The Africa Federation Archives Section were delighted to welcome the COEJ senior citizens to its Archives Gallery on 13th March 2023. The Gallery is located on the third floor of AFED Tower, where the AFED Secretariat offices are located on the first and second floor.
The Vice Chairman of the Africa Federation Alhaj Aunali Khalfan and members of the AFED Secretariat and the Archives Team warmly received the seniors at the Archives Gallery. They were accompanied by Alhaj Jaffer Nathoo, Alhaj Nazir Haji, Sister Munira Mawji and Sister Yasmin Damji whereby they had a chance to look at the historical books, copies of Federation Samachar, photo albums and the newswires that the Archives team have accumulated so far and continue to do so. They also saw the antique pieces and artifacts, a means through which information on our history is conveyed visually to the community members.
Seniors were given a brief tour of the gallery by members of the Archives Team who also discussed the highlights of the events organized by Archives Section – Unguja Yetu and recently Chalo Jangbar a historical 3 days trip for youths in December 2022 to experience the rich Khoja History of Zanzibar. They were also shown pictures and portraits of the founding fathers, and chairmen of Africa Federation, whereby they were also briefed on the contributions and sacrifices by individuals towards the community. They were briefed on the trials and tribulations our forefathers had to endure, like the persecution of Shia Ithna-Asheri in Mumbai, India, the Zanzibar Revolution, the Uganda Expulsion, the Somalia Civil War and Evacuation, and the Yemen War and Evacuation of our brothers and sisters from these countries.
The seniors were then guided to the AFED Training Centre on the 10th Floor at AFED Tower where a short program was held for the visiting guests which commenced with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Sr. Ismat Khimji. This was followed by a welcome speech by Africa Federation Vice Chairman, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan who in his address expressed how honored the Africa Federation Secretariat was to have the senior citizens and then spoke about the activities that Africa Federation does, and the future plans of the institute.
The Archives Administrative Secretary Sis Zaheera Raza then presented an overview of the activities by the Archives Section and requested the seniors to share their thoughts and stories with the team and welcomed any advice their way.
A short talk was given by the Education Board Administrative Secretary, Sis Sajida Master where she provided an overview of the activities by the Education Board and presented their challenges as well as their loan schemes that they provide to their students.
The seniors were served with Zanzibar Mix and Refreshments. They were also presented a hand bag and key chain as a memento of the visit to Africa Federation Archives Section in Dar es Salaam.
Africa Federation expressed their sincere gratitude to the COEJ Seniors for their visit to AFED Tower and wished them a safe journey back home.
We received with deep sadness the news of the sudden death of one of the Senior members in the group, Marhum Baqer Habib Bharwani who passed away in Dar es Salaam on 13th March 2023. We request for a Sura-e-Faateha for Marhum and all the Marhumeen – Al Fateha.
SECRETARIAT
ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION
20th March 2023