Al-Qalam 
By Al Qalam Reporter
The Human Resources Development Programme (HRDP) is being viewed as a preferred training body for Muslim NGOs and Dawah workers in the SADC Region, to develop their skills in administration, management and leadership.
This emerged at the week-long leadership course held at the Verulam Islamic Institute in KwaZulu-Natal, attended by 50 trainees who participated in the two year internal qualification programme.
A highlight of the 2019 programme was the attendance by several individuals who completed their training some years back. One of them was Brother Jabir Jula, Vice Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Muslim Youth Organisation. In his short talk to participants, he stated that ZIMO looked to the HRDP to send their members for training. He also complimented the HRDP as a pace setter in human development.
In their evaluations and debriefing, trainees strongly supported the current format and programme content that is being offered over a two-year period. “This year through our online application process, we received just over 100 applicants from all over Africa, the recruitment committee had a challenging task in deciding on the final 60 trainees,” said Asif Essop, chairperson of the HRDP. “It was sad that some trainees from the SADC Region, who were accepted to participate, opted not to travel because of the recent xenophobic attacks in Johannesburg,” he added. In the 2019 edition a total of 20 females and 30 males registered for the training, of these 10 were Ulama.
Rashid Chopdat, head of the HRDP Training, pointed out that despite the limited financial and other resources, the organisation provides a high quality of training. He said: “A few NGOs and individuals who attended have told us that our initiative has inspired them to improve their performance at work and in the field.”
He added; “Our training is conducted by academics and experts in their respective fields – most of whom have been with us since we introduced the structured programme in 2016. This year six academics (four of whom are also ulama) and nine experienced persons conducted the training.”
Besides the administration and management modules, the trainees also learn Basic First Aid and CPR. They were addressed on zakaat collection and distribution and received skills on organising youth camps. Trainees also undertook an outreach activity by visiting Ward 60, Ezakeni, Hazelmere where they interacted with the senior citizens and youth of the area, distributing walking sticks, a wheel chair and hygiene packs.
The HRDP is an alliance of nine Muslim NGOs – As-Salaam Educational Institute, Inchanga Islamic Centre, Islamic Dawah Movement of Southern Africa, Islamic Propagation Centre International, Ladysmith Dawah Centre, Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa, Southern Africa Dawah Network, South African National Zakah Fund and the Verulam Islamic Institute.
Its efforts are supported by Awqaf-SA, Dawah Academy (International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan) and Mancosa. If your organization wishes to receive an invitation, kindly send an email to rashid.dawnlead@gmail.com or contact the head office at +27 031 306 2011.
