For over 16 years, Mandhry Mosque in Old Town Mombasa has hosted one of the region’s most transformative community initiatives. It has offered consistent guidance, mentorship, and hope to hundreds every Friday evening.
The Mandhry Motivational Classes, held weekly after Maghrib prayers, have become a vital platform for spiritual growth, personal development, and social change.
What began as a local response to rising youth unemployment and despair has evolved into a structured, community-wide movement.
Rooted in the 16th-century legacy of the Omani Mandhry clan founders of the mosque in 1570 the program is led by Chairman Babu Ali Mandhry alongside a committee of elders, professionals, and youth leaders. Together, they aim to uplift the community spiritually, intellectually, and economically.
Each session blends Qur’anic teachings and Hadith reflections with practical discussions on topics such as entrepreneurship, education, marriage, mental health, leadership, and family life. The open Q\&A format allows for honest dialogue, peer learning, and practical takeaways.
Over the years, the impact has been wide-reaching. Youth have launched businesses, resumed college, and enrolled in vocational training.
Women have found support to start home enterprises. Many have overcome personal struggles, addiction, depression, or hopelessness through the encouragement and mentorship found within the program.
One of its key pillars is a strong mentorship model. Professionals including doctors, lawyers, educators, and entrepreneurs volunteer their time to offer grounded advice rooted in Islamic values. This blend of faith and life skills makes the sessions deeply relevant and empowering.
The initiative is sustained by the broader Mandhry Waqf Project, which funds student scholarships, supports madrasa and secular teachers, and provides vocational training in carpentry and tailoring. The waqf also helps expand facilities to accommodate growing numbers.
In February, the program marked its 16th anniversary with a packed event at Afrah Hall, attended by scholars, professionals, educators, and local leaders—testament to its credibility and reach.
Behind the scenes, a committed team handles speaker coordination, planning, and outreach to ensure the continuity and growth of the initiative.
Mandhry Motivational Classes have become more than weekly sessions. They represent a long-term commitment to community healing, purpose, and empowerment. As the call to prayer rings out each Friday, Mandhry Mosque continues to shine—not only as a place of worship but as a beacon of hope, leadership, and transformation.
