Representatives from zakat management agencies in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Togo, Ghana, and Benin are attending the program being held in Bogor, West Java, from April 16 to April 26.
"This is an international-level training workshop for certification. More than just a platform for knowledge transfer, this program is also expected to facilitate the exchange of expertise among participating countries," Baznas Head of Fundraising Rizaludin Kurniawan noted in a statement on Thursday.
He emphasized that the initiative reflects Indonesia’s commitment to contributing to the global zakat ecosystem, noting that the country’s alms management system has received international recognition.
He affirmed that this recognition largely stems from significant improvements in the effectiveness and efficiency of zakat collection and distribution, as well as the empowerment of beneficiaries.
Kurniawan furnished details on the training program, saying that it is focused on two primary skills: fundraising and distribution.
On fundraising, he stated that participants would gain skills in developing strategies and plans, managing funds, evaluating performance, and engaging with donors effectively.
Meanwhile, the distribution component includes lessons on ensuring that philanthropic funds meet basic needs and help beneficiaries move toward self-reliance, he added.
Highlighting the initiative as a form of diplomacy, Kurniawan expressed hope that participants would adopt Indonesia’s zakat management model in their home countries.
One of the participants, Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, who serves as Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Zakat and Waqf Operators (AZAWON), expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s system.
"We are truly inspired by Baznas, particularly its professional and well-organized fundraising and distribution systems. For this reason, we have been partnering with the agency for years," he stated.
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Translator: Sean F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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