It is 15 years since Hyderabad Zakat & Charitable Trust was founded. Thanks to the increasing patronage from several philanthropists, the HZCT in association with Foundation for Economic & Educational Development (FEED) has spread its operations to all the districts of the state of Andhra Pradesh (A.P) with an establishment consisting of 47 branch offices and 110 employees.

The Trust is now authorized to accept donations under Sec 80(G) of the Income Tax Act. In addition to zakat, the trust has also received non-zakat donations which enabled it to support a few students from other communities.

I. SCHOLARSHIP & EDUCATION PROGRAMME

The Trust has so far supported 99,645 poorest of the poor students through higher and professional education. Out of which 20,236 were supported in the financial year 2007-08 with a financial outlay of Rs.10 crores (US$.2.5 million). The aforementioned figure includes 389 handicapped students, who were supported with a financial outlay of Rs.19 lakhs (US$_48,000) donated by Help Handicap Foundation, USA.

Number of Orphan (Yateem) Students supported by the Trust has grown steadily in the last 3 years. While supporting for scholarships, special consessions are given during evaluation with respect to their percentage marks. The limitation policy of scholarship disbursement within the same family does not apply to Orphans. The Trust is proud to state that several students supported by it have secured admissions in prestigious institutions like Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), BITS Pilani etc, and most of them are now placed globally. Few of these students have become regular donors to the Trust.

The Trustees are very happy to mention that the Trust supported scholars proved second to none in academic excellence. More than 500 students scored above 90% marks in Intermediate examination (High School 10 + 2) during the academic year 2007-08 and 90 of them secured over 96% marks. In accordance with the tradition of the Trust, top performers designated as “Gems of the nation” are felicitated on the Independence Day (15th August) every year at the “Unity Centre” of the Trust at Hyderabad.

Target 2009: To support 25,000 students with a budget of Rs.13 crores ( US$ 3.25 million.), Insha Allah.

Vision 2015: To foster 100,000 professionals and 300,000 graduates by the year 2015, Insha Allah

RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF KNOWLEDGE TECHNOLOGIES –
INTEGRATED INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IIIT)

Scholarship Support: The Government of Andhra Pradesh displayed exemplary foresight when it embarked on a visionary quest to bring rural children into the IT main stream. It established 3 Integrated Institutes of Information Technology in backward rural areas under the Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies. 6000 children who are studying in villages are selected on the basis of the American system “Grading on the Curve”.These students are offered seats in the 3 institutes to pursue a 6 year residential graduate programme in information technology at a highly subsidized fee structure of Rs.30000.00 per annum including hostel fee. Of these 6000 children 270 are Muslim students (144 boys and 126 girls) belonging to backward villages. In our effort to encourage the 270 Muslim students, we organized a counseling session at our Trust on 23rd June 2008. This was attended by nearly 50 students from the surrounding districts of Hyderabad.

The importance of the course and the future responsibilities of the students were emphasized in this session. Since it was noticed that many of the students did not have proper clothes, an amount of Rs. 3500/- (US $ 100) each was given on the spot for purchase of clothes and other requirements at the campus. The rest of the students would be counseled and interviewed in the first week of July 2008 at Kurnool and Guntur. This assistance is also available to orphan students from other communities.

School Education:

Although supporting the deserving and financially weak students through higher education is a major activity of the Trust, basic education is not ignored. The Trust manages;

Urdu Medium Schools- Jointly with Government:

61 Urdu medium schools are supported by the Trust in interior villages of the Telangana Region of Andhra Pradesh where no schools existed 14 years ago. More than 10000 students are taught here by 198 teachers in government syllabus, up to 7th class A few of these schools are also up to 10th class. Along with free education all the students are provided with books and uniforms. These schools produced a total of 1,90,000 students with 70% girls. An annual budget of Rs. 88 lakhs (US$ 220,000/-) is allocated to these schools for the year 2008-09. All efforts are being made to upgrade these schools up to 10th class.

English Medium School:

6 English medium schools in Hyderabad City slums, semi-urban areas and villages are supported by the Trust. Here 3000 Students receive secondary education for a nominal fee. Over 600 students have passed their SSC examination in the past 11 years.

IMRC-USA, sponsors 4500 students from both Urdu and English Medium schools annually. Rest of the schools / students are supported by individuals from abroad.

II. WOMEN UPLIFTMENT PROGRAMMES

Craft Centers:

6 Craft Centers are managed by the Trust for women in the rural areas of Telangana. These centers provide training in vocational crafts like stitching & embroidery along with moral education. Over 5300 girls and women have successfully completed their training in these centers.

100 poor and deserving trainees were given sewing machines as gifts costing Rs.3000 (US$.75) each on completion of their training at these craft centers. Few girls from other communities were also given sewing machines. The trust plans to establish 50 new craft centers in different districts of the State of AP.

These centers will be benefiting around 4000 unskilled girls /women. Apart from imparting skills in different vocational crafts, the centers will impart basic education on improving moral values, creating awareness about clean and healthy living habits and creating awareness about government promoted beneficial schemes and subsidies.

Marriages:

Marriages of yateem girls are also supported by the Trust. Budget allocation of Rs. 800,000 (US$ 20,000) is made for this purpose in the year 2008-09.

III. VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN COMPUTERS

The Trust manages a computer center in Babukhan Estate, Hyderabad. The purpose of this center is to impart job oriented computer hardware and software skills to poor students at 75% subsidized fee. Since inception 6000 students have successfully completed their training and are employed in the rapidly growing computer industry. The center is continuously upgrading its training programmes in software and hardware technology to keep abreast with dynamics of change in the industry.

IV. ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMES FOR SCHOLARS

The Trust initiated a set of additional programmes to benefit its supported scholars recognizing the fact that in today’s competitive environment just having educational qualification is not enough. Inter-personal skills, communication skills, human relation skills that project ones personality play a vital role in successful careers.

Personality Development Programmes:

With the assistance of volunteer qualified professionals, the Trust initiated a series of Personality Development Programmes that benefited the scholars in seeking careers with good organizations.

Inter-personal Skill Development & Job Mela:

Again invoking the assistance of Professionals and other volunteers, the Trust had organized a 2 day programme for its fresh graduate scholars. Several reputed companies consented to participate in the programme and provide a career opportunity to potential scholars. On the first day, an extensive training programme took place where qualified training professionals in diverse personality development traits trained the scholars and made them ready to face interactive sessions with the potential employers the next day.

The programme was a success and participating companies short-listed over 100 scholars for the next phase of their selection procedure.

Awareness Campaign: Minority Scholarships Government of A.P:

In the last Annual Budget, the Government of A.P has allocated a huge amount of Rs. 67 Crores (US$ 16.75 million) to support the higher education of minority communities in the form of scholarships for the academic year 2008-09. Under this scheme of the Government a student belonging to the minority community falling within the prescribed parameters is entitled to full reimbursement of fee in general graduate, professional graduate and post graduate courses.

The trust took up the responsibility of creating awareness of this government subsidy by distributing pamphlets, displaying banners and posters in all the districts of A.P using the resources of its branches and employees.

The Trust is grateful for the financial support received from Sultan-ul-Uloom Educational Society in this endeavour.

V. NEW PROJECTS IN 2008-09

Project Taalim:

The aim of this project is to increase literacy amongst village residents and make them responsible citizens of our Nation. The Trust proposes to achieve this by establishing 200 single teacher schools to impart basic education in language, civic responsibilities, moral responsibilities etc which will help in eradication of illiteracy and blind superstitions. These schools will be open to anyone regardless of age, gender, culture or creed. The Trust allocated a budget of Rs.48 Lakhs (US$ 120,000) for this project in 2008-09.

Housing:

Government of Andhra Pradesh has initiated a subsidized housing scheme to support the under privileged in the rural areas. To avail this scheme the beneficiaries are required to pay margin money towards the construction of the foundation. The Trust noted that many deserving people from the Muslim community were not in a position to avail this opportunity as they lacked the required funds for margin money. Thus to help them, a budget of Rs.56 Lakhs (US$ 140,000) is allocated.

Distribution of School Uniforms and Note Books:

Under this programme the Trust organizes the collection of funds and distribution of school uniforms, books and bags to children studying in the Government schools of A.P. The Trust believes that having new uniform, books and bags with necessary accessories like a pencil box, compass box etc., increases a student’s self esteem and encourages him/her to perform better in their academic pursuit. The success of this programme initiated on a pilot scale last year by the Trust was encouraging. In the current year the Trust plans to benefit 10000 such children under a budget outlay of Rs.34 lakhs (US$ 85,000)

Drivers’ Training Programme:

The demand for good drivers has surged in the state of AP owing to increased MNC activity. The Trust envisages an opportunity here for unemployed youth. An amount of Rs.30 Lakhs (US$ 75,000) is allocated to assist them become drivers and avail the job opportunities.

Micro Finance:

The Trust noticed that finance to very small businesses is only available from private money lenders at exorbitant rates of interest. This high interest rate usually leaves the owners in a perpetual debt trap with the money lenders. Thus a budget of Rs.38 Lakhs (US$ 95,000) is set aside to finance viable small business venture proposals from the right people belonging to the minority community.

Specific Thrust Areas in Education:

The Trust is planning to increase thrust in the area of school education. The objective is to provide 5000 students with quality school education in 23 districts of Andhra Pradesh.

Special efforts are being planned to identify and encourage top ranking students to seek admission in the premier institutions of the country like IIT, BITS Pilani, IIM, etc. The students aspiring to study at these premier institutions need to qualify through a competitive entrance exam that requires special preparation. The Trust aims at supporting a right set of students by supplying them with study material, CDs, financial support for coaching sessions and holding mock exams.

VI. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:

Office Modernization & Operational Improvements:

To improve the efficiency of “The Trust’s operations” all circle offices are going to be modernized with computers and internet connections for electronic data processing. This project was sponsored by Khan Bahadur Khan Foundation (KBBF) through its Chairman, Mr. Basheeruddin Babukhan.

Telangana region has now been divided into two zones, North Telangana and South Telangana for better control, proper accountability and wider penetration of Trust activities. North Telangana covers Nizamabad, Adilabad, Kareemnagar, Warangal, Khammam and Medak districts while South Telangana covers Hyderabad city, Rangareddy, Nalgonda, and Mahaboobnagar districts. New circle offices have also been established in some of the districts with additional inspectors and improved capacity to efficiently handle applications.

Awards & Accolades:

Hyderabad Zakat & Charitable Trust (HZCT) and Foundation for Economic and Education Development (FEED) were honoured by The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Y.S. Raj Sekhar Reddy for their service to community in the field of education.	Hyderabad Zakat & Charitable Trust (HZCT) was presented an award by AFMI, USA in recognition of its contribution to the educational development within the community at Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Active Participation of Patrons from Overseas:

A few patrons of the Trust from overseas actively participated in the scholarship disbursement programme at the district level. The Trust is thankful to Mrs. Nafeesa Khan, Mr.Karam Ali Khan, Mr. Rashid Ali Khan and Mr. Habib U. Ahmed for their encouragement and support.

Appointment of New Managing Trustee:

Mr. Shahid Ali Khan, an active Trustee was handed the charge of Managing Trustee of the Hyderabad Zakat & Charitable Trust (HZCT)
with effect from 21-02-2008.

Iftaar Food Grain Distribution Programme:

Iftaar food grain distribution programme is now an annual event with the Trust in the holy month of Ramadan. 9600 families of students belonging to 61 Urdu medium schools, managed by the Trust benefited from this programme. Each family was given a packet containing an assortment of grains, dates, sugar and tea.

VII. HEARTENING EXPERIENCES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Trust acknowledges the valuable voluntary services rendered by the following individuals and organizations in its diverse activities:
1. Mr. Abdulla Patni of M/s.Batco Roadways 2. Mr. Jamal Khan from Canada 3. Mr. Khuddus, Mrs. Ruksana Parveen, Mr.Zahid Akhtar and other members of SDA 4. Mr. Pramod Chandra Sekhar of M/s. Satyam Computers Ltd. 5. Mr.Shams Qamar of M/s. Exensis 6. Mr. Zaheer Khan of M/s.Trueman Consultants 7. Dr. Rehana Sultana of Moulana Azad National Urdu University 8. Mr. Mushtaq A Mohajir of M/s.Global Scientific 9. Mr. Iqbal Patni and other members of M/s.Teamwork 10. Mr. Moiz Khan and Mr.Ghouse Mohiuddin of Royal Function Hall, Kurnool 11. Mr. Hamid Khan of M/s.Bharat Roadlines 12. Mr. Mansoor Ahmed of M/s.Deep Blue, Kurnool 13. Mr. Mohammad Saifuddin and Shiekh Muneeruddin of Crystal Function Hall, Warangal 14. Mr Ahmed Abdul Azeem of Limra Function Hall, Nizambad 15. Mr. Basheer Ahmed of Eden Gardens, Kurnool 16. Mr.Baktiar Khan of Function Villa, Begumpet, Hyderabad

The Trust is hopeful of continuous support from all its patrons and supporters in successfully implementing its envisaged activities and Inshallah reward awaits those who are generous with their actions.

Ghiasuddin Babukhan
Managing Trustee, Foundation for Economic and Educational Development (FEED)

DONATIONS

Donations are accepted by cheques/DD/P.O drawn on Hyderabad Zakat & Charitable Trust or Foundation for Economic and Educational Development at our trust office. Overseas donors can wire transfer their donations to ICICI Bank as per information below. Online donations are possible through our website at http://www.feed-hyd.org.