Mentor Development Programme in Dar es Salaam

8 hours ago

3 min read

The Africa Federation Capacity Building Board (CBG) brought together 25 participants from 25^th to 27^th September 2026 for a three-day Mentor Development Programme (MDP), hosted by the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Dar es Salaam Jamaat.

The programme provided an opportunity for individuals to develop their ability to mentor and guide others, with a focus on practical skills that can be applied in everyday interactions. Rather than viewing mentoring simply as providing advice or sharing experience, the programme explored how effective mentors can listen, understand different perspectives and help individuals work through situations with greater clarity.

The MDP was led by Neelam Bai Jiwa, with the sessions facilitated by Alhaj Shabbirhussein Khalfan, Alhaj Inayat Firdousi, Mumtaz bai Ladak and Shama bai Dewji. Across the three days, participants took part in discussions, practical exercises and activities that encouraged them to examine their own approach to mentoring and consider how they can be more effective when working with others.

One of the key areas covered was Egan’s Skilled Helper Model, which provides a structured approach to helping individuals understand their current situation, explore possibilities and identify practical ways forward. Through the sessions, participants were introduced to the importance of listening with purpose, asking appropriate questions and allowing the person being mentored to take ownership of their own goals and decisions.

For CBG, the MDP is part of its wider efforts to build capacity within Jamaats by equipping individuals with practical skills that can help them guide and support others. Through continued collaboration with Jamaats, CBG seeks to create accessible opportunities for learning and personal development across the region.

The closing of the MDP Session was attended by the Vice Chairman of Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Alhaj Aliraza Rajani, and Assistant Joint Secretary, Alhaj Mohamedraza Bharwani. Their presence and words of encouragement were appreciated by CBG and the participants and brought the three-day programme to a fitting close.

CBG extends its appreciation to the Office Bearers of the Africa Federation and the KSI Dar es Salaam Jamaat for their support in facilitating the programme. Appreciation is also extended to the Africa Federation Secretariat for its continued guidance and cooperation in enabling CBG programmes to be implemented across the region.

Most importantly, CBG acknowledges the 25 participants who committed their time to the programme and actively engaged throughout the three days. Their willingness to develop their mentoring skills is an important step towards creating more individuals within our communities who are able to listen, guide and walk alongside others when support is needed.

The Dar es Salaam MDP concluded with participants equipped with practical approaches to mentoring and a deeper understanding of the responsibility that comes with being a mentor. CBG looks forward to seeing these skills put into practice as participants take their learning back into their workplaces, families and communities.

“What Participants Had to Say about the MDP”

Very educative, with excellent facilitators and participants. More one-to-one sessions with facilitators would be appreciated.
I personally feel this program has opened my eyes to many things about myself and mentoring which I had a wrong perception about. I will now see things with a different perspective.
Thoroughly discussed and well-delivered content, with lots of time to practise. The sessions were well-spaced and timely.
I truly appreciate CBG for facilitating such valuable programmes. Our community and the world at large are in great need of this kind of informative and mentoring initiative, which not only helps us grow personally but also empowers us to support others.
Please create more awareness among the general public so that everyone can make use of such programmes. It was really impactful and has changed the way I think and perceive things