TERM 2000-2003

Striving for Excellence in Education by President Dr. Hasnain Walji

Striving for Excellence in Education, a Call-to-Action for the Term of Education - 2000-2003.

Presented at the First Executive Council Meeting held on 27th. January 2001 at Stanmore.

Mission Statement

“To ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence and love of knowledge in every field throughout the community”

Preamble:

Today’s society has little room for those who cannot read, write and learn new technologies, skills and occupations and our community is not immune from this. We must be alive to this fact and provide every opportunity for our community to master all the modern technical skills and at the same time have an interest in the whole range of human wisdom and creativity which deals with life and death, beauty and truth, sincerity and compassion.

During this term, which has been declared as the Term of Education, the World Federation has set the following priorities and targets:

1. Availability of quality Primary and Secondary education. Target: All Community Schools
2. By eighteen years of age, our boys and girls are prepared for placement in institution of higher learning or vocational training centers. Target: All Between Ages of 18-25.
3. Drive towards a technologically literate community. Target: All Jamaats.
4. Special provision for gifted children and students of outstanding abilities. Targets: All Jamaats.
5. Special provisions for children with hearing and other disabilities. Target: All Jamaats
6. Promoting Adult Education. Target: All Jamaats
7. Intellectual Social and Emotional Integration. Target: Students in Western Universities.

Meeting these seven priorities requires action on all fronts to ensure that the greatest number of people buy into the vision we need to implement. Our Greatest Challenge is convincing the Community to buy into this vision

Fund for higher education, in our community, dates back to the fifties. However, the amount of money given for education is not increasing as fast as the need. Individual support is lagging while the expectation from WF is growing.

Despite these constraints, the World Federation, through its Jaffery Education Scheme and the Zainabiya Child Sponsorship has had a very creditable performance both in basic and higher education. During this tern WF needs to invest even greater resources in education for our young men as well as women, both in the East and the West, to ensure that they do not lag behind for the want of means and facilities.

At the same time, those who were given education loans have started to pay back. But there are many who are not paying back. By encouraging more and more of these ex-students to repay and even contribute, Inshallah WF can redeploy these funds for more loans.

Africa Federation, Education Priority

The Chairman of Africa Federation, Haji Zulfikar Khimji, stated that Education was being given priority and the community had spent nearly USD 800,000 for higher education. He suggested that the Community’s Schools in Mombasa/Nairobi/Dar es Salaam and Arusha should join hands to establish a University for members of the Community in Africa.

As Chairman of Africa Federation, he had declared 15 Shaban as an Annual Solidarity Day when Funds for education were being raised.

The President of the World Federation, Haji Hasnain Walji, stated that the World Federation had launched a 'Vision to Reality' document outlining its vision, strategy and planning for the term. He expected members to have plans and strategies in place and work closely with the World Federation.

Africa Federation’s Education Board is working closely with CETAB and had prepared a seven-point plan to bring the vision into reality.

Murtaza Datoo, Chairman of CETAB, detailed steps taken by the Board to realize its vision. CETAB had initiated a Gifted Students scheme under which application for educational scholarship from particularly gifted children would be given special consideration.

The Executive Councillor, AL Haj Manzoor Kanani, requested Africa Federation and the World Federation to pay special attention to Economic upliftment projects in Africa. He also spoke about the Alims/Zakirs and appealed for unity in the community when recruiting them or responding to their appeals,

Transforming Vision to Reality, by President Dr. Hasnain Walji

Presented at the First Executive Council Meeting held on 27th. January 2001 at Stanmore.

The purpose of this master document is to state the plans and projects for the term 2000-2003 and seek the support from the community to turn this collective vision into action. This document incorporates the vision of Conference 2000 and is a result of months of detailed deliberations by the team at the secretariat. It is an attempt at defining the direction envisaged during the term 2000-2003. I now invite the Community at large to enroll in that vision and urge your active participation and input.

World Federation Mission Statement:

The World Federation aims “to create an environment for the betterment of the community and to nurture individuals, who will serve humanity to seek closeness to Allah S.W.T. in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) and Aimmah (AS)”.

Conference Vision: The packed house of Conference 2000 demonstrated yet again, that the community across the globe not only expects the World Federation to deliver the highest level of services but also actively participates in that delivery process. In keeping with the consensus developed during the keynote session, which was devoted to the Vision for the Community, activities of the WF will be carried out in the spirit espoused by Conference as reaffirmed below:

1. Core Values of World Federation
   1. Serve with Simplicity and sincerity
   2. Strive for excellence in all fields especially in education
   3. Enable and facilitate all community in endeavors
   4. Engage grassroots
   5. Prevent duplication and support local and innovation
2. Short Term Goals
   1. Executive Council becomes a strategic body that provides for planning and oversight.
   2. Boards across all organizations to be the engine for action, planning and delivery. The WF executive Council would act as a central strategic resource.
   3. Individual Boards to involve youths and women in all its workings.
   4. The focus for the new term should be to develop leadership, mentoring and succession planning at all levels of our community organizations.
   5. Encourage International youth and women’s forums and Conference.
   6. WF leadership to visit each member organization at least once during the term of office to stay in touch with the community needs.
3. Long term Goals
   1. Education for all
   2. Health care for all
   3. Self-sufficiency for all
   4. Representation for all
   5. Effective leadership for all
4. A Shared Vision: Realization of our vision must be in spirit of the collectivity of purpose. Together we can make a difference by envisioning the WF as a uniting force that conceptualizes projects in the service of the community, and woks with the regional bodies and local organizations in their implementation and evaluation. This document is a result of the shared vision of the team at the Secretariat. It is an attempt at defining the direction and enumerates the projects for the term 2000-2003. WF now invites the Community at large to enroll in that vision by participation and input.
5. Project Profiles
   1. Sharing the Gift of Islam with all – WF IEB: The mission of the WF- Islamic Education Board is to share the gift of Islam with all. Objectives being:
      1. To focus on ensuring that the IEB houses a specialist Quran Library
      2. To ensure www.quran.org.uk is dynamic
      3. To raise the community’s awareness of the Quran (adopting thematic approach)
      4. To develop and encourage the next generation of Zakereens
      5. To identify a paid network in Quran for the purpose of posing questions to our Ulema
      6. To continue the present lecture formats of radio broadcast
      7. To have a paid support to the office for queries arising from the radio programme
      8. To collate all lectures presented in the radio broadcast as a compendia/resource material for Zakereens
      9. To create 14 niche sites for Masoomeen along the lines of quran.org
      10. To categorize all the URLs on Masoomeen and connect via the internet
      11. To develop an IEB site separate from WF for the purpose of Tableegh
      12. TO publishtextbooks for Madressa and university students, and book on how to combat ideological differences. Also translate Khazinatul Jawahir by Aliakber Nathawandi
      13. To investigate the possibility of GCSE in Islam (modifying to accept the Shia perspective) with existing networks
      14. To commission Chichester Institute of Higher Education to develop a certificated teaching programme for teachers with the intention that in 2 years it can be done via the distance learning
      15. To develop an examination for Madressa students
      16. To provide a systematic framework of Islamic knowledge that outlines the proposed curriculum based on key stages
      17. To collate all missing videos/audios of Mulla Asgher and place them in a library for use
      18. To develop audio/video as separate entity within IEB in Birmingham solely for the purpose of propagation
      19. To provide sites to such information via the IEB Internet site
      20. To increase the number of Muballigheen by suggesting this as a profession by providing scholarships and bursaries
      21. To increase the level of financial assistance provided to Muballigheen
      22. TO provide 2 months training in the west for Muballigheen after 5 years study at Howza.
      23. To develop a framework for “Sponsor a Muballigh” along similar lines to “Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme”.
      24. To develop an assessment tool to support the selection criteria of Muballigh
      25. To continue financial support with the present Summer Qum programme for students from Europe/Africa and America
      26. To provide syllabus for the summer Qum programme
      27. To continue present work world-wide in the different non-Khoja communities
      28. To identify Shia Islamic books that should be available via all local and university libraries
      29. To support Jamaats to undertake interfaith activities
      30. To transform present accommodation at IEB Dar-al-Tableegh into a state-of-the-art learning resource Centre
   2. Striving For Excellence in Education – WF CETAB: The mission of WF CETAB is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence and love of knowledge in every field throughout the community. WF CETAB supports each stage of the educational and career life cycle, starting from school age through to continuing education whilst pursuing a career. The Objectives being:
      1. Availability of quality primary and secondary education
      2. To prepare and place all 18 year old boys and girls in institution of higher learning or vocational training centers
      3. To identify and assist gifted children and students of outstanding abilities
      4. To identify needs and assist in education of children with disabilities
      5. To promote intellectual, social and emotional integration of students in western universities
      6. To assist the students in their choices of careers
      7. To promote the need for training and encourage community to participate
      8. To provide our community with information on job opportunities
   3. Combating Illiteracy – WF – ZCSS: The mission of the WF Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme is to combat Illiteracy. Objectives being:
      1. To build a compound wall for Alipur School and Teachers Quarters
      2. To build Zainabiya Institute for Potenahally, with fully furnished classrooms
      3. To construct boys schools adjacent to the present school in Alipur
      4. To construct Gulistan-e-Shaikh Mofid
      5. To build teachers quarters in Khujwa
      6. To take 45 new graduate students
   4. Promoting Health and fighting disease – WF - MAB: The mission of the WF Medical Advisory Board is to promote health and fight disease by providing 1. A strategic lead to our community organizations in matters of health care 2. A lead in enabling health care professionals to network with each other and this network to provide resource to our community healthcare projects. 3. To empower regional or Jamaat health boards to advise and provide where necessary health care advise and treatment. The Objectives being:
      1. Involvement of Youths and Ladies at MAB Secretariat
      2. To empower MAC (Medical Advisory Committee of Council of European Jamaats) to take over the UK screening programme and to assist in developing a worldwide screening. ### To work with other regional boards and encourage them to conduct screening if they are not already doing so.
      3. To empower the Hajj organization from India and Pakistan to take over and provide health care to Hujjaj.
      4. Patient Care; MAB will investigate and recommend alternative cheaper but equal quality healthcare in those countries.
      5. WF-MAB will set up an evaluation process to measure success of all its projects and lessons learnt, so that WF-MAB can extend projects elsewhere required.
      6. WF-MAB will continue to collect medicines and equipment’s from donors and arranges to send to the needy refugees in Iran, Iraq & East Africa.
      7. From WF-MAB experience and data further research and publications to be undertaken.
      8. To co-operate with other Muslim organizations who share the same goal and philosophy.
      9. To support health care workers.
      10. To provide health education within the community.
      11. To continue to provide primary health care education in Govandi, Patna and Bangalore.
   5. World Wide Federation Web – WF IT & New Media Desk: The mission of the IT and New Media Desk is to enable all World Federations activities to operate on highest possible efficiency using state of the art technology. The Objectives being:
      1. Migrate to de dedicated web server and modernize the computers used in WF.
      2. Put historical records on the site.
      3. To improve the services for the internal network.
   6. Gathering Data and Using Information – WF Research and Development Desk: The mission of the WF Research and DevelopmentDesk is to collate material on WF projects, present data in graphical format and produce reports with an analysis of the data. The Objectives being:
      1. Development of a demographic database of our membership throughout the world.
      2. To obtain information/documents relating to community assets of the World Federation and its membership.
      3. To collate material on WF Projects.
   7. Interacting with the rest – WF External Liaison Desk: The mission of the WF External Liaison Desk is to interact with non-Muslim organizations, government agencies, and International organizations. The Objectives being:
      1. To establish appropriate network with government agencies, Muslims and Non-Muslim organizations.
      2. To obtain Non-Governmental Organization status (NGO)
      3. To respond to Negative Media Coverage.

The Executive Councillor: Role, Responsibility and opportunity by Dr. Sibtain Panjwani

Dr. Sibtain Panjwani, Secretary General, of World Federation stated that it would be folly to think that much useful work can be done without the World Federation having a team of Councillors backing it.

As Councillors, you have the best opportunity to serve and take advantage of the experiences the World Federation has to offer, but the role and responsibility that follows must be understood. Commitment, purpose and pro-activeness are necessary values that must be upheld if one is to make the World Federation function effectively.

What does the World Federation do?

The World Federation broadly promotes the following types of activity throughout the world:

1. Mutual support – WF puts members in touch with other members or agencies who can give each other understanding, advice, support and encouragement.
2. Service delivery – Through Secretariat, Membership and Agencies, WF facilitate, provide and implement many services as defined in the objects of the constitution of the World Federation.
3. Campaigning – From time to time, WF campaign for a humanitarian cause as well as coordinate for a particular interest that are consistent with its objectives.

In providing the above services, our community worldwide federated to form The World Federation.

Having formed and nurtured it for 25 years as Councillors, we cannot take the World Federation for granted. This is one message that we must take it seriously.

The other is that we, each of us carry around an implicit and unspoken idea of what the World Federation involves and this organization is. It would, therefore, be folly to think that much useful work can be done without the World Federation having a team of Councillors proactively backing it.

Understanding the Perils of Voluntarism

In a wholly voluntary organization, people give their time and their skills for no money or for very little money. In such an atmosphere, a culture develops where we must make do and mend rather than invest in better equipment facilities or resources.

Apart from constitutional role as members of the Executive Council, Councillors should serve a number of different functions for the World Federation and make it even more successful. They are as follows:

1. Councillors should assist with the delivery of the World Federation core services of Education, Tabligh and relief of poverty.
2. Councillors should provide the “image” and legitimacy” for the World Federation, particularly in its request for funds from the community.
3. Councillors can bring a diversity of skills, talents, expertise and experience to the World Federation.
4. Councillors can provide community outreach and access – acting as door openers and be a link between the region and Secretariat.
5. Councillors can provide an element of passion and enthusiasm within their respective communities by presenting regular reports of the World Federation activities to the grassroots/Jamaats.
6. Councillors will be required to provide formal reports on regular basis at Monthly secretariat meetings as well as Executive Council Meeting.

Opportunity to serve and Building a portfolio of experience

With nearly 25 years of experience, the World Federation is able and capable of providing a unique opportunity to build a portfolio of experience. Councillors have the best opportunity to serve and take advantage of many experiences that the World Federation has to offer. This opportunity to serve has come their way as a blessing from Allah s.w.a.

25th Anniversary of the World Federation

October 2001 was the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the World Federation. It was intended to use this opportunity to celebrate the occasion with events throughout the year. The aims of the 25th anniversary celebrations were:

1. To raise awareness of the work done by the WF, and highlighting the successes over the past 25 years.
2. To identify key issues affecting our communities and ways to resolve these.
3. To identify key areas where WF should provide a lead on behalf of its membership.

Each Board, in conjunction with the regional federation/Jamaat member was requested to organize a convention as follows:

1. A Doctor/Health Care Professionals convention in Canada/USA by MAB/NASIMCO.
2. ZCSS convention in India by ZCSS/Council of Gujarat.
3. Tableegh convention in East Africa by IEB/Africa Federation/Bilal Missions.
4. Education convention in Pakistan by CETAB/Pirhai Jamaat/Mehfil e Murtaza
5. Khoja history symposium/Mulla recognition awards/Publications launch and International Women’s convention in the UK by the Secretariat/CoEJ.
6. Youth convention and sports festival in conjunction with Dubai Jamaat.

Each convention should have a theme and allow sufficient time to show a video, poster presentations and speeches on the WF activities. It should also facilitate discussion on the vision of the WF and the community, and there should also be special activities to raise funds for the World Federation. Regional and Jamaat members were also encouraged to organize additional events in their regions.

A working group at the Secretariat was set up to include Ahmad Hassam, Yasin Rahim, Akhtar Jaffer, Muhsin Dharamsi and Arif Govani. These celebrations are to be all inclusive events and an opportunity for our community to be proud of what it has achieved and most important to identify and address our future needs. Active support and participation of the entire community is essential for the successfully organizing these events.

Earthquake in Gujarat/Kutch

Report - May 2001

Executive Councillor Dr. Akber Mithani presented a report to the Executive Council Meeting in May 2001 at New York, USA.

As the devastating earthquake hit our communities in Gujarat and Kutch in early 2001, the World Federation was quick to respond with a comprehensive plan to rebuild the lives of our brothers and sisters in Gujarat. At the Centre of this plan was a need to collect funds to start the rebuilding work.

In Vancouver, Dr. Mithani was able to liaise with the key leaders of the World Federation and provide regular updates to the Muslim and non-Muslim communities in the Vancouver area. People were very sympathetic and local communities of all different religions started to collect funds.

Within our own community a significant amount of funds for the rebuilding was collected. A fund raising dinner at the Imambara with the Youth Committee was organized which turned out to be a big success with significant funds being collected for the project.

Regular updates are given to members in the area and funds continue to come in at a reasonably regular basis.

Analysis There was committed effort from almost of all Jamaats in North America towards responding to this tragedy. There were however some misconception and some of the issued were:

1. There were a number of groups within North America who were collecting funds for Gujarat Earthquake relief
2. There appeared little or no communication between these groups
3. Despite efforts, there was little will to collaborate the efforts
4. False information being fed that the World Federation kept a certain percentage of the donations for “administrative charges” and hence people were asked not to donate to WF.

Report - January 2002

At the Executive Council Meeting on 5th. January 2002 AT Mulla Asghar Memorial Hall, Mombasa, the following update was presented:

The earthquake of 26th January 2001 affected our communities in Kutch and Mariya. There was complete devastation in Mariya, Nagalpur and Bhuj and to a lesser extent in Kera and Mundra. A total of 152 families, totaling nearly 1000 individuals were affected.

A delegation of the World Federation led by Dr. Ahmad Hassam, Vice President; Ahmed Daya, Hon. Treasurer; Gulamabbas Bhurani, President of Council of Gujarat; Aunali Salemohamed, Executive Councillor; Muhammad Dhirani, Chairman of Africa Federation and others, visited the earthquake areas. The delegation together with the leaders of our community in Kutch and Gujarat met in Kera and decided to work together and to co-ordinate the resettlement programme.

On 18th March 2001, the President of World Federation Alhaj Hasnain Walji, Secretary General Sibtain Panjwani, Amirbhai Merali and Alhaj Aunali Salemohamed, the Executive Councillor of the World Federation went on a visit to the afflicted areas in Kutch and Kathiawar. Also Alhaj Muhsin Dharamsi has made several trips to the affected areas and has submitted detailed analysis of the needs and the progress by way regular updates.

The first phase of resettlement programme was to ensure that immediate relief in terms of shelter, food, water and medicine was available with 24 hours.

The second phase was to provide income support and temporary housing. Monthly income and rental support was given to each affected family through their Jamaats till August 2001. By the middle of July 2001 every affected family was housed in temporary housing. 140 Temporary houses have been built in Bhuj, Kera, Mundra and Nagalpur by the World Federation and Sajjadiyya Trust.

The third phase of the work involved assistance for businesses and economic upliftment. This phase was completed in October 2001. Interest free business loans were made available through the Jamaats.

The fourth phase is the rebuilding of Permanent housing and religious centres. Land was purchase in Bhuj and Morbi to resettle the community of Mariya.

Report - May 2002

Dr. Ahmad Hassam, Vice President, of the World Federation gave specific information about construction and permanent resettlement plans to be completed in Bhuj, Nagalpur, Kera, Mundra and Mariya.

He stated that a sum of over USD One Million had been collected for aiding the victims of the earthquake.

He said that in the last 25 years, a spirit of giving had emerged within the community and this had attracted many private donors. He said ways must be found to reduce dependency, enabling Jamaats to be financially stronger and self-sufficient. Hence, the strategy during the Earthquake Resettlement project had been to provide assistance in form of interest free loans to Momineen through the Jamaats. The repayment of these loans would provide a Foundation Fund for the Jamaats to use for on-going economic upliftment of the community. This approach, he added, was already bearing fruit.

A Strategy for the Seniors in our Community World-Wide

In February of 2001, Dr. Akber Mithani and the President of the World Federation Al Haj Hasnain Walji were able to hear some very critical issues facing the seniors of our community. The seniors were well organized and were looking towards the World Federation for assistance in moving forward as a group.

Dr. Akber Mithani, felt that the World Federation needs to develop a comprehensive and integrated strategy to address the needs of our seniors in the community.

Issues facing seniors in our communities cross many different levels and are much inter linked. For example, some of the needs expressed include:

1. Medical needs – We need to focus on health promotion and prevention of illnesses that may affect the person’s functioning.
2. Social needs – the need to develop networks of groups of seniors across the world.
3. Cultural needs – the importance of maintaining a culture and identity including the preservation of language.

Paper on 'Beyond East Africa and Madagascar'

Dr. Asghar Moledina presented a Paper on 'Beyond East Africa and Madagascar'

The History of the coming of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheries in Africa dates back to the 1870s or so BUT for some reasons, which can be a subject of another study, we remained confined to East Africa and southwards up to the southern borders of the then known, TANGANYIKA i.e. Lindi, Mtwara. Around the same time a small portion of our community did settle in Mozambique but again in the northern part of the country, mainly in Nampula. However because of different language our community in Mozambique remained distant from the East African community. It is only with the activities of Africa Federation spreading that Nampula now continues to be in picture.

Due to The Islamic Revolution in IRAN, that Muslims in South Africa and pockets of Shias scattered all over South Africa began to get together. The need for s SHIA center was realized. Maulana Sayed Aftab Haider set up base in Cape Town. AFOSA (Ahlul Bait AS Foundation of South Africa) was established in 1991 to serve as an umbrella body for Shias in the Southern African region.

Today we have various Centres in the region. Some of them are:

Cape Town: Ahlul Islamic Centre was built in 1995 with the help of AFRICA FEDERATION, IPO from IRAN, various individual donor and well-wishers. It has a Mosque, Library and Administrative offices and serves as AFOSA; s Head Office.

Phillippi and Mbekweni Area(Near Cape): Fatima Azzehra Center which serves as Mosque and Madressa for the area.

Johannesburg and Pretoria: In Johannesburg there is a sizeable Pakistani community in Fords burg area. Maulana Syed Abdulla Husseini has been giving his voluntary services to the community here.

AL-Abbas Mosque and Madressa is being established in Garanukwa Township near Pretoria. A huge plot has been purchased in Kwa Thema, near springs, for the purpose of establishing Al Mustafa Islamic Complex.

In 1998 Imam Husain AS Mosque was established with the help of AFRICA FEDERATION in Ottawa, a northern suburb of DURBAN. Maulana Syed Shermohamamed Jafferi is the resident Aalim.

Besides, there is increasing activities in various African townships around Kroonstad, Bloemfontein, Soweto, Pietersburg, Gauteng and Port Elizabeth.

We also have Centres in Botswana (Gaborone) and Mozambique (Nampula and Maputo). The Nampula Jamaat has undertaken a very ambitious project to build a new Mosque, School, Madressa and a Multi-purpose center. The Resident Aalim in Nampula is one of our Khoja brothers, Sheikh Muhsin Kanani and in Maputo we have Maulana Syed Akhtar Hassan Rizvi.

There are also pockets of Khoja Shia Community in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The fact remains that the Muslim community in this region is in dire need of learning TRUE ISLAM and this gives a tremendous opportunity for Tabligh work as can be seen from the increasing number of converts from other Muslim sects and other Religions.

Paper on Youth presented by Shafique Govani

The Khoja Ithna Asheri community is today spread out in different parts of the world. Communities, and in particular the youths, are surrounded by various kinds of environments and face innumerable opportunities and challenges, both spiritual/religious and secular. With this fact in hand, it is vital that the community as a whole does its utmost in order to educate and achieve unity and co-operation amongst the youths today and generations to come.

Furthermore, and more importantly, the younger generation of today and the generations to come have to be trained and prepared at an early stage for the preparation of the arrival of our beloved 12th. Imam - Imam Mahdi (a).

Consequently, it is essential for the WF to have a Youth Network, with the aim to achieve spiritual upliftment, higher level of education and unity amongst the youths, the community as a whole, and subsequently Muslims around the world.

Vision

To create a youth network amongst the Khoja Communities initially and with other Muslim communities eventually.

To achieve unity within and among the Khoja communities and individuals. Establish and develop the communication and links with Muslim youth organizations from non-Khoja communities.

To achieve moral and spiritual upliftment, on community as well as individual level. Increase the level of knowledge and awareness in general and the religious aspect in particular.

Today’s youths are tomorrow’s leaders and, therefore, it is essential to prepare and nurture the younger generations of today and the coming generations for the future.

Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives are split into 5 phases

1. Internal strength amongst WF Member Jamaats
2. Unity amongst Shias of different cultures
3. Unity amongst the Muslim Youth community as a whole
4. Da’wa to non-Muslims
5. Lobbyism at the local, regional and the global stage

Mulla ASghar Memorial Fund:

Dr. Ahmad Hassam, the Vice President of the World Federation, reported that Mulla Asghar Memorial Fund was launched in April 2000 and to date pledges of upto USD 375,000 have been received.

The first project in tribute to Marhum Mulla Asghar is being undertaken in Bhavnagar – Mulla Asghar Memorial Campus. It starts with a Nursery, Primary school and an IT Centre. Scholarships for Higher Education, Publications and Translations of Books would also be undertaken under this Fund in memory of Marhum Mulla Asghar (Asgharali M.M. Jaffer).

Mehfile Murtaza had named its Library in the name of Marhum Mulla Asgharali M. M. Jaffer. Also Mombasa Jamaat had decided to name its new School Auditorium in Marhum Mulla Saheb name.

Creating an Islamic School in Vancouver

The Shia Muslim Community of BC (Vancouver Jamaat) will Inshallah complete the Multi-Purpose Complex in the summer of 2001. In discussions with those involved in the development of the new Centre, many in the community have felt the need to create a Shia based Islamic School in Western North America.

Many parents and indeed Ulema have emphasized the need for Islamic Schools in the western world to nurture and raise children in an Islamic environment so that they can become proponents of Islam in the future.

Some key points about the school are:

1. The first year will see a preschool class and kindergarten
2. Every year a new grade will be introduced
3. After the first year, the government of BC will subsidize each student with 50% of the cost per student
4. The first 2 to 3 years will likely see a deficit of approximately $60,000 per year
5. The school will be run very professionally maintaining very high academic standards
6. The Jamaat voted by an overwhelming majority to move ahead with this strategy.

Dr. Akber Mithani has since been able to liaison for the group and WF. His comments:

1. Emphasized that WF had established this term as term of education and outlined the benefits of providing secular education within an Islamic environment.
2. This project therefore fits very well within the strategic direction of WF.
3. Provided full support in principal from WF to this concept.
4. Requested a full feasibility study outlining roles, responsibilities, school board accountabilities, policy, procedures, detailed financial plans etc. for consideration.
5. Encouraged the group to engage CEETAB at WF for guidance.

CEETAB at the World Federation develop a strategic direction in encouraging the creation of Islamic Schools across the world (particularly in the West). Training strategies be developed to encourage our own community members to become fully qualified teachers and serve in these Islamic schools worldwide.

Gujarati Language in our Community

The Secretary General, Dr. Sibtain Panjwani, stated that in 1991 The World Federation had adopted a resolution submitted by The Africa Federation to promote Gujarati Language. He, however, noted that not much success seems to have met the efforts.

The Chairman, Alhaj Hasnain Walji, suggested that the resolutions that were passed over a decade ago by past leaders, but were never implemented, should be revisited. He felt that the need to revive the subject matter.

History and Genealogy Project

Shabbir Mohammad of Toronto introduced a project called the Khoja Heritage Project.

A web site, www.khojaheritage.com had been set up which include a comprehensive reference/resource database about history and culture of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheries. It would help trace history and ancestors of individual Khoja Shia Ithna Asheries.

Apart from Shabbir Mohammad, Goulam Amarsy and Mahmood Amarsy are team members handling the project.

(Ref: Sixth Meeting of the Executive Council 2000-2003)

Medical Advisory Board (MAB)

Influenza Vaccine Program and screening of Hypertension at the Shia Muslim Community of BC

At the Tri-annual Conference 2000 of The World Federation of KSIMC, The Medical Advisory Board (MAB) mentioned 2 major initiatives.

Firstly, leaders of the community were encouraged to educate the community members of the importance of yearly flu vaccines.

Secondly, the MAB launched its plan in developing a comprehensive strategy over the next few years in providing a focus on common chronic conditions such as Diabetes, Hypertension, and Depression etc.

With these directions, some of the overseas members of the WF MAB undertook a Flu vaccination program and screening of just one chronic illness –Hypertension at the Shia Muslim Community of BC in Richmond, Vancouver.

This year, 120 members of the community were vaccinated with Flu vaccine. Members were first educated by Dr. Akber Mithani about Influenza and the vaccine. Through the help of Dr. Abbas Moledina and a lady doctor from Iraq in the ladies section, members of the Vancouver Jamaat were invited to have their blood pressure taken. Recommendations:

1. Annual flu vaccination programs should be encouraged in all Jamaats across the western world. As a start, all organizations under the WF in Europe and North America will establish annual flu vaccination programs within their organizations by the year 2003.
2. MAB will develop a multi-faceted strategy in providing education and assistance to all members of the WF in the area of chronic diseases.
3. Screening programs and educational health events should be encouraged in all communities worldwide including North America.
4. The MAB develop a data base for all screening and prevention programs across the world in our communities and use the date effectively to initiate better practices and change and use a population health focus to make our communities even healthier.

Medical Advisory Board Convention

In marking of the 25th Anniversary of the World Federation, The WF –Medical Advisory Board had organized a convention on May 20th 2001 in New York. This Convention provided a unique opportunity for participants to share in the experience of the WF-MAB team in community health services for the past 25 years. This substantive work has now been recognized by the British Government Health Authorities in the field of ethnic health care services.

The primary purpose is to enable and facilitate partnerships and collaboration with communities and organizations to develop a healthy community across the membership of the World Federation. Specifically the goals of the convention are:

1. Provide an overview of the last 25 years work of the MAB
2. Identify key strategic directions for the future work of the MAB
3. Identify key areas of need and how to address these e.g. Elderly healthcare, medical ethics etc.
4. Engage the community health care professionals and community leaders and workers to help the WF

MAB should address these concerns so that the health of our community improves.

Report September 2002

Screening is being conducted in Jamaats. All regional federations are urged to ensure their respective boards organize screening programmes in each and every Jamaats. MAB is here to help.

Haj Medical Mission provides support to our Hujjaj from India and Pakistan. A doctor, an administrator and medications are provided by MAB.

MAB patient’s service to people from all over the world continues in Birmingham and London. By December 2001 5017 patients were helped. The numbers are going down as Patients are now going to India for treatment.

Medicines and Equipment are being sent free of charge to Iraq, Iran and East Africa.

Health education leaflets on HIV & AIDS, Thalassemia, Cousin Marriages, Meningitis, Snoring and Sleep Apnoea, Rubella, Cancer of Cervix and Smear Tests for Women are available.

Primary Health Care services are provided to deprived communities in Govandi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Patna. Basic eye care and Cataract operations available free to the needy in Patna and Bangalore through Aeinullah Eye Clinic.

Islamic Education Board (IEB)

Report - May 2002

Naushad Mehrali presented the report for IEB and highlighted the progress made to date on some of the key objectives for the current term

The website www.quran.org.uk was becoming more dynamic. More than 25000 hits were received during the busiest 100 days last year. It contained 20 theses from various universities and it was endorsed by over 500 academic institutions. A number of publications are in the pipeline, including “500 stories and anecdotes” and a series of booklets on 40 Ahadith on various subjects.

IEB was providing financial assistance of Pound Sterling 4000 per month to 881 Muballigh in Qum. With only Pound Sterling 3-5 per month, a Muballigh can be provided with additional support required to make ends meet whilst studying in Qum.

On the media front, IEB had been participating in radio and television broadcasts on various channels in U.K. during the month of Muharram and Ramadhan. Similar broadcasts were taking place in other parts of the part but there was a need for greater co-ordination between the organizations.

The multimedia library in Birmingham, U.K. was continuing with the task of collecting all the lectures/Majalis of Marhum Mulla Asghar, in addition to compiling a resource library of Islamic material.

Report - September 2002

Bird’s Eye View of IEB Activities:

1. The Holy Quran
   1. Specialist library created at Dar ul Tabligh
   2. Dynamic website maintained with regular updates and tremendous hits
2. Media
   1. Radio and TV broadcasts, particularly during Ramadhan and Muharram
3. Internet: Created special website: http://www.quran.org.uk and http://muslimanskizivot.org (in Bosnian)
4. Books Published:
   1. 40 Ahadith on Azadari
   2. 40 Ahadith on The Month of Ramadhan
5. Books in pipeline:
   1. 40 Ahadith on Tabligh
   2. 40 Ahadith on Prophet Isa (AS)
   3. 100 Themes and 500 Anecdotes (In 5 volumes of which the first TWO are ready)
   4. Great Stories of the Righteous (for children)
6. Multimedia: Audio/Video/CD library of Islamic material established with facilities for recording, editing, copying and distribution. Compiling comprehensive collection of lectures by Mulla Asghar.
7. Islamic Scholars
   1. Financial assistance to over 1000 Students in Qum
   2. Post – qualification induction for Hauza students organized in the West
   3. Summer programme in Qum for youths
   4. Network with Ulema in Qum established
8. Tabligh
   1. Tabligh programme assisted in Sierra Leone, East Africa, Guyana, South Africa, Thailand etc.
   2. Assistance by means of publication, audio/video resources, financial, Muballigheen etc.
   3. Established Bosnia Desk for Tabligh among Bosnians. Response overwhelming
   4. Visits to various centres in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles
9. Zakereens: Arranged Seminars, Publications and support for next generation of Zakirs and Zakiras

Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme (ZCSS)

Report - May 2002

On behalf of ZCSS, Shafique Govani reported that:

1. A donor has been secured for the school in Karimpur and work would start in September 2002
2. A Teacher’s Quarter was being built in Khujwa
3. 45 new Graduates joined the scheme bringing the current total to 224 undergraduates and 424 Graduates as of May 2002
4. The Zainabiya Scheme currently had 11,000 students
5. It was the organization’s mission to enable education opportunities for all children
6. The Zainabiya Yatim & Asir Sponsorship Scheme currently supported 150 children

Report - September 2002

Nearly 12000 children are being sponsored by the Zainabiya Scheme. Out of these there are 671 students who are pre graduates and courses that range from medical to engineering to catering to mechanics etc. Zainabiya is now active in many more parts of the world besides India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Pakistan, Kenya, Iran and Bosnia. Recently action has been taken to sponsor orphans in Afghanistan.

Zainabiya has embarked on helping orphans and children of captives and refugees – The Yatim and Asir Sponsorship Scheme or “YASS”. It would be unnatural for Zainabiya to ignore the plight of these children and therefore with blessings from the community at large, a decision was taken to launch the Yatim and Asir Sponsorship Scheme (YASS). So far 300 children are sponsored and 40 applications still waiting to be sponsored.

WF is also launching an aid program to Afghanistan. There are 250 orphans who not only need education but also need welfare help like food, shelter and clothing. The total annual cost of this is Pound Sterling 70, 000. It is hoped that the community will support this project.

Career, Education and Training Advisory Board (CETAB)

Report - May 2002

Hassan Pirbhai presented a report of CETAB activities. He said that CETAB was working along the “Vision to Reality” mission statement and was defining the direction.

The first priority was for education and opportunity. In addition, activities of CETAB involved giving online career guidance. CETAB was developing loan-tracking systems for student’s loans. The organization was working closely with Africa Federation, and would work in tandem with Toronto’s Skills and Career Development Board vis-a-vis scholarships and Academic Achievement Awards.

Report - September 2002

Performance report Revitalize of CETAB by nomination of new youth team, especially lady team member.

1. Schools:
   1. Principals of community schools in East Africa and North America were put in touch with each other. This has now produced SISNA – Shia Islamic Schools of North America.
   2. Attended the meeting of Community Schools of East Africa and assisted in inspectorate programme.
2. Loans:
   1. MGN Loans: Promoted fund raising, education and applicants for further education.
   2. Finalizing with Africa Federation 5 Academic Excellence loans
   3. Publicized information about grants and maintain database of UK education grants.
   4. Formalization of collection of previous loans, setting up repayments and in some cases full repayments.
   5. Established formal agreement with Africa Federation on their responsibility to/for students who cannot pay for further fees.
3. Publicity: Newsletter Published two issues with very good response resulting in extra funds for projects, recognizing achievements, promotion of teachers and teaching and assistance in highlighting other WF-CETAB projects.
4. Website
   1. Wide range of articles pertaining to WF-CETAB activities.
   2. Initiated a database of students and their e-mail addresses so that students interact.
   3. Report Summary that highlight the work done by the board.
5. Promotion of achievements
   1. Promoted achievements of students in newsletter and website.
   2. Researched into how local Jamaats currently recognize achievements and promoted the concepts and benefits of doing this.
   3. Recognized those who have graduated by providing a list of them online.
   4. Arrangements with CoEJ for Graduate Gathering
6. Career:
   1. Facilitated and offered students trips to promote awareness of opportunities in different communities
   2. Online Career guidance
   3. Provide career information to encourage school leavers to enter into higher education
   4. Created a link page for Jamaat information and universities on the web
   5. Provide our community with information on job opportunities
   6. Formalizing a skills database with IT group in UK