The Rassoul Akram Center - Antananarivo (Madagascar)
Dedication of its Founders
The Rassoul Akram Center stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders, including the esteemed Marhum Roshan Jameel, Marhum Abdul Momin, Marhum Mohamedraza Khamis, and Alhaj Raza Aly Hiridjee.
In 2012, the inaugural ceremony of an impressive Rassoul Akram Center marked a pivotal moment for the organization in its journey to achieve excellence in several fields including but not limited to education, vocational training etc. for local Shia community in Madagascar. Over the course of 12 years, the Center has progressed and expanded, with the construction of a larger facility designed to accommodate and nurture orphanage. Adding to the significance of the milestone, Hujjatul Islam wal Muslimeen As Sayyid Jawad Shahristani, the representative of our Marja-e-Taqleed Ayatullah al Uzma As Sayyid Ali Hussaini al Sistani with his delegation graced the occasion to officiate the opening ceremony of this new complex in Andakana, under the Fikambanana Centre Rassoul Azam (FCRA) currently headed by Sheikh Haniphe Akbaraly which was held on Sunday 15th October 2023. The ceremony was also attended by the Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Amine Nassor and several other dignitaries from within and outside our community.
Facilities at Center
At the heart of the center are academic schools, providing primary and secondary education, and an orphanage with separate facilities for boys and girls. The facilities include a masjid, swimming pool, and sporting amenities, creating a nurturing environment under one roof for holistic growth. The center has evolved into a comprehensive institution, featuring a TV station broadcasting various programs and nine radio stations in different languages such as French, Gujarati, Malagasy and Comoros. Furthermore, there is a Hawza section where in addition to Islamic studies, courses in management and teacher training sessions are offered for both male and female students.
Community Development
Currently the Centre is benefiting about 350 children, it serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the community, especially the local Shia community. Emphasizing vocational training, the center empowers students with professional skills in areas like administration, finance, teaching, languages, IT, electrical work, tailoring, and mechanics. A dedicated Youth Section addresses the needs of those without a Bachelor's Degree, offering courses in IT, French, English, mechanics, electrics, and various other skills to enhance their prospects for meaningful employment. The Center extends its outreach into the community development by engaging in agriculture, with 6,000 vanilla trees, 11,000 clove plantations, and 14,000 coffee plantations. These endeavors contribute to the goal of the Organization - FCRA of alleviating poverty among the indigenous community members. In addition to educational and vocational initiatives, The Rassoul Akram Center provides healthcare services through a dispensary located within the Centre.
The Center's impact has reverberated globally, earning visits from dignitaries such as The Minister for Higher Education, The Ambassador of the Vatican City, and The Ambassador of India. Further testament to its excellence, the center was recognized as the best center in excellence in Africa by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Iran, surpassing countries like Lebanon, Pakistan and Turkey.
As we reflect on this journey of compassion and dedication, we join in prayer to Allah (SWT) for the continued success of The Rassoul Akram Center, elevating it to greater heights.
- May Allah (SWT) grant Sheikh Haniphe Akbaraly with good health, longevity and an increase in his tawfeeqat enabling him to persist in serving the community and in his noble mission of serving humanity at large in the way of Allah (SWT), Ameen.
SECRETARIAT
ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION
Date: 14th December 2023 / 30th Jamadiul Awwal 1445 A.H
