Mombasa: The Mombasa County Department of Education and Digital Transformation is joining forces with the Al Khalidi Quality and Sustainable Development Foundation, a non-profit organization, to advance education standards in the region. County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Mbwarali Kame announced that they will work in collaboration with the foundation on both the education and health sectors.

According to Kenya News Agency, the CECM revealed plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the foundation, adding that similar agreements have already been signed with the Al Khair Foundation and Rahma Worldwide. Kame also discussed ongoing efforts to include madrasas and Sunday school teachers in the county's payroll, as promised by the Governor during the campaign period. A draft bill addressing this initiative is under departmental review and will subsequently be presented to the county executive committee and assembly for approval.

Jassim Al-Ansari, Managing Director of the Foundation, stated that the MoU will create a framework for cooperation between the foundation and Mombasa County's devolved government. He expressed optimism about the involvement of various businesses and individuals in Kenya, especially in Mombasa, under this collaborative framework. The foundation aims to implement projects in a sustainable manner to ensure longevity.

In a bid to encourage youth to adhere to the teachings of the Holy Qur'an, the foundation will sponsor the winner of this year's Qur'an memorization competition with a trip to Mecca during Ramadhan. The foundation also awarded a research grant of USD 3,000 (equivalent to Sh388,500) to honor the late philanthropist Hasmukh Patel, known as 'Mombasa Cement'. The research aims to explore how other foundations can build upon Patel's philanthropic efforts.

The foundation initially planned to expand the cancer center at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital but found that Patel had already completed the project. Al-Ansari praised Patel for his principles and contributions to society, emphasizing the importance of documenting his legacy. Dr. Fathima Azmiya expressed gratitude for the research grant, noting that it will highlight Patel's work and benefit the entire country.