The MSA-UK held a meeting tonight with the Minister of Education, Ms. Zahiya Zareer., who is currently visiting the United Kingdom on official business. The meeting took place at the MSA-UK center of operations, 9 Rosemont Avenue, and was attended by 25 members. The Central Committee, Advisory Committee and the Rosemont Committee representatives offered a warm welcome to the Minister upon arrival. The meeting began with the recitation of Holy Quran by Dr. Ahmed Shafiu and a welcome speech by the current chairperson, Ms. Aishath Ali Naaz.

The MSA took the opportunity to present several pressing matters to the Minister. The Rosemont committee went first with a brief report on the issues concerning the “9 Rosemont Avenue” building that has now been handed over to the MSA by the government. The committee noted the lack of proper maintenance to the building over the years and the resulting present condition of the building. The committee noted matters regarding the boiler, fire safety regulations adherence, damaged and lack of furniture, bathroom as being key issues requiring utmost and urgent attention. The Rosemont Committee also assured that a detailed report outlining the short term and long term repairs and renovations needed for the building will be presented to the MSA and the Ministry of Education soon.

The MSA also asked the Minister regarding the fate of earlier requests and reports to the Ministry regarding various issues. The Minister assured that solutions are being worked out. She also affirmed that Ministry is aware of the Visa difficulties students are facing and informed the students that the Ministry has contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who deals with such matters, in search of a solution but that no response has been received as of yet. Furthermore, she requested the MSA to present an updated report on Rosemont issues containing a prioritized list of renovations/repairs needed. On an inquiry regarding the fate of money for Rosemont currently held in care of the High Commission, the Minister decided to ease the hold up by authorizing to transfer the money to MSA. The Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Adam Hassan present at the meeting acknowledged this decision.

Many students had emailed MSA prior to the meeting, with concerns that they wanted to be presented to the Minister. Mr. Mohamed Razeem, Vice-Chairperson, presented the concerns emailed by students - which covered issues such as Visa difficulties, stipend delays for students on scholarships and stipend inadequacies. The members present at the meeting were then given an opportunity to bring up their own concerns and clarify any queries they wanted to present to the Minister. A fruitful discussed ensued and many questions were answered by the Minister and promised the students for continued support to the student community by the government in the future. She also spent a few moments addressing the students afterwards.

The meeting was then brought to a closure and the Minister and the MSA members all joined for an informal dinner cooked by the students. After the dinner, the Minister was given a tour of the Rosemont building by MSA to let her assess the conditions herself. The Minister then joined the students for some fun activities and games before departing. The MSA thanked the Minister for sparing her valuable time to be with the MSA members and wished her a safe journey back home.