sectional heads. Also present were Solidarity day team Member – Br. Fadhil Alishan, Mwanza Jamaat Hon Secretary – Br. Salimali Panjwani, Mwanza Jamaat Resident Alim – Maulana Sheikh Musharraf Husein & Mwanza Jamaat community Members Br. Sibtain Meghjee, Br. Hussein Bandali and Br. Suhail Khimji.
Mwanza Region RTO Mama Kotecha appreciated the kind gesture of the Shia community and mentioned that this would go a long way in protecting them against COVID-19. Her sentiments were echoed by the Mwanza Region disciplinary officer Mama Jongo who appreciated the support received from our community and requested all communities to come out in large numbers and emulate the Shia community as an example of disturbing these Hygiene items.
The handover ended with a closing dua and group photograph. Click here to view the video of the handover. Below are some photographs of the program.
Our appreciation goes out to Mwanza Jamaat youth Body – Husayn Inspires for sponsoring the Reusable Masks and facilitating the packing of the Hygiene Packs.
ARUSHA
The Solidarity Day 2020 team of Arusha actively took part in the cause and initiated the creation of a hygiene pack which consisted of a sanitizer, a medicated soap, a hand towel, a toothpaste and toothbrush together with prevention tips in Kiswahili.
By the Grace of Allah (s.w.t.), the support of many community members and business owners, local and foreign who believed in the cause and made contributions in forms of material and cash which enabled the team facilitate preparing 1000 hygiene packs for distribution amongst the dense areas of Arusha city and amongst those who could not afford the basics to maintain a sanitary routine during this pandemic.
The distribution was conducted on alternative days starting, April 14th, 2020 in areas, Sanawari, Unga Ltd (Soko Mjinga), Mbauda, Kilombero and Mt. Meru Hospital.
The transverse distribution would have not been impossible without the assistance of Br. Hameed Sheriff and Br. MohamedAli Rahim who worked tirelessly in ensuring the packs reached the needy in time. Not forgetting to mention, the volunteers of “Who is Hussein – Arusha”, who also used this as a medium to spread their message.
Africa Federation office bearers wish to convey their deepest gratitude to the AFED Solidarity Day 2020 Convenor, Br. Alihassan Kassam, the Solidarity Ad-hoc Committee members and the volunteers who worked tirelessly to source for sponsors, working till very late to prepare the Hygiene Packs and travelling to far distances to reach out for distribution to those who needed the Hygiene Packs the most. We pray to Allah (SWT) to grant them all long life, good health and every success in their professions and careers, Ameen.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and shutdown of several of our Centres and Mosques, the Solidarity Day 2020 activities shall continue up till end of the holy month of Ramadhan, requesting our Community members to support the AFED Solidarity Day 2020 by contributing whatever amount – “No Amount Is Small When Giving For A Good Cause”.
We pray to Allah (SWT) to keep all the people Safe, Healthy and for an end to this Pandemic, Ameen.
SECRETARIAT
23rd May 2020 (29th Mahe Ramadhan 1441 A.H.)