Census 2024
The Khoja community, originally from India and linked to the Isma'ili denomination, converted to Twelver Shia and faced persecution, leading many to migrate to East Africa in the late 19th century. Post-partition, significant populations remain in Pakistan and India, with recent migrations to North America and Western Europe. Today, the global Khoja community is united under the World Federation of KSI Muslim Communities, numbering fewer than 150,000 within the larger Shia population of about 90 million.
In Melbourne, Australia, the Khoja community aims to preserve its identity and engage youth in community affairs. To prepare for the future, they are conducting a census to gather vital information about Khoja members across Australia. This initiative, led by Khoja Jamaat Melbourne, encourages participation from all Khoja individuals and aims to collect data on the community's economic, social, and cultural makeup to inform future planning.Please review the following details carefully:
Eligibility:
- This form must be completed by individuals of Khoja descent only.
Purpose and Objectives:
- Broadly speaking, the primary goal of this census is to determine the total Khoja population in Australia and provide a breakdown by state.
- We aim to gather information on the geographic distribution of Khoja members across Australia. This data will help us understand where our community members are residing. Additionally, it will support our efforts to present our community's presence to government entities and seek necessary support at the council, state, and federal levels.
Note on Membership:
- This form is separate from the membership form of Khoja Jamaat Melbourne. We understand that many Khojas living in Melbourne and Australia may not be members of the of their respective Jamaats/Centres due to certain reasons. Please note this is not a membership form.
Family/household Details:
- Completion per Family:
- This form should be completed for each family unit. There is no need for separate forms from husband and wife.
- First Question:
- The very first question will ask, "Are you Khoja or Non-Khoja?"
- Filling Out the Form:
- If the husband is Khoja and the wife is non-Khoja, we suggest that the form be completed by the husband selecting "Khoja" and then inserting the wife’s details in the partner section.
- If the wife is Khoja and the husband is non-Khoja, we suggest that the form be completed by the wife, including the husband’s details in the partner section.
Information Requested:
- Full Name:
- Please provide your full name, including your family name.
- Year of Birth:
- For privacy reasons, we are not requesting your full date of birth, but we do need the year. This will help us categorize the age groups within our community, such as seniors, youngsters, youth, and children. Understanding these demographics will aid us in organizing our programs and anticipating challenges over the next 5 to 10 years, especially for our youth.
- Address:
- For privacy reasons, we are not requesting your full address. Please provide your State, Suburb, and Post Code. This information will help us understand the geographic distribution of our community members.
- Profession:
- Please provide details of your profession. This information will help us understand the skills within our community and enable us to connect you with other members who may benefit from your expertise. It will also assist us in arranging seminars and identifying potential speakers.
- Child’s School:
- We are requesting information about your child’s school. Specifically, we need to know if your child is attending an Islamic school or a government/private school. This data will help us assess whether there is a need for our own school or if we should focus more on enhancing religious classes.
- Ethnicity:
- Please indicate your ethnicity (e.g., Pakistani, Indian, African). While we believe we are ONE Khoja Family, this information will assist us in creating sub-committees if needed to address the specific needs of different ethnic groups within our community. Additionally, this data will help us connect migrants and students from these countries with families who share a similar background.
- Children Aged 18+:
- If you have children who are 18 years of age or older, they are required to fill out a separate form.
Questions or Assistance:
If you have any questions while completing this form, please contact us at committee@ksijmelbourne.org.au or call us on 0466 005 477.
Consent to Collect and Use Personal Data
To participate, we need to collect some personal information. We take your privacy seriously and will handle your data in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
By completing this form, you consent to the collection and use of your personal data as outlined. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us at secretarty@ksijmelboure.org.au or 0466 005 477.
For more information on your privacy rights, please refer to the Privacy Act 1988.