Jamiatul Ulama KZN Council of Muslim Theologians
Alhamdulillah, by the grace and mercy of Allah Ta’ala, the SDC hosted their 12th Skills Jalsa on Thursday, 30 June 2022. It has been an amazing journey from humble beginnings to great success with tremendous progress thus far. Students from previous groups are utilizing their skills to improve their lives on a personal & financial level.
The first group of students (Jan – June 2022) consisted of sisters from Congo, Malawi, Burundi and South Africa. Some were revert Muslims ranging from ages 16 to 40. The diverse demographics of this class proved to be a great challenge to the staff, volunteers and students of SDC. After much effort we managed to work through the language and cultural barriers.
Challenges
1) One student had to break through a door to attend classes because her husband was too drunk to remember that he had consented for her to do the course and he would lock her in.
2) One student had to wake up at 2 am to do her chores and see to her family’s needs before she came to Skills.
3) One Student has 2 children with epilepsy. She had to find appropriate alternate care for her children.
4) Some students travelled 1 hour to class and back so they had to leave home very early and reached home late.
Other challenges included emotional and psychological baggage caused through difficult family and spousal relationships, predominantly the effects of living in war torn countries with political upheaval. Constant counselling and special care from staff and volunteers created a safe home environment. Students felt empowered, at ease and focused. Despite the challenges the attendance and punctuality was 95%. With the mercy of Allah, these students persevered and completed the course. Each student has great aspirations for the future.
Hardly a dry eye remained among the audience when listening to the heart rendering personal challenges of students prior to and while undertaking the skills course. Alhamdulillah, the students were presented with a skills certificate and a sewing machine by the Jamiatul Ulama KZN.
Shukran to the Jamiatul Ulama KZN, SDC staff members, volunteers and all our well-wishers.
May Allah Ta’ala reward each & everyone involved abundantly with goodness, Barakah and Aafiyah. Aameen.
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)
Council of Muslim Theologians
223 Alpine Road, Overport
Durban, South Africa
Tel : +27 (0) 31 2077099
Fax : +27(0) 31 2074163
Website : www.jamiat.org.za
