Updated 9 February 2011
On Saturday, 8 January 2011, the Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, the Hon. Treasurer, Alhaj Mohamed Hemani and the AFTAB Chairman, Seyed Hassan Naqvi visited Mwanza Jamaat.
The intent of the visits is primarily to provide support to our Jamaats, to meet and discuss with the Office Bearers, Managing Committee Members and the Trustees of the Jamaat and similarly, to meet the community members and visit the various facilities, projects and properties of the Jamaat in order to have firsthand information and also witness the developments.
After visiting several Jamaats, it has become apparent that such visits are useful in that it also builds confidence, improves communications and brings about better understanding between the Jamaats and the Federation.
Whilst in Mwanza, the AFED delegation visited some members of our community who are also under the welfare assistance of the AFED and also toured Jamaat’s properties.
The population of our community members in Mwanza has dropped considerably, up until 1985 there were 1,000 members - males, females and children; currently there are only about 335.
The Jamaat organized majlis and nyaz at Imambargha for ladies and gents after maghribain prayers at which the AFED Chairman addressed the community members.
Speaking to the community members, the Chairman explained AFED’s activities and plans involving various sectors, including Tabligh, Education, Health and Economic uplfitment, he emphasized on members’ dedication and commitment towards working harmoniously and support each other and the Jamaat, he also appealed to the members to discharge their obligation of Khums and channel their Hukuk Funds to AFED, either directly or through the Jamaat.
The delegation also visited the Madressah in Mwanza – known as Vision Learning Centre (VLC) which started about one year ago. VLC has about 45 students and 16 staff members. It is operating under Br. Murtaza Alloo, a member of Mwanza Jamaat who has taken up this worthy responsibility; it was pleasing to see Murtaza bhai’s involvement and devotion of his time and resources to keep this unique Centre operating professionally. Notably, the Mwanza Madressah students have performed excellently in many Qura’an competitions organized by the AFTAB.
During the discussions with the AFED delegation, Murtaza bhai expressed his willingness to provide guidance and assist other Jamaats who may wish to replicate the VLC in their respective Jamaats. The Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi thanked Murtaza bhai for his commitment to promote religious education to our children in Mwanza.
Earlier during the day, the AFED delegation had fruitful discussions with the Jamaat Chairman, Alhaj Sibtain bhai, the Vice Chairman, Dr. Mubarakali and the Trustee, Alhaj Mohamed Moledina.
Mwanza Jamaat owns several properties generating reasonable income, though could be better still. The income provides the Jamaat the much needed funds to support various activities and to provide relief to the welfare members needing financial assistance. Mwanza is one of those towns in Tanzania having great potential and the economic growth rate is quite high. The Jamaat and the community members should take advantage of the available opportunities. Jamaat has plans to improve its infrastructure and develop some of its properties to enhance income.
We wish to thank the Chairman and all members of the Mwanza Jamaat for a warm welcome and for the wonderful hospitality during the visit by the AFED delegation to Mwanaza.