Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives at Maputo Airport and is greeted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Cooperation, Alcinda Abreu.Copyright: AKDN/Gary Otte
Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Maputo, Mozambique on the second schedule of his Golden Jubilee visits in Africa. Amidst colourfully-clad traditional dancers and singers, Hazar Imam was welcomed by Mozambique's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Alcinda Abreu, Vice Minister of Finance, Pedro Couto, Director of Europe and America (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Fernanda Lichale as well as other government dignitaries, and leaders of the Jamat and AKDN agencies. Hundreds of members of the Jamat from all over the country and around the world, including many from Portugal were also present for this happy occasion.
Mawlana Hazar Imam speaking at the State Banquet given in his honour at the Ponta Vermelha Presidential Palace.Copyright: AKDN/Gary Otte
Within a few hours of his arrival, Mawlana Hazar Imam held official talks with President Armando Guebuza at the Ponta Vermelha Presidential Palace. Hazar Imam then attended a state banquet hosted by the President in his honour. Here he spoke with optimism about the future of Mozambique, and praised Mozambique as a valuable model for the developing world. “Your growth record is one of the best in Africa – built on neither diamonds nor oil – but on the development of human potential and the consolidation of the democratic processes,” he said in his speech.
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
First day cover stamps of an official collection of Mozambique postage stamps marking Hazar Imam`s Golden Jubilee
This day started with Mawlana Hazar Imam hosting a reception at the Polana Serena Hotel for the diplomatic community, international organisations and donor agencies.
The reception was followed by the official unveiling of a set of Golden Jubilee commemorative postage stamps for Mozambique by President Armando Guebuza in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam and several government dignitaries. The five stamps portray images of the Maputo Jamatkhana and projects supported by AKDN in Mozambique.
Mawlana Hazar Imam meets with Eduardo Mulembwe, President of the Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique.Copyright: AKDN/Gary Otte
After the stamp unveiling ceremony, Mawlana Hazar Imam hosted a lunch in honour of President Guebuza. Later in the day, Hazar Imam met with the President of the Assembly of the Republic, Eduardo Mulembwe. “We will do our utmost to ensure that your projects find space to develop,” said Mr Mulembwe after the meeting, assuring Mawlana Hazar Imam of the country's sincere commitment to support the development mission of the AKDN and the Imamat.
Thursday, 22 November 2007
Mawlana Hazar Imam looks at a display of calligraphy produced by children from the Jamat of Mozambique before entering the darbar hall.Copyright: Aziz Islamshah
This was the day eagerly awaited by the Jamat of Mozambique and all those who had made the special visit from other countries to see their Imam.
Thousands of murids from Mozambique, Portugal and across the world, gathered in the once empty premises of the Texlon factory, now splendidly renovated and decorated for the occasion. President Amirali Bhanji of the Ismaili Council for Portugal submitted a loyalty address on behalf of the Mozambique Jamat, which falls in that country's area of jurisdiction. As he arrived at the hall, Hazar Imam took the time to look at a display of paintings and tiles prepared by children of all ages from the Mozambique Jamat.
Later in the day, Mawlana Hazar Imam departed Maputo and flew to Pemba where he was received by the Governor of Cabo Delgado province, Eliseu Joaquim Machava.
Friday, 23 November 2007
Mawlana Hazar Imam walks through the village of Natugo, in Cabo Delgado, passing the village mosque, the primary school supported by Aga Khan Foundation and the Literacy Centre.Copyright: AKDN/Gary Otte
Mawlana Hazar Imam today travelled to two villages in the heart of Cabo Delgado to review projects supported by the Aga Khan Foundation, Mozambique. Situated in the northernmost province of Mozambique, Cabo Delgado is among the poorest areas in the country, with a life-expectancy of only around 36 years.
The Aga Khan Foundation's Coastal Rural Support Programme is implementing an integrated rural development programme in this province, combining improved agricultural techniques, education and health initiatives and a microfinance programme.
Mawlana Hazar Imam walked through the village speaking to the elders and teachers, pausing at the village's literacy centre where he met a group of young students and their instructor. Hazar Imam also spent some time with students and teachers of the village primary school and thereafter walked to the preschool where he spoke with the teacher on the issues facing preschool children.
Following this visit, Mawlana Hazar Imam went on to Ibo Island, where he was able to review income generation activities made possible through the support of the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance (AKAM). At the renowned Fort Sao João Baptista, he viewed the detailed work of silversmiths, flower artisans, carpenters and agriculturalists.
Monday, 26 November 2007
Mawlana Hazar Imam bidding farewell to the Jamat of Mozambique upon his departure from Pemba airport.Copyright: AKDN/Lucas Moura
Today was Mawlana Hazar Imam's final day in Mozambique. As he left from Cabo Delgado airport, the Governor of the Region, together with other officials and leaders of the Jamat gathered to bid him farewell
Also see additional photos and the video.