The Africa Federation Capacity Building Board (CBG), in collaboration with the Mehfile Zainab of Paris North Jamaat, hosted a series of transformative programs in Paris from 28th November to 3rd December 2024. These initiatives aimed to cultivate personal growth, strengthen family bonds, and enhance teamwork, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and communities.
Such programs play a pivotal role in empowering individuals with the skills, perspectives, and tools needed to create positive changes in their personal lives and communal settings. By fostering self-awareness, encouraging meaningful dialogue, and promoting collaboration, they serve as catalysts for growth and unity, aligning with Islamic values that strengthen and sustain our global community.
Led by Br. Shabbirhussein Khalfan, Chairman of the CBG, and facilitators Sr. Tahera Shivji, Sr. Sidika Hirji, and Sr. Maryam Khalfan, each session was thoughtfully crafted to address diverse needs and provide participants with actionable insights for improvement and transformation.
Highlights of the Programs
Mental Health and Wellness
The full-day program began on 28th November 2024 with a deeply impactful session on mental health, conducted in collaboration with Fikrafya. Recognizing mental health as a cornerstone of overall well-being, this session aimed to equip participants with the tools to identify and address mental health challenges, both personally and within their communities.
Facilitators guided discussions on the importance of self-care, stress management, and creating a supportive environment for open dialogue around mental health. Participants were encouraged to prioritize wellness, recognize the signs of mental strain, and explore strategies to build resilience and foster empathy in their interactions with others.
Also, on 28th November 2024, participants attended a session on Time Management, an essential skill for achieving personal and professional success. The session emphasized the importance of effectively utilizing time to enhance productivity, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Key principles of time management were highlighted, including setting clear priorities, distinguishing between urgent and important tasks, and utilizing practical tools and techniques to plan and organize daily activities. Participants were encouraged to explore strategies to stay focused and achieve their goals efficiently. Mastering time management allows individuals to create space for personal growth and meaningful connections while effectively meeting their responsibilities.
On 29th November 2024, participants engaged in an enlightening session on self-awareness, using proven tools. This session provided a unique opportunity for individuals to discover their personality types and how these traits influence their decision-making, communication styles, and relationships.
Through interactive activities and reflective exercises, participants gained deeper insights into their strengths and areas for growth, enhancing their ability to interact more effectively with others. The session underscored the importance of understanding oneself to build stronger connections and make informed, balanced decisions in both personal and professional contexts.
Nurturing Stronger Family Bonds
The much-anticipated Couples Retreat, held on 30th November and 1st December 2024, served as the centerpiece of the program series. Designed to foster harmony and resilience in marital relationships, this retreat provided a safe and supportive space for couples to connect, communicate, and grow together.
Participants explored a range of topics, including building emotional intimacy, fostering mutual respect, navigating challenges, and strengthening the family unit. Through guided discussions, interactive exercises, and practical tools, couples discovered how to enhance their relationships through intentional and compassionate efforts.
The retreat also emphasized the importance of effective communication and conflict resolution, empowering couples with strategies to maintain unity and understanding amidst life’s complexities. Attendees left with a renewed sense of partnership and a commitment to applying these lessons in their daily lives.
Team Dynamics and Effective Teams with Office Bearers
The final session on 3rd December 2024 brought together the Managing Committee for a dynamic workshop on building effective teams. This session focused on enhancing teamwork, fostering collaboration, and improving communication to create cohesive and results-driven teams.
Participants delved into practical strategies to address common challenges within team settings, such as resolving conflicts, aligning goals, and leveraging individual strengths for collective success. The session highlighted the importance of shared vision, trust, and respect in creating an environment where teams can thrive.
The Africa Federation Capacity Building Board extends its deepest gratitude to the Chairman and Managing Committee of the Mehfile Zainab of Paris North Jamaat and the Council of European Jamaats (COEJ) for their support accorded in organizing these impactful programs. Special thanks are also extended to the Africa Federation Office Bearers and Secretariat for their unwavering encouragement and commitment to the Capacity Building Board.
Merci beaucoup to all the participants for their dedication and active engagement. Your enthusiasm for learning and growth ensures that the positive impact of these sessions will ripple across communities, inspiring lasting change and stronger bonds.
PARTICIPANTS TESTIMONIALS
The exercise sessions were highly engaging and useful.
The training exceeded what I could have imagined.
The way the sessions highlighted personality traits and their practical applications was enlightening.
Respect and empathy were emphasized throughout, creating a positive environment.
The structure and flow of the sessions were smooth, making it easy to follow.
The discussion time with my partner was insightful and productive.
Kindly click on the link below to view the testimonial from Sheikh Moise Raza - the Resident Aalim of Paris North Jamaat.
20th January 2024 / 19th Rajab 1446 AH
