For any organisation and society to grow and move forward positively, it needs to continuously review its strategy to appeal to a potential younger member. In keeping with this the Sports and Social Portfolio of the JHESS creates awareness of and generates interest in the Society through the medium of sports and social events.
Many youth are actively involved in various codes of sport in an individual capacity. By honing in on this aspect and inviting its youth to enjoy sport under the auspices of their own Society, a sense of belonging is created. Sports events allow the younger generation to build and reinforce relationships, whilst having fun. It also provides a useful, alternative and safe avenue for youth to channel their energies and ensure that they triumph over the social challenges which they often face.
On the sporting front the Society has taken a positive step forward by introducing the younger members to the international arena and at the same time rekindling the relationship with the land of their forefathers. In one fell sweep, Habsani youth undertook a milestone event – the cricket tour undertaken to India during 2011/2012. This event exposed the youth to their roots and culture in a fun, educational manner. Matches were played against local teams in the dynamic city of Mumbai with the youth being exposed to a teeming metropolis, an education in itself, while humbling themselves in the surroundings once inhabited by their ancestors during a tournament held in the village of Aravi. There is no doubt that the tour was an eye-opener for the kids as it taught them the finer values of life and introduced them to citizens of a land of amazing contrast where the rich have so much and the poor very little, but yet contented with their lot in life; but at all times aspiring to live their best life possible, staying true to the spirit of the great Mahatma Gandhi – The Father of the Nation.
Socially, the Society’s aim is to continually strive to keep families and the community together by meeting regularly in a fun filled environment designed to ensure that strong bonds are formed and family ties strengthened. The annual family fun days achieve this and much more with the incorporation of a cricket tournament which has become a major success.
The Society places a firm emphasis on social welfare and the Annual Mass Ifthar and Ramadaan food parcel distribution program brings together members whilst alleviating the plight of the needy.
This Portfolio’s aim to promote other sports and social events is being realised by the concerted efforts of members to move forward positively in order to sustain interest and provide variation of activities.