Safal ALAF Foundation gets major boost from Africa rally

DAR ES SALAAM: The Safal ALAF Foundation has received close to TSh 20 million from this year’s Africa Rally, part of the funds raised during an expedition that saw participants drive 6,000 kilometres from Hartbeespoort, South Africa, to Bagamoyo, Tanzania, in support of various causes.

The funds will go towards equipping the newly constructed Safal ALAF Technical Training Institute, raised through the ‘Miles for Education’ campaign, which aims to offer practical education and youth empowerment opportunities. The Institute, an initiative of ALAF Limited, will open its doors to young Tanzanians, offering access to technical and vocational training courses and increasing opportunities for self- or wage employment.

Education is one of the key priorities for the Safal ALAF Foundation as a means of empowering youth. It is on this basis that ALAF Limited has invested in the Technical Training Institute in Arusha, alongside other communities and social investments across the country.

This year’s edition attracted 50 participants driving vintage cars across five countries over three weeks, culminating in Bagamoyo.

Renowned philanthropist Mr. Sangeet Shah, who completed the drive alongside co-driver Mr. Tim Pick in a vintage Mercedes-Benz, described the journey as an exceptional experience. “The main objective was to raise funds to support the equipment at the Safal ALAF Technical Training Institute, and we are delighted to have accomplished that objective, as this facility will help many young people achieve their dreams,” said Shah. He encouraged well-wishers to continue contributing to the initiative through www.africarally.com. “While in Arusha, we passed through the institute to see the progress, and it is amazing,” he added.

ALAF Limited’s Head of External Affairs, Ms. Hawa Bayumi, congratulated the pair on their achievement, noting that the initiative supports the development of technical skills and opportunities for young people who will enroll at the facility. “Every mile in this 6,000-kilometre journey represented commitment, resilience, and progress towards impact,” she said.

Co-driver Mr. Tim Pick said the journey was a memorable experience made more meaningful by its cause.

Rally organizer Mr. Paul Clayton commended the pair for completing the full 6,000 kilometres in good time. “More than 1.1 million Rand (TSh 173 million) has been raised through this initiative for various causes, and of this, about 119,000 Rand (TSh 20 million) will go towards the ALAF Technical Institute project through the Safal ALAF Foundation. This figure may increase, as the donation window remains open for another month,” he noted.

He thanked the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, through the Tanzania Tourism Board, for its role in supporting the event, now in its fifth year.