The Africa Federation Pre-University Camp 2024, organized by AFTAB in collaboration with the Capacity Building Board (CBG), Education Board (EB), and Africa Youth Network (AYN), was held from August 3rd to 12th, 2024, at Seascape Hotel in Dar es Salaam. This was the third camp of its kind; the first was in 2022 and the second in 2023.
The core purpose of this camp is to prepare students for university and college life as they embark on further studies. The camp addresses various educational parameters, which can be local, regional, or international. The 9-day intensive program included a variety of activities: educational, religious, and physical activities, team-building exercises, and skills training, including sports and games.
It was a transformative experience for pre-university students from across Africa and beyond. The program, meticulously designed to blend educational enrichment with spiritual growth and recreational activities, provided participants with essential tools and skills as they prepare for the next chapter of their academic and personal lives.
The camp coordinator was Sheikh Ali Rajani from Qum, who was assisted by other scholars, facilitators, mentors, and organizing committee members.
Participants
A total of 49 participants benefited from this year’s pre-university camp, from various locations, including Mombasa and Nairobi in Kenya, Arusha and Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania, Dubai, Kampala, and Madagascar. To facilitate this journey, a total of 19 mentors joined the group. Upon arrival, they were greeted warmly and taken to the Seascape Hotel, where the initial activities included a refreshing welcome, Jamaat prayers, and a brief opening ceremony took place. This set the tone for a week filled with both learning and fellowship.
For the third consecutive year, the camp was held at the Seascape Hotel in Dar es Salaam providing good facilities with a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all.
Educational and Spiritual Enrichment
The following days were structured to provide a comprehensive preparation for university life through a series of engaging educational sessions and lectures by Scholars and Educationists.
The classes were based on several pertinent subjects including:
Understanding the modern world
Challenges faced at Universities
Tools of knowledge
Proving God
The human being and spirituality
Building a connection with the Qur'an and Ahlulbayt (‘A)
Balanced life
Teamwork
University relevant rulings
Dealing with doubts
My role in the community upon return
Political understanding of the world
Group discussions were also held every night, where participants were able to engage freely while discussing pertinent topics such as Interaction with the opposite gender, Identity Crisis, Friendship and Brotherhood, and Hijab: The Qur'anic perspective.
Skill Development and Practical Training & Demonstration
The course emphasised the importance of practical skills essential for university life.
The CBG Board, Br. Shabbirhussein Khalfan and Shama Bai Dewji conducted workshops on public speaking and personality types which were pivotal in enhancing participants’ communication and self-presentation abilities, whilst the Education Board, Br. Mohamed Kazim Sheriff and Sajida Bai Master provided essential sessions of career counselling.
Cooking workshops, Stitching and washing activities, and budgeting sessions provided hands-on experience in managing daily life and finances independently.
Spirituality and Reflective Moments
Throughout the program, spiritual growth was a key focus. Participants observed Jamaat prayers regularly and engaged in reflective activities such as Dua e Kumail and it being the month of Safar, commemorations of significant religious events.
Notable moments included a majlis for the 20th of the tragedy of Karbala (Vismo). In addition to a majlis being held at the hotel to commemorate the Shahadat of Imam Hassan (‘A), all participants were taken to the Dar es Salaam Jamaat Imambargha for this event. These activities fostered a sense of community and spiritual connection among the participants.
Recreational Activities
Participants engaged in interactive activities that complemented their learning. A football tournament was held at the Oyster Bay Pitch for the boys, while the girls had a day trip to the Hayat Gym. An interesting treasure hunt was organised which offered opportunities for teamwork and practical skills development. Recreational outings included private access to a water park, a bonfire and barbeque at the Beachcomber Hotel and a full day visit to the Pande Game Reserve was organized where students explored biodiversity and enjoyed nature.
A visit by the AFED Chairman and the Vice Chairman
During the program, AFED Chairman Alhaj Amine Nassor and Vice Chairman Alhaj Aunali Khalfan visited the camp, met with the participants during a session and emphasized the importance of maintaining one’s identity and contributing to the community after graduating. The interactions with these leaders inspired participants to embrace their roles as future community leaders actively. Alhaj Aunali Khalfan suggested to the participants to form an Alumnae, thereby the participants of the previous and present camps can exchange views, experiences and help each other through this association, which is also a good medium of communications.
CLOSING CEREMONY
As the camp drew to a close on Monday, 12th August, 2024 participants expressed a mix of excitement and reluctance to end their enriching experience.
The final day featured a grand closing ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including the Vice Chairman of AFED Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, AFTAB Chairman Alhaj Sajjad Walji, AFED Trustee Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, who is also the former Dar es Salaam Jamaat President, Chairman of Africa Federation and President of the World Federation, also in attendance was the Dar es Salaam Jamaat President, Alhaj Mohamedraza Dewji, Dar es Salaam Jamaat Resident Aalim Syed Adeel Raza, Chairman of the Dar es Salaam Jamaat Tabligh Board Dr. Kazim Dhala, Chairman of the CBG Alhaj Shabbirhussein Khalfan and Chairman of the Education Board Alhaj Mohamedkazim Sheriff. The Master of Ceremony, Sheikh Rahil Khimji welcomed the guests and thanked them for their esteemed attendance at the Closing Ceremony which was a big encouragement to the camp participants.
The ceremony recognized the hard work and dedication of the participants and contributors, with tokens of appreciation presented to the pre-university organizing team and mentors. A special thanks to the Chairman of AYN, Br. Ali Khalfan from Nairobi who being the head of AYN was also a Mentor and spent 10 days with the male participants and assisted Sheikh Ali Rajani in ensuring that the daily programs were all well and in time.
The Chairman of Africa Federation Tabligh Board, Alhaj Sajjad Walji expressed his gratitude to Africa Federation, the parent body for their unflinching support, he also thanked the speakers, facilitators, mentors and the organizing team members and, with a special appreciation to all participants. In an emotional moment, he reflected on the importance of parents and urged the participants to respect and give great importance to their parents and listen to their advices. He said parents play a pivotal role in their children’s life, they are the pillars of support, guidance and love.
Others who spoke at the Closing Ceremony were; Sayed Adeel Raza, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, Alhaj Mohamedraza Dewji, Sheikh Ali Rajani, Alhaj Shabbir Kermalli, Sister Fatema Abbas Kermalli and two participants from male and female who presented testimonials which were both vibrant and inspiring, they were brother Mohammed Zain Abidi from Kampala and sister Maryam Kazim Dhalla from Dar es Salaam.
The Africa Federation Pre-University camp 2024 not only provided valuable academic and practical skills but also fostered lasting friendships and a deeper sense of belonging to the community among the participants. As they prepare to embark on their university journeys, the knowledge and experiences gained during this 9-day program will undoubtedly serve as a solid foundation for their future endeavours.
TESTIMONIALS:
Pre-uni helped me grow so much, from understanding the people around me to understanding Islam even better; it strengthened my beliefs and introduced me to many friends and great mentors from whom I could learn something new every second. These mentors even knew how to have fun more than us. This course really helped my university life as well as my future. (Brother Ayaanali Mahdi Khalfan, Dar es Salaam)
This course is a must-attend before going to university to strengthen your beliefs and religion. The late nights, the fun, and, more importantly, the knowledge you'll receive from this camp are impeccable. (Brother Maytham Anwarali, Arusha)
The pre-uni course was absolutely worth it. Spending 10 days with amazing mentors and brothers from around the world was incredible; not only did I meet so many wonderful people and make new friends, but the classes were also great and very relevant to university life. The activities were extremely enjoyable and organized amazingly. (Brother Ahsan Rashid, Dar es Salaam)
The pre-university camp is one of the best decisions you could ever make, as it is filled with the most fun activities, the most important and amazing lessons, and the best mentors and friends you could ever ask for. (Sister F, Dar es Salaam)
Thank you so much for providing us with this opportunity to learn really important and helpful things and for leaving us with happy, forever-lasting memories. (Anonymous)
APPRECIATION:
AFTAB wishes to thank the management of Seascape Hotel for their wonderful services.
To all the parents for allowing their children to participate in the 3rd AFTAB Pre-University Camp in Dar es Salaam.
To all the participants – boys and girls for their active participation and for their cooperation throughout the 10 days stay at Seascape Hotel.
To the Speakers, Scholars, Presenters, Male and Female Mentors, Organizing Committee members including Sister Fatema Kermalli, Br. Mohammadhasnain Khatau, we say thank you very much.
To the Capacity Building Board, Education Board, AFED Youth Network, Media & Marketing Board, AFED Secretariat – we are very thankful for all your support.
SECRETARIAT
AFRICA FEDERATION TABLIGH BOARD
Date: 12th September 2024
