Youth Development Program held in Dar es Salaam in November 2025

The Africa Federation Capacity Building Board in collaboration with the Development Society (DS) of KSI Dar es Salaam Jamaat held a Youth Development Program (YDP) on 29^th and 30^th November 2025. The two-day event brought together 25 participants for a practical and reflective learning experience designed to inspire confidence, self-awareness and personal progress.

The program was facilitated by Br. Shabbirhussein Khalfan, Sr. Sajida Bhalloo, Sr. ZishaneFatema Karim and Sr. Sophia Bharwani with support from Br. Mohamedhussein Rashid. Together, they guided the sessions with a warm and engaging approach, encouraging participants to think deeply, work collaboratively and challenge themselves.

Throughout the weekend, the participants explored topics related to personal growth, communication and leadership. Activities included group discussions, reflective exercises, simple experiments and short presentations. These methods helped the learners relate the ideas to their own lives, express their thoughts with clarity and explore concepts in a supportive environment.

The participants’ active involvement made the sessions meaningful creating a space where ideas could flourish and confidence could grow. The atmosphere remained vibrant and focused with the youth engaging with enthusiasm and showing keen interest throughout the session.

The Capacity Building Board conveys its sincere appreciation to the Development Society of KSI Jamaat Dar es Salaam for organising the program and for their close coordination throughout. We are also grateful to the Dar es Salaam Jamaat for providing the venue and necessary facilities ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for all. 

Our gratitude extends to the Africa Federation Secretariat for its continuous support and encouragement which enables us to deliver such initiatives to the community members. 

Finally, we extend our sincere appreciation to every participant whose commitment and enthusiasm brought the program to life. Their willingness to learn, engage meaningfully and reflect deeply made the weekend truly impactful. This experience marked an important step in their personal growth and in their contribution to the community. We hope they continue to carry these insights forward, inspire those around them and build towards a confident and empowered future.

PARTICIPANTS’ FEEDBACK – Youth Development Program 

• The sessions helped me understand the difference between respect and tolerance and gave me meaningful insights into mental health and personality types.

• One of the biggest takeaways for me was realising how attitudes influence behaviour – ‘mine and others’. This will help me understand people better and work on myself.

• The manual given is a valuable resource as having something to refer to at home will assist us in continuous learning.

• The program was truly enlightening and helped me build my confidence and share my thoughts more openly.

• Being part of this experience really changed the way I look at people and the facilitators played a big role in that they were amazing. I’m genuinely glad I took part in this program.

• This was a program I genuinely loved and I would definitely recommend it to others. I’m already looking forward to more programs, Insha’allah.

• Through this journey, I discovered a different version of myself and realised many things I had taken for granted.

CBG Secretariat

13^th December 2025

Honoring the Life and Service of Alhaj Hussein Habib Peera

In every community, there are individuals whose dedication and quiet service leave a lasting impact. Their contributions may not always be carried out in the spotlight but the strength of a community often rests on the shoulders of such sincere and principled volunteers. It is important to remember and honour these individuals for the values they model and the legacy they leave behind.

One such individual was Alhaj Hussein Habib Peera Khatau famously known as Kiboi, who returned to his Lord on Wednesday, 10th December 2025 in Dar es Salaam. His departure leaves behind a profound void for all who knew him as a man of integrity, discipline and unwavering commitment to community service.

Born on 15th November 1947 in Zanzibar, Alhaj Hussein Peera hailed from a respected family deeply rooted in service. He was the son of Late Habib and Late Leila Peera Khatau and one of the five sons and four daughters of Habibbhai Peera - a family well recognized for its long-standing contribution to the community. He grew up among his siblings Yusuf, Bashir, Jaffer, Baby, Amina, Farida and Naushad. His late brother Marhum Bashir Peera also served honourably at the Africa Federation office in Moshi from 1964 under the leadership of Marhum Haji Ebrahim Hussein Sheriff Dewji. Both brothers dedicated their lives to the progress and upliftment of the community upholding the legacy of their family.

Hussein bhai completed his early education at Sir Euan Smith Primary School in Zanzibar and later pursued further studies in India completing his Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com) at Wadia College in Pune. His youth was marked by active involvement in sports. He excelled in badminton (particularly in doubles), played cricket for Union Veterans and was an avid swimmer at the Tanganyika Club.

After returning from India, he began his professional journey at British American Tobacco in Tax Audit before serving as Chief Accountant at Business Machines and later as Financial Administrator at Noremco. He retired in 2007 but continued offering part-time administrative consultancy for foreign companies.

From a young age, Hussein bhai immersed himself in serving the community demonstrating leadership anchored in discipline, humility and sincerity. His service spanned decades and touched various aspects of communal life.

He served as the Chairman of the Ithna-Asheri Union, where he played a pivotal role in shaping youth engagement. A defining milestone of his leadership was the First Africa Federation Sports Festival held in Dar es Salaam in December 1984. Organised under the auspices of the Ithna-Asheri Union led by Hussein bhai, this landmark event brought together youth from across the region, strengthened unity and created cherished memories that remain part of AFED’s history.

Beyond youth leadership, his dedication extended to several administrative and advisory roles. He served as a Member of the Jamaat Managing Committee for the term 2014 – 2016 and was a long-serving member of the Higher Education Committee where his experience, thoughtful insight and principled decision-making were deeply valued. He also served as Chairman of the Golden Crescent Group for charitable causes and as an active Councillor at the Africa Federation since the late 1980s.

Alhaj Hussein bhai was married to Shamimbai Peera and together they had two children - Br. Shakil and Sr. Zohrein Abdulhussein and are blessed with five grandchildren.

In addition to formal roles, Hussein bhai devoted significant time to supporting Higher Education initiatives mentoring youth and helping families navigate educational opportunities - a commitment that further defined his legacy of service.

Alhaj Hussein bhai will be remembered for the values he embodied of commitment, integrity and a sincere desire to serve his Jamaat and community at large.

May Allah (SWT) reward Marhum Hussein bhai amply for his devoted and selfless services in the community and grant him an elevated station in the proximity of Ahlulbayt (‘A) where he is enveloped in Allah (SWT)'s bountiful mercy and grace, Ameen.

We request all mu'minin to remember Marhum Hussein Peera and all Marhumeen with Sura-e-Fateha.

Article Source: Sr. Shehnaz Salim Akber

SECRETARIAT

ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION

13^th December 2025 / 22^nd Jamadiul Aakhar 1447 AH

BMM Kenya - Community Eye Camp

A fully subsidized Eye Camp was held on 7^th December 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at the mission’s Al-Mahdi Centre in Burani, as part of our ongoing commitment to Community Health Initiatives. The outreach aimed to make essential eye-care services accessible to residents of Burani and neighboring villages. 

Overview of Services

• Visual acuity assessments for all attendees.

• Basic eye examinations conducted by trained personnel.

• On-site dispensing of reading glasses.

• Health education on common eye conditions and preventive care.

• Referrals for specialized treatment where necessary.

Key Achievements

• 110 individuals screened through comprehensive eye examinations.

• 60 reading glasses issued to patients with near-vision challenges.

• Identification of common conditions such as Presbyopia, Allergic Conjunctivitis and Early-stage cataracts.

• Appropriate referrals provided for individuals requiring follow-up or advanced medical care

Impact

The initiative greatly improved access to eye care for households that often face financial and logistical barriers.  Sixty beneficiaries who required vision correction were issued prescription spectacles during the camp. We are also ensuring that patients receive follow-up support by providing drops and medication for specific ailments diagnosed. Furthermore, we will be providing cataract surgeries for those who require it. The camp played a vital role in the diagnosis and prevention of eye diseases and the enhancement of overall wellbeing and productivity across the community.

Acknowledgements

We express our sincere gratitude to the Medical professionals for their time and dedicated service and to our generous donors and volunteers for their invaluable support. Additionally, we appreciate local leadership and Al Mahdi Centre for hosting the camp.  Collective efforts ensured that vital services reached those who need them most and played an important role in the reduction of preventable vision loss.

Communications Secretariat

Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya

12^th December 2025