On 27th May 2014, Dr. Husein Jiwa (President, Council of European Jamaats) visited various sites in Mombasa in order to support and strengthen our ties with our fellow community members in Kenya.

Dr. Jiwa was accompanied by Sis. Saeeda Jiwa (Councillor, World Federation) and Br. Naushad Mehrali (President, Birmingham Jamaat) on his visit to the Jaffery Academy & Institute of Professional Studies and the Jaffery Complex – Mombasa site. During the visit, the need for housing for those community members who may be economically challenged and the proposed ideas for economic upliftment of the community were among the key topics explored. The building progress of the Jaffery Complex (once seen) was discussed, along with the possibility of affiliating the Jaffery Institute of Professional Studies with a British University and fundraising across Europe.

The CoEJ President met with Br. Mohamed .H. Jaffer (Trustee ,Chairman Education Council and Project Convener Jaffery Complex Mombasa ), as well as Br. Sajjad Rashid (Chairman, Mombasa Jamaat) Br. Hassan Jafeer , Dr. Shahnawaz Shariff, (CEO, Jaffery Medical Clinic) Br. Amir Merali (Chairman, Education Assistance Board), Br. Yusuf. J.Jiwa (Project Coordinator, Jaffery Complex) Sis. Sayeda Rashid and Sis. Neelam Jiwa (IYLU) amongst others.

Dr. Jiwa describes the experience as very informative:
“This project has a great deal of potential, and is taking very practical steps towards investing and improving the future well-being and social mobility of our community’s children.”

On Tuesday 21st May, Dr Jiwa met with the executive committee of Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya to learn more about the range of activities they deliver. Br. Abbas HM Nasser (Chairman, BMM), along with Br. Shamsheer Mawji (Vice Chairman), Br. Hussein Khaki (Treasurer) & Br. Fazle Abbas M Bhanji (Secretary) briefed Dr. Jiwa about the history of the Mission, which began in the early 70s. Br. B Ahmedali and Sis. M Allidina conducted an orientation, with the team then engaging in discussion.

Considerable time was spent discussing the challenges faced by the community due to increasing cost of education in Kenya, and the impact this has on students. Issues that would enable the empowerment of local communities were explored including;

  • Tabligh Activities

  • Religious Events

  • Empowerment through education and economic upliftment

  • Feed a child scheme

  • Continuous Professional Development

  • Health programmes

  • Media – with a focus on radio and video programmes

  • Relief Projects

The tour included visits to key departments such as the Quality Assurance Standards, Printing Section, EUP section, Library, Multimedia & Green Room, the multipurpose hall and the bookshop.

Dr. Jiwa commented:
“Alhamdulillah, you are providing an excellent service to the local community. I am very impressed with the work being carried out.”