Annual Report 2004

“Delivering the Gift of Knowledge…………”

This annual report is part of a key objective for ZCSS to improve the level of communication within the community by providing regular updates regarding the progress of students, schools and ongoing projects.   We are happy to report that this objective is being achieved with the introduction  of  the World Federation Newswire,  which is produced every week and published on the Internet as well as being sent directly by e-mail to subscribers. During the past year  ZCSS  has utilised  this new medium to promote sponsorships appeals as well as inform the community of the continuing success and achievements of its students and schools.

Further detailed information about the contents of this report and more can be found within our electronic archive. Similarly, in order to receive weekly ZCSS progress updates and information regarding future projects, Internet users can sign up by clicking here

Current Projects and Sponsorship Appeals

The Al-Sadr Project
ZCSS has made a resolution to provide support for 300 orphans and deprived children of Sadr City, Baghdad for one year and is appealing for sponsorship. The commitment is for ONE YEAR ONLY at the rate of GBP 240 (USD 432) per child. This small contribution will be able to provide each child with clothing, shelter, food and education. Such basic requirements that we take for granted can make the world of difference to the lives of these destitute children.

So take this opportunity to support ZCSS and help provide these children with the opportunities and facilities they deserve.

Your financial assistance and generous donations can help restore hope and bring happiness to these children who have been plagued with poverty, war and famine. 

ZCSS is currently accepting sponsorship for individual children, which can either be done through full payments or instalments over a period of time. Alternatively, if you do not wish to commit to sponsorship there is also the option to simply donate whatever amount you can. Inshallah, if the response and support from our community is great then ZCSS will increase targets and seek support for another 200 orphans in the Basra region of Iraq.

Zainabiya Higher Education Loan Scheme
1,017 students have been fortunate enough to pursue Higher Education with the help of ZCSS. Essentially the necessity of providing a path to higher education is a crucial objective for ZCSS, yet it should not overshadow the necessity of bringing basic knowledge to those younger students around the world. 

At present only 30% of Higher Education students have been designated a specific sponsor parent by ZCSS. This infers that 70% are directly funded from the ZCSS pool funds, amounting to almost GBP 70,000 in expenses for 2003. The lack of direct sponsorship results in an ‘economic drain’ on the main pool and illustrates the continual trade-off which is occurring.

Both the ZCSS team and World Federation office bearers are looking into this area and investigating the feasibility of a more sustainable model. This would propose a specific two-tier system and would create a completely separate scheme for students in higher education, thereby reducing the financial burden for ZCSS.

The opportunity to go to University can provide the necessary skills and qualifications for students to make a living for themselves so that they don’t have to live on charity for their entire lives. All it takes is a simple contribution of GBP 500 (USD 800) per annum for 3 years, this is enough to support a student for a whole year at University and give them the opportunity to achieve excellence.

Zainabiya Capital Projects

New Government Urdu Higher Primary School, Alipur
By the grace of Allah (SWT) and generous contributions from a donor, the Zainabiya Building in Alipur was donated for the Thawab (Divine Reward) of Marhoom Sherali Walji of Tanga. The new Zainabiya Building in Alipur has been completed and was officially opened in August 2004. The building is a magnificent and innovative architectural accomplishment, which incorporates a unique circular structure to enhance sound projection and accessibility.

The school now has the capacity to accommodate children in large furnished classrooms as well as providing clean water and toilet facilities.

ZCSS continues to monitor the educational standards of the school and has welcomed the appointment of more teachers, which will undoubtedly improve these standards and unlock the potential of its many deserving students.

Opening of the Jaffery Academy in Meta, India
The President of the World Federation, Dr Ahmed Hassam was the guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the Jaffery Academy in Meta, India on 8 May 2004.

The new centre was built under the patronage of ZCSS World Federation with the intention of providing local residents of the Meta community with an excellent resourceful centre for learning and education. The objective is to enhance education standards in the area and to nurture the academic potential of the local children in order to produce skilled professionals and graduates. This in turn will contribute to the overall development and advancement of the community as a whole. 

The Stanmore Jaffrey’s launched a successful appeal to raise funds for this project throughout the holy month of Ramadhan 2002. Many of the youths from London Jamaat came together and collectively decided to aid their less fortunate peers in India. Their fundraising activities involved youths sleeping outside in the bitter cold whilst carrying out aamals and prayers. A substantial amount was also donated by HSBC bank.

Development and Expansion

ZCSS forges Trans-Atlantic Relations
The Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme (ZCSS) is pleased to announce the establishment of a new initiative in conjunction with the Organisation of North American Shia Ithnasheri Muslim Communities (NASIMCO). A closer working relationship is expected to increase the ZCSS sponsorship base in North America and inject a new found passion and commitment among the community. NASIMCO are optimistic about the proposed plans and have set a target in the first year to find new sponsor parents for 500 children.  

Experienced Principal carries out Quality Control Checks in Bangalore
Nisar Sheraly M.Ed, who is an experienced teacher and principal, visited Zainabiya Schools in Bangalore at the request of ZCSS. During the visit he was able to observe and assess teaching quality and standards.

Formation of ZAC – Zainabiya Advisory Council
In April 2004, the ZCSS Chairman - Murtaza Datoo appointed AlHajj Hasnain Walji, AlHajj Muhsin Dharamsi and AlHajj Mohamed Visram as the founder members of the Zainabiya Advisory Council (ZAC). The main objective of ZAC will be to provide advice and support to the Chairman of ZCSS and team members. There is a high level of confidence in this Advisory Council due to the calibre of its members and the combined breadth of knowledge and experience they posses of ZCSS operations.

You may remember that both AlHajj Muhsin Dharamsi and AlHajj Mohamed Visram have previously served as Chairmen of ZCSS, with AlHajj Hasnain Walji having been the previous President of the World Federation. By forming this Council we hope to preserve the spirit and ethos of ZCSS whilst introducing new and dynamic projects. Ultimately, the Councillors will bring an experienced perspective to the work of the ZCSS team as they continue in their pursuit of excellence. We would like to take this opportunity to recognise the contributions made  by  these  individuals and all the unsung volunteers who are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that ZCSS remains a success.  May Allah (SWT) fulfil their desires and bestow upon them bounties in the hereafter.

Improving the Way we Work

During this term the ZCSS team have endeavoured to update and refresh our approach where feasible and appropriate. We would like to take this opportunity to highlight our activities and plans in this regard.

Communicating our Message
Whilst making remarkable progress by the grace of Allah (SWT) and the generous support of our community, ZCSS recognised the lack of communication between the organisation and it’s supporters.

With the appointment of Salimabbas Bharwani as the Communications Co-ordinator, you may have noticed the introduction of regular communications and updates via the ZCSS/ WF Newswire. These articles are published on the WF web-site and can also be received by E-mail upon registration. There is still scope for further development, and it is our hope to leverage the use of technology to enhance the form and style of our messages as well as the medium by which we use to promote our objectives. 

Campaigns
Sponsorship and financial contributions are the backbone of our organisation. This allows us to continue supporting the thousands of children in the scheme.

It is not always easy to attract new sponsors for ZCSS and therefore we have asked Altaf Daya to look into this for us. Inshallah he will investigate efficient ways of managing and co-ordinating fund raising initiatives on an international scale so that we may  spread our activities across the globe. We hope to become more proactive in raising funds when required from all our communities worldwide.

Attracting Volunteers
The future success of ZCSS is dependent on the voluntary dedication and commitment of its volunteers. In order to undertake more projects, we recognised the need to attract more volunteers to help increase our capacity and supplement the existing ZCSS team members who have dedicated their time and energy over the years.

To resolve the shortage of volunteers, a recruitment campaign was launched on the WF website advertising a number of positions. Certain members of the community were also approached and invited to join ZCSS. The two new additions who are named above are testimonies of the positive outcome of this recruitment drive. Yet there is still more work that needs to be done and so we will continue to seek out more members of our community to join our team. 

ZCSS continues to adopt a culture of professionalism amongst its volunteers, which is why we have produced guidelines and job specifications for all our positions. For both parties to obtain a mutual benefit, there is a two-way discussion to clarify what they expect from ZCSS and in return what the organisation seeks from them. For further information please visit our website: www.world-federation.org/zcss

Reaping the Rewards of Success

An Enlightening Experience into the work of ZCSS
Leila Panju, a young schoolgirl from London recently had the opportunity to visit a Zainabiya School in Alipur, India. She was so impressed by the school that she has submitted an essay to the World Federation based on her recent experience. She points out how the Zainabiya School in Alipur excelled beyond her expectations; “My experience taught me how privileged I am to be attending a school in England where facilities are so much more advanced and that I should thank Allah everyday for this. The Zainabiya school in India is already exceedingly better than others in the country, but sponsoring that one extra pound could effect a students education, career and could change their future”.

The  Zainabiya School  and  others  around  the world are  standing out from others because of their high standards and academic success.  This progress is example of the capabilities and vision that can be achieved by ZCSS.  But this good work can only be carried out with the help of consistent funding and dedicated sponsors. Even the smallest donation can effect a student’s education, career and future. To read the complete narration of her trip please click here 

Students at Zainabiya High School Awarded Top Marks
The Zainabiya High School in Alipur, India was ranked as the best school in the Kolar District because it’s students obtained exceptional results in the National Government Examinations 2004.

From the 18 students who sat the SSC Examinations (equivalent to the British GCSE Exams):

• 2 students obtained distinctions
• 13 students obtained 1st class grades
• 3 students obtained higher 2nd class grades

The school follows the Indian system of education - so after completing the 10th grade at the age of 15/16 years, students need to pass the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations if they want to enrol in higher education courses. Students are examined in seven main subjects which include Primary and Secondary Language, Maths, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Typewriting and Computing.

This highly distinguished school was built and funded by ZCSS and currently accommodates 575 children in classes from lower kindergarten to 10th standard. It is being managed by the Imamia Education & Welfare Trust of Bangalore. The attainment of such high standards is also a tribute to the school’s Principal - Br. S A Nayeen, Secretary - Br. Muzamil Hussain and the Governing Body.