Al-Qalam 
An innovative project to shape young Muslim minds is gaining traction, writes Ismail Suder.
Durban entrepreneur and humanitarian, Nazir Malek (66) may be physically blind, but he sees a dire need for an Islamic youth development project – and is doing something about it – he is launching his Youth Development Academy at a special Nasheed event in about two weeks.
Malek told Al-Qalam that his grand plan for the multi-million-rand Youth Development Academy (YDA) would be officially launched during a Nasheed show by internationally-acclaimed Saudi/Egyptian artist, Mohamed Tarek, on September 26 at the NMJ Hall in Overport, at 8pm.
The trustees of the proposed YDM are prominent community personalities: They are Nazir Malek (travel agent); Iqbal Khan (CEO – building contracting firm); Dr Shabier Omar, educator (ex-principal); Afzal Razack (CEO of engineering company); Naeem Agjee (accountant) and Hoosen Agjee (accountant).
Malek said the aim of YDA would be to capacitate the next generation of confident, capable, and principled youth leaders by fostering the full potential of each child holistically within a nurturing environment grounded in Islamic values.
“We are committed to providing a comprehensive and balanced platform where young individuals are encouraged to excel in different fields. Through various academic interventions and a variety of different codes of sport, we aim to develop well-rounded individuals equipped with critical thinking skills, discipline, and emotional intelligence.
“Central to our vision is the integration of faith into daily life. While being inclusive to people of different faiths, Islamic spiritual practice and guidance will ensure that our young leaders advance in secular knowledge and skills which are grounded in spiritual values such as good character, service to mankind and reverence to God. Our regular competitions and community events will foster teamwork, resilience, and a healthy sense of community.
“YDA strives to raise a generation of morally grounded, socially responsible, and forward-thinking young adults who are prepared to lead with integrity, contribute positively to their communities, and face the future with purpose and faith,” he added.
He said many young people lack motivation to work towards a better future possibly because of underlying factors: the YDA aims to address all those concerns including helping to shape their career paths.
Malek pointed out that when word spread about the proposed Youth Development Academy, he received overwhelming interest from possible funders who were keen to be part of the innovative project.
Malek, a well-known community leader, chef and travel agent, recently lost his sight in both eyes caused by retinal detachment which led to partial blindness. He underwent 12 procedures to save his sight, but unfortunately none were successful, In January last year, he went completely blind, however this has not deterred him from accomplishing his community projects and charitable work,
The Youth Development Academy is his long-time dream.
“The establishment of YDM would be a dream come true. I’ve been quietly working on the project, long before I lost my sight, but I am thankful to Allah Ta’Ala for my other faculties. I want to SEE this through, InshaAllah,” he said, matter-of-factly.
