Updated 23 June 2009 
 
The World Federation’s Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme (ZCSS) team visited the offices of the Council of Gujarat in Talaja on Thursday 4th June 2009. The purpose of the visit was to clarify issues on the principle of funding and reaffirm The World Federation's continued commitment to educating the needy children in Gujarat.

The discussions covered possible ways of encouraging the local communities to contribute and/or take over the primary education needs in Gujarat. The Council of Gujarat informed the ZCSS team that Bhavnagar members had indicated their commitment to funding the primary education of their children. This is indeed very good news that the local communities are now themselves taking on responsibilities of their own children which has always been the goal of ZCSS to empower the local communities. ZCSS is now looking to extend this initiative in conjunction with the Council of Gujarat to other larger Jamaats within Gujarat.
 
Finally, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by the Council of Gujarat and The World Federation confirming the annual ZCSS budget for Education for the year 2009-2010. Procedures for approvals were also agreed to ensure smooth and cordial working relationship between The World Federation and the Council of Gujarat.

For more information, please email zcss@world-federation.org