TAFONUSA CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT

PREAMBLE

WHEREAS the students under the department /faculty/school of food science and technology pursuing certificates, diploma, degree programme masters and Phd are the future professional towards  proper nutrition, food  safety, consumers protection  and other related field .

WHEREAS these duties could only be successfully achieved by the unit and solidarity imparted at students level under the common association (TAFONUSA) founded under democratic principles.

AND WHEREAS students under the department/faculty/school of food science and technology believe and understand that the Sokoine University of Agriculture provide for establishment of other students organizations as stipulated in Sokoine university of Agriculture charter, 2007.

NOW THEREFORE, students under the department/faculty/school have found their Association, the Tanzania food and Nutrition Students Association  through which interests will be promoted together with improving relationship with similar existing associations and or club within and or outside the Sokoine University of Agriculture.

VISION

To emphasize the use dietary treatment alternative to drugs.

MISSION

TAFONUSA  will engage into awareness creation activities to students and communities, about the roles played by food and nutrition in maintaining better  health through prevention of diseases, consumers protection from expired ,forged and under standard products, These could be archived through provision of education in radio television magazine and Tafonusa blog sport.

MOTTOR

Proper nutrition keeps doctors away

Nutrition is the mother of all diseases.

`ARRANGEMENT OF ARTICLES

Article

PART 1:  PRELIAMINARY PROVISIONS

1.1              Application

1.2              Status

1.3              Head Office

1.4              Official Language

 PART II

Interpretation

PART III:  ESTABLISHMENT, OBJECTIVES, FUNCTIONS AND MEMBERSHIP OF  TAFONUSA

  3.1. Establishment

   3.2.Objectives

   3.3.Function of TAFONUSA

   3.4.Right and duties membership

PART IV. TAFONUSA LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION

4.1.TAFONUSA central committee

4.2.The meeting of Central Committee

4.3.The Chairperson

4.4. The Vice chairperson

 4.5. The General Secretary

 4.6.The  Information secretary4

4.7. The Treasurer

4.8. The executive committee

4.9.The patron/Matron of the association and

 5.0.The general assembly

PART V

FINANCIAL MATTER AND SCIENTIFIC MEETING

6.1. Sources of funds

6.2.........................

6.3.........................

PART VI

THE ELECTION PROCEDURE

7.1..............................

7.2...........................

7.3.............................

7.4................................

7.5.............................

7.6..............................

7.7.............................

     

PART 1

PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

1.1 Name

The name of the association shall be Tanzania Food and Nutrition Students association which is abbreviated form as TAFONUSA.

1.2 Application             

TAFONUSA constitution shall govern the election of the association leaders such as chairperson, vice chairperson, general secretary, information secretary, treasure, and appointment of the committee, define the specific functions of each leaders and committee elaborate the right and duties of members and those of TAFONUSA association and the leaders.

1.3 Legal status

The association is formed under the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) and shall be affiliated to the Sokoine university of Agriculture students Organization (SUASO), Food and Nutrition Association (FONATA) and Tanzania Institute of Food Science and Technologist (TIFT).

1.4 Headquarters.

The association shall have its headquarters Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) under the department/faculty/School of food science and technology.

1.5 Address.

The address of the association shall be Tanzania Food and Nutrition Students Association P.O.Box 3006 Chuo kikuu Morogoro.

1.5. Official languages

The official languages of the association shall be English.

PART 11

INTERPRETATION

In this constitution the following words and phrases will be interpreted to mean: “

“TAFONUSA ’’Association formed under the department/faculty/school of food science and technology

‘’TAFONUSA member’Means any students admitted to the university under the department/faculty/school of food science and technology as candidate for certificate,diploma  degree programme, Masters,and Phd.

 ‘’Executive committee’’Means committee comprises chairperson,Vice chairperson,General secretary,Information secretary, treasure and appointed committee

‘’ General assembly’’Means the association meeting

“Scientific meetings’’ Means the professional meeting of the association

“SUASO affiliates”  Means; the other university students organization approved under the provisions of Sokoine University of Agriculture, Rules 2007 and it includes Academic Associations.

“SUASO affiliation” Means; students organization of the university and may be at national and international levels to which SUASO is affiliated.

“University” Means; Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) as defined under Articles 2 of the Chart

“Constitution” Means; Tanzania Food and Nutrition students’ associations (TAFONUSA) constitution.

‘Central committee” Means the committee comprises of chairperson,Vice chairperson,general secretary,information secretary and treasure.

“General assembly”Means meeting of all association as described by this constitution.

 “Signatory” Means; any TAFONUSA leaders  charged with a duty to sign banking financial document on behalf of TAFONUSA as provided for by this constitution.

University” Means; Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) as defined under Articles 2 of the Charter

“Rules” Means; the electoral rules financial rules and any other rules provided in accordance with this constitution.

“By election”  Means; elections held to fill a post of the office , which has been left vacant immediately after the elections period or several months before the elections established under these rules.

PART 111

ESTABLISHMENT,OBJECTIVES FUNCTION AND MEMBERSHIP OF TAFONUSA

3.1. Establishment

There is hereby established an Association to be known as Tanzania Food and Nutrition Students Association hereinafter referred (TAFONUSA).

3.2. Objectives of the association

3.2.1 To bring and unite together students under the department/faculty/school of food science and technology.

3.2.2.To protect and promote the interest of food, nutrition, family consumer and other related field under department/faculty/school of food science and technology.

3.2.3.To promote awareness of the people on the crucial roles played by food in the survival of man and maintenance of human health.

3.2.4.To represents TAFONUSA on national regional and international basis.

3.2.5.To prepare groom members for FONATA and TIFT

3.2.6.To encourage and promote bilateral exchange of food, nutrition and family consumer science in related information between Africa and other countries.

3,2.6.To participate in various projects conference  and seminars related to food nutrition and family consumers so as to be currently updated.

3.2. Function/Activities of TAFONUSA

3.2.1.Provisional of food nutrition and family consumer skills to primary and Secondary schools, community and other stake holders.

3.2.2.Sensitization of community to understand the role of food in HIV/AIDS infected person

3.2.3.To carry out invitation party of the first year students as well as farewell graduation to finalist member.

3.2.4.To conduct field tour in the institution related to the association professionals.

3.2.5.To carry out research related to food, nutrition, and family consumer science.

3.2.6.To conduct and promote sports and games within and outside the association.

3.2.7.To  provide professional advisce to people or company in needs.

3.2.7.To provide certificate for the finalist and active member.                                                        

3.3.Membership

Every student admitted under the department/faculty/school of food science and technology pursuing certificate diploma and degree programme masters and Phd. shall be Member of TAFONUSA.

3.3.1.Types of membership

The association shall consist the followings types o membership.

3.3.1.1. Active membership

3.3.1.2. Associate membership

3.3.1.3. Honorary membership

3.3.1.4. Supporting membership

3.3.1.1. Active membership.

3.3.1.1.1. This will be conferred on student admitted under department/faculty/school of food science and technology after paying the subscription fees.

3.3.1.1.2. A members failing to pay his/her annual subscription fees for consecutive two Academic unit shall have automatically suspended his/her membership.

3.3.1.1.4. Active member on completion of their course shall be automatically supporting members.

3.3.1.2. Aassociate membership

3.3.1.2.1. This shall be reserved to students studying outside Tanzania after applying and paying prescribed fees.

3.3.1.2.2. Postgraduate students  studying within  in the future  and outside the country shall be granted an associate membership on applying and paying prescribed fees. 3.3.1.3.Honorary membership.

3.3.1.3.1. This is a prestigious position which may be conferred on individual other than active and associate members, who shall be seen to fit by the general assembly on recommendations by the executive committee and central committee.

3.3.1.3.2. A certificate of honorary membership life is awarded.

3.3.1.3.3. Honorary membership shall be non-transferable.

3.3.1.4. Supporting membership

This will be granted by the executive committee followings recommendations from the central committee to an individual group of people or active members after completion of their studies who materially or otherwise supports the association, Supporting membership should be applied to the secretary of the association. 

3.3.2. Application for membership

3.3.2.1 All application of membership shall be directed to the secretary of the association.

3.3.2.2. The executive committee shall consider the application and will have the final ruling on the acceptance or rejection on that application.

3.3.2.3 All application shall be accompanied by prescribed fees

3.3.2.4 Application of membership is limited to supporting and associate membership.

3.3.3. Rights of membership.

  To all types of membership as stipulated in section 3.3.1 in this constitution

3.3.3.1. Right to attend all meeting of the association to which she/he is entitled.

3.3.3.2. Right to attend, participate or contribute or as the case may take part in the programmes organized by association.

3.3.3.3. Right to receive copies of newsletter magazine annual report and annual financial   report.

3.3.3.4. Right to vote or to be voted as provided in this constitution but limited to active members only.

3.3.3.5. Right to question, criticise any matter relating to the association without fear for penalty.

3.3.3.6. Right to participate in all activities organized by association such as farewell part.

3.3.4. Membership duties.

3.3.4.1. To pay annual subscription fees and other contributions as determined by central committee, executive committee, and general assembly.

3.3.4.2. Attend all meetings of the association as provided by this constitution.

3.3.4.3. Participate, contribute or as the case may take part in programmes organized by the association.

3.3.4.4. Advice and Safeguard the aims and interests of the associations.

3.3.4.5. Abide to the constitution and such other rules and regulations as shall be decided by the Central committee, executive committee and general assembly,

3.3.4.5. To pay membership fees as determined by the central committee, executive committee and general assembly.

PART IV

4. TAFONUSA LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION.

4.1.TAFONUSA central committee.

4.1.1.  There is hereby established the TAFONUSA central committee as the executive  arm of TAFONUSA and in pursuit of TAFONUSA objectives which shall comprise of the Chairperson, the Vice chairperson, General secretary, Information secretary and treasurer.

4.1.2. The Central committee shall be responsible to the general assembly and executive committee in implementing decisions made by the general assembly and executive committee.

4.1.3. The Central committee shall make recommendations to the general assembly and

           executive committee in matters related to the association affairs.

4.1.4. The central committee shall prepare agenda and other issues to be discussed to the     executive committee.

4.1.5. The meeting of the central committee shall be determined by university time table if possible shall once in a month.

4.2   The meeting of Central Committee.

4.2.1. There shall be Central committee meetings and the chairperson shall chair the

          meeting, general secretary shall record the proceedings of the meeting.

4.2.2. At any meeting of the Central committee, a half (1/2) of members in shall constitute a   

           quorum. In case the Chairperson is absent the Vice chairperson shall be chairperson

           or if both are absent the general secretary of the meeting.

4.2.3. All decisions made by the Central committee shall be by a simple majority.

4.2.3.   The central committee shall, have the power to establish committees that will be a

             part of executive committee for the purpose of carrying out effectively TAFONUSA    

             social and economic projects or any other special duties of the TAFONUSA,

             provided that the committee have  coordinator, central committee shall prepare a   

             policy proposal establishing functions of each of such committees. A number      

             of committee  shall be not less than 10 and number of the people of each committee   

             shall be  determined by the central committee. The committee established shall be   

             confirmed by the general assembly.

4.3. The Chairperson

There shall be the TAFONUSA chairperson elected by member of TAFONUSA who shall be the head of central committee, executive committee and general assembly.

Any candidate contesting for the office of chairperson shall be declaring duly elected  chairperson only if he has obtained more votes than the other contesting candidates (simple majority)

           4.3.1.  Powers and Functions of the Chairperson.

.                                

(a).The Chairperson shall be the head of TAFONUSA and the chief spokesman   of the association.

(b).The President shall have the responsibility of defending TAFONUSA resolutions and proposals when questioned so to do by any or all of the authority.

(c).The chairperson shall be among the signatories of TAFONUSA funds.

(d).The Chairperson shall have such other functions (as conferred upon him by this constitution) in furtherance of TAFONUSA objectives, which do not conflict with this constitution.

( e).Shall  chair all the meeting i.e central meeting, executive meeting and generals  assembly meeting.

(  f).Shall convene special and emergency meetings on deemed necessary.

(  g). Shall give a full report on the association at the Annual General Meeting after being proved by  the central committee, and executive committee.

( e). Shall  be the final say on the issues arises during meeting.

( d).Shall do any  other duties as directed by the general assembly executive  committee from time to Time.

4.3.2. Loss/Vacance of Office of the Chairperson and any other leader

 The office of the Chairperson or any other leader shall be vacant upon the occurrence of any of the following event:-

a)      Resignation

b)      Death

c)      Impeachment by the general assembly in accordance with the provisions of this constitution

d)     Discontinuation from studies

e)      Postponement/completion of studies

4.4. The Vice chairperson

There shall be vice Chairperson who shall be the Principal Assistant to the Chairperson in respect of all matters concerning the TAFONUSA welfare and in particular shall:

(a)                Assist the Chairperson in making a follow up on the day- to-day activities, plans and programs of TAFONUSA.

(b)               Perform all duties and factions assigned to his by  Chairperson

(c)                Perform all duties and functions of the office of the Chairperson

(d)               Perform all duties and functions of the office of the Chairperson when the Chairperson out of office.

e)       Shall perform any other duties

             f). Shall do any other duties as directed by the general assembly executive committee

                   from time to time

                                                                                                                                                            

    4.5. The General Secretary

There shall be a  general secretary who shall carry out the following duties

    ( a)Shall deal with all the correspondence of the association

    ( b) Shall keep records of all activities of the association.

    ( c) Shall give a full report on the association at the Central committee and executive   

          committee.

    ( d) Shall be responsible for convening meetings

    (e) Shall attend and keep the records of all the meeting

    ( f) Shall record all proceedings of the general assembly meeting and keep roll call of all

          members, He/she also perform other duties as shall directed by central committee,        

          executive committee and general assembly.

    (  g). Shall prepare report to be presented to the general assembly by the chairperson which

   (   h) Should be approved by the executive committee and central committee  prior presentation

  4.6. Information secretary.

There shall be Information secretary shall carry out the following s duties

(a). Publicise the association

(b). Collect information from blogs websites newspapers tha are related to the association

(c).Edit the associations Newsletters and other publication.

(d).Providing information  to the members concerning to the meeting or any other issues.

(e). Shall  not provide any information unless its proved by central committee or executive committee  or general assembly depending on the king of information.

(e).Shall be the member of the information sub-committee.

(f). Shall be responsible for fund disbursement   of TAFONUSA

4.7.Treasurer

a).Shall be responsible for proper accounting of all members belonging to the association.

b).Shall be one of the signatories of the TAFONUSA  fund.

c).Shall keep accounts records of Association activities.

d) Shall prepare and present financial statement to the general assembly after being proved by Financial committee, executive committee, and central committee.

e).Shall be responsible for the orderly procurement of goods and services and the daily recording of receipts and expenditures.

f).Shall be the principal supervisor of the TAFONUSA project raising FUND.

g).Shall be one of the member of the sub-financial committee.

4.8. The executive committee

There shall be the executive committee which shall carry the association day to day  activities as prescribed by this constitution.

4.8.1.Composition of the executive committee

a). The Chairperson.      

b). The Vice chairperson.

c).The secretary.

d). The information secretary.

e).The treasure.

f).Not less than greater than 10 committee appointed by the central committee and if time allow confirmed by the general assembly as stipulated at 4.2.3

g.)Two representative from each class( year of study).

4.8.2. Meeting of the executive committee.

4.8.2.1.The executive committee shall meet at least once every months depending .

4.8.2.2.The chairperson in emergency situation convene the executive committee.

4.8.2.3.The quorum of the executive committee shall be at-least quarter of the members

4.8.2.4. All decisions made by the executive  committee shall be by a simple majority.

4.8.2.4.The chairperson shall chair the meeting, In case the Chairperson is absent the Vice chairperson shall be chairperson  or if both are absent the general secretary., information , treasure shall chair the meeting or any executive member appointed by the executive committee.

4.9.The patron/Matron of the association.

Thereafter hereby there shall be Patron or Matron and their assistant respectively of the association who shall be elected by the general assembly after recommendations made by the executive committee and confirmed by the head of department.

4.9.1.Shall be the principle advisor of the association.

4.8.2.Shall receive all decision made by the central committee, executive committee, and general assembly  and make recommendation if possible.

4.9.3.Shall attend all TAFONUSA meeting of the association but shall  not participates in decisions.

       

4.9.4.Shall be one of the signatories on the TAFONUSA certificates.

5.The general assembly.

There shall be the general assembly which comprises all types of membership as stipulated in this constitution article 3.3,

5.1Chairperson shall chair the general assembly. In her or his absence, Vice chairperson shall be the chairmam,if both absence General secretary,Informaton secretary, treasure may be the chairman or The executive committee may propose another leader of the association to chair the meeting provided that approved by the general assembly to do so.

5.2.The chairman shall vote in the case of equality.

5.3.The secretary of the associations. Shall serve as the secretary of the general assembly. In his or her absence The information secretary shall be the secretary or other leader as will be nominated by the executive committee and approved by the general assembly to assume secretarial duties.

5.4 .Power of the general assembly.

(.a) Shall be the supreme authority of the association

(b).Shall have a power to enact, amend or repeal sections rules or regulation of this constitution.

(c) Shall have the power to alter, terminate or suspend membership on the recommendations from the central and executive committee.

(d).Shall elect the Chairperson, Vice chairperson Secretary, Information Secretary, and treasure of the association.

(e)Shall elect Patron/Matron of the association and their assistants respectively as stipulated in this constitution.

(f)Shall fix annual subscription fees and decide other fees followings recommendations made by the executive committee and central committee.

(g)Shall decide on the time and place of the general assembly session other programme of the association and consider invitations from other association as shall be recommended by the executive committee and central committee.

(h)Shall receive if thought fit, approve the annual report from the chairperson and treasure.

(g) To confirm committee appointed by the central committee.

(h) To discipline the Chairperson, Vice chairperson General secretary information secretary and treasure including suspension of his/her services provided that a two-thirds vote of the members attending the meeting so resolves.

(i) Shall have other power and duties as provided in this constitution.

5.4.1. Vote  of no confidence

 Vote of no confidence may be proposed in the general assembly against any member or member of the executive committee. The member shall have a right to be heads by the general assembly. If the vote is carried out by at-least three quarters of those presents. Then the member(s) shall cease to be the officer(s) of the association forthwith. The general assembly shall elect other officer(s).If officer(s) or member(s) is not satisfied with the decisions made he may write the intentions to appeal to the executive committee in order to be heads again.The executive shall discuss his/her arguments  if found ti be reasonable, Shall call another general assembly for more discussion and decision

PART V

FINANCIAL MATTER AND SCIENTIFIC MEETING

6.1 Sources of funds.

Finance of the association shall depend upon the following sources.

6.1.1. Membership fee from its members.

6.1.2.Voluntary donation from individual, companies, local and foreign donors.

6.1.3.Income generated from its activities, projects of the association

6.1.4.Fund rising of the association.

6.1.5.Grants-requested from funding organization to projects.

6.1.6.Loan.

6.1.7. Grants.

6.2.The  treasure of the association in cooperation t with class representatives shall be responsible to for collection of the associations funds.

6.3.For avoidance  of doubts financial matter shall be governed by the association financial regulations rules as issued  from time to time by the general assembly following recommendations from executive committee and central committee.

6.4.The central committee shall establish  financial committee to monitor and control the association financial activities to safeguard the association funds.

6.4.Financial statement shall be presented to the general assembly after being approved by central committee and executive committee.

6.5.The treasure of the association shall be responsible for all financial matte.

6.6.Class representatives shall form a part of financial committee

6.7.Scientific meeting

6.7.1.The association shall hold from time to time scientific meetings which shall deal with scientific related subjects.

6.7.2.The frequence, duration and place of scientific meetings shall be determined by the general assembly on the recommendations by the executive committee and central committee

6.7.3.Paper, article and publications  to be presented to the scientific meetings must reach to the secretary office at-least 30  day in advance.

6.7.4. Attendance to scientific meeting shall be open to all members and other interested association

6.7.5. The association Secretary shall be the secretary of scientific meeting in his/her absence the information secretary shall take over.

6.7.6. The chairman shall chair scientific meetings.

PART VI

7.1. There shall be General election one every year and by election at any time when need

        arises in the association.

7.2. The general Election and By election shall be supervised by the TAFONUSA electoral committee and Central committees provided that member of central committee is not a contestant.

7.3 THE ELECTION PROCEDURE

.7.3.1.If any member of the central committee is a contestants shall not take part in the election supervision

7.3.2. There shall be electoral rules that will be formulated by central committee and approved by the executive committee an general assembly if time allow.

7.3.3. The electoral committee shall be formulated by executive committee and confirmed by the general assembly if time allow.

7.3.4There shall be electoral rules that will be formulated by the executive committee and confirmed by the general assembly if time allow, and will be revised from time to time by the executive committee and general assembly.

7.3.5 The time of the general election shall be determined by the university almanac and   

          executive committee.

7.3.6 Any candidate contesting for any office position shall be declaring duly elected winners against other only if he has obtained more votes than the other contesting candidates (simple majority).

7.3.7Any candidates who will not be satisfied by the election results, Should forward his/her appeal to the central committee through the general secretary two days after the election. The central committee has the power to recall another election when need arises.

7.3.8.The appeal should explain why the candidate is not satisfied with elections ,and the executive committee shall discuss, and the reasons are sufficient election may repeated.