Safal ALAF Foundation gets Sh20m boost from Africa Rally

Arusha. The Safal ALAF Foundation is set to receive Sh20 million from this year’s Africa Rally to support the equipping of the newly constructed Safal ALAF Technical Training Institute in Arusha.

The funds were raised through the rally’s ‘Miles for Education’ campaign, which saw participants drive about 6,000 kilometres from Hartbeespoort in South Africa to Bagamoyo in Tanzania, raising funds for various causes along the way.

The technical training institute, an initiative of ALAF Limited, is expected to provide young Tanzanians with access to technical and vocational education and skills aimed at improving their opportunities for self-employment and wage employment.

Education and youth empowerment are among the key priorities of the Safal ALAF Foundation, with ALAF investing in the training institute alongside other community and social development initiatives across the country.

This year’s Africa Rally attracted 50 participants who drove vintage cars through five countries over three weeks before completing the expedition in Bagamoyo.

Philanthropist Sangeet Shah, who completed the journey in a vintage Mercedes-Benz alongside his co-driver Tim Pick, said the experience was made more meaningful by its purpose.

“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,” Mr Shah said.

He encouraged well-wishers to continue supporting the initiative through the Africa Rally’s fundraising platform, saying the participants had also visited the institute in Arusha to see its progress.

“While in Arusha, we passed through the institute to see the progress, and it is amazing,” he said.

ALAF Limited Head of External Affairs Hawa Bayumi congratulated Mr Shah and Mr Pick on completing the journey, saying the initiative would contribute to expanding access to technical skills and employment opportunities for young people.

“Every mile in this 6,000-kilometre journey represented commitment, resilience, and progress towards impact,” Ms Bayumi said.

Mr Pick described the expedition as a memorable experience, made more significant by the cause it supported.

Rally organiser Paul Clayton said more than 1.1 million South African rand, equivalent to about Sh173 million, had been raised through the initiative for various causes.

Of the amount, about 119,000 rand, or nearly Sh20 million, is earmarked for the Safal ALAF Technical Training Institute through the foundation. Mr Clayton said the amount could increase as the fundraising window remains open for another month.

He also thanked the Government of Tanzania, through the Tanzania Tourist Board, for supporting the event, which is now in its fifth year.