The Africa Federation Tabligh Board (AFTAB) in collaboration with the Africa Youth Network (AYN) and the Education Board organized a Pre-University Preparation Course for boys and girls aged 16-20 in Dar-es-Salaam from 25th June to 2nd July 2022.
This course which was in a form of workshop took place at Sea Scape Beach Resort Dar-es-Salaam over the duration of 9 days, whereby 63 participants (37 boys and 26 girls), from various Jamaats in Africa participated. The cost for the course was US$1,000 per participant, however AFED subsidized it to US$200 which enabled many participants to attend the course.
The underline purpose of the course was aimed at preparing our youths to face the challenges in their lives as they step up into a whole new world at university level and was designed to equip them with tools as they undergo a journey of time and face different variations in their socio-economic space, constant threats on their beliefs, their upbringing and way of life as they enter adulthood and become independent. The most recent and relevant of these threats is the creation of doubt in their minds due to some external influences.
The contents of the course included Spiritual Sessions, Life at University, Team Building Activities, Discussion Circles, Sports and Fun.
The Speakers at the course included; Sheikh Ali Rajani (Qum) who was also the Program Coordinator, Sheikh Kazim Bhojani (Qum), Sheikh Zuhair Jaffer (Nairobi), Sheikh Nadir Hirji (Qum) and Sister Zahra Bhojani (Qum). The topics discussed were:
- Understanding the Modern World
- Challenges faced at the University
- Leading a Balanced Life
- Tools of Knowledge
- Proving God
- The Human Being and Spirituality
- Teamwork
- University Relevant Rulings
- Dealing with Doubts
- Building a connection with the Holy Qur’an and the Ahlul Bayt (as)
- My role in the Community upon my return
- Gender Interaction
- Hijab
The classes took place during the mornings, and group discussions and activities were held in the afternoons. The activities that the participants took part in included Hiking at the Pugu Hills, a Visit to the Gym and the Beach, Swimming at the Water World, Soccer, Treasure Hunt, Stitching and Washing Clothes and Paintballing. The participants were also taught basic life skills like washing clothes, dishes and simple sewing and stitching which would help them in their university life.
As the saying goes, “All good things come to an end”; that was the same case for this course as well. The closing ceremony took place at the Sea Scape Hotel on the 2nd of July. AFTAB Board Chairman, Sajjad Bhai Walji appreciated and thanked everyone who were involved in making this course one of its kind. He called upon the participants to become ambassadors of the course and hoped to make this an annual event.
AFED Hon. Treasurer, Zainul Bhai Chandoo on behalf of Africa Federation office bearers supported the idea of making this an annual event and said such camps should be held annually as it provides a platform for the youth of the Community to connect and grow spiritually, socially and mentally.
Group Picture of the Participants taken at the Closing Ceremony
Below are reviews received from the participants and parents after the conclusion of the Program:
“We, the parents of Saajida Mohamed Sheriff, would like to extend our sincere appreciation to AFTAB for organizing such an amazing Pre-University Camp. Our daughter cannot stop talking about it and praising the Mentors, Facilitators, teachers and everyone who was involved in making this happen.
The combination of religious and secular teachings, outings, activities were all balanced in a nice way.
As parents, we feel, the subsidized rate of $200, made it possible for most to register their children for this program. hence making it a possibility for the majority.
The way you managed to have gender segregation without making the girls feel left out of any activities is also very commendable. Inshallah our duas that the children value and uphold what they have learnt over the 9 days’ camp
May Allah reward you all amply and give you the Tawfeeq and strength to engage our youths in such meaningful programs.”
Dr Mohamed and Azra Sheriff (Parents)
“I literally don’t know where to start from, but I will just give it a go. The experiences I have had in this camp were just amazing, from being part of a group of 9 boys from Nairobi to having a family from different parts of Africa. This is my first camp and I doubt there is going to be a better one and NO! I am not exaggerating.
In my opinion, there was no best experience per se because there was not a single time I stopped making memories. I just did not want the trip to end. The different discussions we had with the mentors especially with Sheikh Ali Rajani discussing about intergender interactions. Moreover, the career counselling session was beneficial because many of us had confusions regarding what career/university courses to choose, the different activities we had, and not to forget the food (it was delicious). The time where we went to the beach and played the “chicken fight” with the sheikhs was a moment to capture. We got a chance to cook whereby we had to cook different dishes and it was a sigh of relief not burning down the kitchen.
Lastly, I would recommend each and every youth to take part in this Pre-University course as it does really help before you enter the phase of university. I assure you; you will not regret joining this course.”
Muzammilali Mohamed Dhanji (Participant)
“The pre-university camp was honestly the best camp we have ever attended! Those 9 days were filled with fun and learning and gave us all precious memories to cherish. We were so confused regarding our careers before, but attending the camp gave us a clear sight and path of how we would like our future to be. The angel like organizers and mentors were really great role models to all of us. It’s the little things that count a lot such as the mentors checking in on us when we felt ill, the organizers treating us to delicious food and making sure we were all comfortable.
The lectures mentally prepared us for the difficulties we might face in our university and provided us with suggestions on how we could solve them. It even provided us with information regarding important matters such as the importance of having good company and having good relation with family. We were always excited for Sheikh Ali Rajani and Bai Zahra Bhojani’s lectures! We really miss those 9 days a lot and we’re totally looking forward to another camp by AFTAB. Thank you so much for such a marvelous camp”
Needah-e-fatema H. Gangji and Saajida Sheriff (Participants)
“Sa. Hope well. I would like to thank you for the exceptional organization at the Pre-Uni Prep Course. My daughter has been singing praises of all the mentors especially Azra Bai! Please do pass my appreciation to all of them and you too for looking after and inspiring Sakina immensely. She has learnt quite a bit in the 10 days that she was under your care. Jazakallah khairan!”
Sabiha Hassanali (Parent Sakina Hassanali)
“We came here with a totally different perspective of how the course was going to run and what it had in store for us. Safe to say that this camp has served purposefully in various aspects and has taught us lessons evolving all topics. Such as Proving the existence of God, living a balanced life, Challenges faced in UNI, teamwork and finding our true purpose in life.”
Zahra Gulamhussein and Maryam Chagpar (Participants)
The Africa Federation Tabligh Board (AFTAB) on behalf of Africa Federation wish to express their deep appreciation to the owners and management of Sea Scape Beach Resort of Dar es Salaam for their support and cooperation.
We are also thankful to all the Speakers and Mentors for their time and sharing of their knowledge for the betterment of the future of our youth of our Community. We deeply appreciate all the participants for their active involvement and good participation throughout the 9 days’ program.
We are intending to make this an annual event, Insha’allah.
Secretariat
Africa Federation Tabligh Board
4th August 2022