Africa
Opportunities abound at Africa conference hosted at the Ismaili Centre, London
A weekend-long Opportunity Africa conference held at the Ismaili Centre, London hinted at what is already spreading across the continent. With a growing middle class, an impending housing market boom, an infrastructure deficit waiting to be filled, and a common East African financial market on the horizon, Africa is a focal point for new expansion and entrepreneurship.
TKN volunteer aims to plant a forest while nurturing “mother plants” for Tanzania
Lifelong educator Roshan Hemani has been hard at work on the site of the new campus of the Aga Khan University in Arusha. But instead of moulding young minds she is re-forming the landscape — Hemani and a team of gardeners are on a mission to plant 150 000 trees in the area. And the plant nursery she has established may become a vital source in sustaining Tanzania’s ecology for years to come.
Mawlana Hazar Imam departs Kenya; visits Arusha at the end of his East Africa visit
Nairobi, 28 July 2011 — As Mawlana Hazar Imam prepared to depart Nairobi, senior Jamati leaders bid him farewell. Prior to leaving East Africa, Mawlana Hazar Imam stopped over in Arusha, where he visited the site of the Aga Khan University campus and met with the Secretary General of the East African Community.
Prime Minister of Kenya performs ground breaking of AKU School of Media and Communications in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam
Nairobi, 27 July — The Foundation Ceremony of the Aga Khan University’s Graduate School of Media and Communications was held today. Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Right Honourable Raila Odinga, Prime Minister of Kenya, presided over the ceremony.
Kenyan Jamat gathers to witness opening of Heart and Cancer Centre by Mawlana Hazar Imam and President Kibaki
Nairobi, 25 July 2011 — Thousands of Ismailis gathered at the Parklands Complex in Nairobi to witness the opening of a new Heart and Cancer Centre. The Aga Khan University Hospital facility was inaugurated by His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam.
Mawlana Hazar Imam meets with President Kibaki in Nairobi
Nairobi, 22 July 2011 — Mawlana Hazar Imam met with His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki at Harambee House in Nairobi today. Continuing his Jamati visit to Kenya, Hazar Imam had returned to the capital after spending a few days in Mombasa where he met with the Jamat and visited the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa.
Mawlana Hazar Imam attends Kenyan Jamati Institutional Dinner
Nairobi, 16 July 2011 — Mawlana Hazar Imam joined Jamati and institutional leaders at a dinner held in Nairobi yesterday evening. Hazar Imam was presented with a Qajar manuscript of Nasir Khusraw’s Diwan on behalf of those in attendance.
Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives in Kenya
Nairobi, 13 July 2011 — Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Kenya this evening, commencing the final leg of his three-country Jamati tour of East Africa. Mawlana Hazar Imam is in Kenya to meet with the Jamat, and will also participate in events at the Aga Khan University in Nairobi.
Mawlana Hazar Imam completes Uganda visit
Kampala, 13 July 2011 — This morning Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Uganda Jamat at Kampala Jamatkhana, before travelling to inspect the construction of the Bujagali Hydroelectric power dam. Yesterday, Hazar Imam attended a dinner with the Jamati and institutional leaders of Uganda.
Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives in Uganda
Kampala, 12 July — Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Uganda this morning for a Jamati visit. Eagerly awaiting the Imam, the Uganda Jamat has been busy making preparations for his visit, and celebrating with traditional festivities.
Mawlana Hazar Imam attends dinner with Tanzanian Jamati leaders
Dar es Salaam, 7 July 2011 — On the eve of his departure from Tanzania, Mawlana Hazar Imam attended a dinner with the leadership of the Tanzanian Jamat. Hazar Imam is expected to meet with the entire Tanzanian Jamat before concluding the first leg of his East African tour.
Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives in Tanzania
Dar es Salaam, 4 July 2011 — Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived at Dar es Salaam airport this evening, commencing his Jamati visit to Tanzania. Eagerly awaiting the Imam, the Jamat has been busy making preparations for the visit and celebrating with traditional festivities.
CEO of Diamond Trust Bank tells of opportunities and growth in East Africa
Nasim Devji is the Group CEO and Managing Director of Diamond Trust Bank, Kenya — an affiliate of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development — and the first woman in the Kenyan banking industry to hold that office. She has garnered numerous career recognitions, including being named Leading African Woman in Business in 2010. Yasmin Madhani recently spoke with her.
Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa inspires Central Asian youth while developing their potential
Thousands of kilometres from Khorog, on the other side of the vast Indian Ocean, is the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa. Eight Tajik students were recently given the opportunity to attend the residential school, and are are now benefiting from a multicultural student body, experienced educators and state-of-the-art facilities.
Battling from the beach — an Ismaili couple is recognised for their efforts against human trafficking
As owners of a Kenyan beach resort, the Visram family maintains a firm belief in improving the lives of the local community. Their efforts to help people understand the real and present dangers of illegal human trafficking earned them a nomination for the first-ever Business Leader's Award to Fight Human Trafficking, for which Mawlana Hazar Imam was a jury member.
TKN service a source of valuable experience and career growth
When Salim Mohamed started his Time and Knowledge Nazrana assignment with AKDN project and construction management company PCM, the civil engineer brought decades of experience to the East African construction projects he was tasked with overseeing. He in turn gained valuable experience working in an African setting, and an understanding of what it’s like to work for an AKDN institution.
Finding peace amidst a legacy of conflict and resolution
In May 2010, Naveed Somani was named to the Steering Committee for the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Nkabom International Youth Leadership Programme. Focused on equipping young people with conflict resolution skills, the programme took him to Rwanda where he witnessed the legacy of a national conflict and its resolution. He shares his impressions and experiences.
Jamat in Tanzania organises blood drive and donates necessities to victims of disaster
When the Government of Tanzania requested support for the victims of an explosion on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, the Ismailis in the area were eager to help. The Ismaili Council for Tanzania partnered with the Aga Khan Hospital to organise a blood drive, and members of the Jamat donated emergency supplies to victims of the disaster.
Climate change, the carbon market and trees
Over the last 25 years, AKDN has planted over 100 million trees in Asia and Africa. Many communities already recognise that sustainable agro-forestry provides dividends in the form of food, fuel and fodder, and the emergence of a global carbon market presents new opportunity.
Kenyan Ismaili squash player shares memories of representing her country at the Commonwealth Games
In 2008, Safina Madhani of Kenya placed first in Women’s Squash at the Golden Jubilee Games, a global Ismaili sports festival held in Nairobi. The experience launched her on the path to representing her country at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.
Lighting a nation, one village at a time
Using mini solar-powered electric grids, Naeem Mawji — a determined Canadian Ismaili student and entrepreneur — has provided the villagers of Masurura, Tanzania access to both electricity and hope. Now he aims to transform the country’s economy by increasing access to electricity for other villages in the region.
Restored to its former glory, the “Grande Dame of Maputo” is re-opened in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam
Maputo, Mozambique, 16 December 2010 — In the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam, Mozambique’s president, His Excellency Armando Guebuza, officially inaugurated the refurbished Polana Serena Hotel, a historic water-front landmark in the capital city of Maputo, and one of Africa’s grandest colonial era hotels.
Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives in Mozambique for the inauguration of the Polana Serena Hotel
Maputo, Mozambique, 15 December 2010 — Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Maputo this evening on a two-day visit to Mozambique. During the visit, Hazar Imam will participate in the inauguration of the Polana Serena Hotel in Maputo.
Nineteen projects shortlisted for the 11th cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture
In May 2010, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture announced the shortlist for its 11th award cycle at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Selected from over 400 nominees, the 19 projects, spanning 16 countries, range from a small private residence in India to the conservation of an Ottoman town in Albania.
National Park of Mali follows four decades of AKDN investment in West Africa
The Aga Khan Development Network’s involvement in West Africa began some 40 years ago, and has included investments in people, culture and enterprise. Last month, Mawlana Hazar Imam joined the President and people of Mali in marking the 50th anniversary of their independence, and inaugurated a National Park developed by AKTC as part of the occasion. Salima Chitalia reviews AKDN’s development efforts in the country.
Mawlana Hazar Imam joins the President of Mali to inaugurate the National Park of Mali and commemorate 50 years of independence
Bamako, 22 September 2010 — President Amadou Toumani Touré and Mawlana Hazar Imam inaugurated the new National Park of Mali in Bamako today. The 103-hectare Park was created under a public-private partnership between the Government of Mali and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. Hazar Imam is in Mali along with heads of state from across Africa for the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Malian Independence.
For more information please see:
» Coverage at AKDN.org
» AKDN photo gallery (updated 23 September)
» AKDN project brief
» Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives in Mali (20 September)
Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives in Mali to mark 50th anniversary of country's independence and the opening of its National Park
Bamako, 20 September 2010 — Mawlana Hazar Imam, accompanied by Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya, was received by President Amadou Toumani Touré of Mali today, upon his arrival in Bamako. They join heads of state from across West Africa for events commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the country’s Independence on 22 September.
Amongst these events will be the official opening of the National Park of Mali, which was developed under a public-private partnership between the Government of Mali and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
For more information please see:
» Coverage at AKDN.org
» AKDN photo gallery
Changing lives in Congo, one smile at a time
Sixteen-month-old Jimla Kasenga and 61-year-old Mukadi Kabengele both have a reason to smile. Each of them underwent facial reconstructive surgery at Operation Smile’s recent medical mission to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The week-long mission was broadly supported by members of the local Ismaili community.
Malagasy students immerse themselves in Kenyan culture and hospitality
In April, 13 students from Madagascar travelled to Kenya for a week-long visit. It was an opportunity for them to experience a culture outside their own, meet Ismaili students from another country, and to immerse themselves in an environment where they could improve their spoken and written English.
Governor General of Canada awards medals to three Ismailis during visit to Congo
During a state visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this year, the Governor General of Canada awarded medals of honour to a number of individuals, including three Ismailis. The Ismaili recipients were all Canadian wardens — volunteers who support the Canadian Embassy and resident Canadians in the event of a local crisis.
Performers join hands across the Indian Ocean to celebrate Africa at 2010 World Cup
Over the past four weeks, millions of people have turned their attention to South Africa, host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup championship. It is the first time that the tournament is being hosted in an African country, and for a group of Ismaili musicians who performed at the Kick Off Concert, the occasion is particularly special.
Five-part international news programme sheds new light on human trafficking
It is believed to be one of the fastest growing forms of organised crime in the world, though most people ignore it or are simply unaware. But through a five-part series currently being aired on BBC World Television, executive producer Faridoun Hemani and researcher Jazzmin Jiwa hope to change that. They assert that human trafficking is a modern form of slavery.
Almost a century later, the Girl Scouts movement is still engaged in service
This year, the Girl Guide movement turns 98. Over the years, the organisation’s impact on the physical, mental and spiritual development of girls and young women has been phenomenal. Many Ismaili Muslim women who are part of the movement have become inspiring role models and leaders in their communities and the world.
Healthy eating, West African style
The continent of Africa is steeped in tribal and ethnic diversity. Its geographic regions in the west, east, north and south vary in language, religion and even cuisine. If you enjoy West African cooking, here are some tips to help you prepare nutritious traditional foods for your family.
Uganda Jamat delivers aid and volunteers to disaster-affected Bududa
When the fertile farming district of Bududa was devastated by mud-slides that swept away hundreds of lives, the Ismaili community of Uganda were quick to mobilise assistance. Within a week, donations of food, medical supplies, clothing, and sanitary supplies — together with volunteers — quickly made their way to Bulucheke Camp.
A half century of the Daily Nation
When the Daily Nation was established in 1960, the newspaper business in Kenya was dominated by the colonial press, which did not represent the interests and aspirations of the local people. By staying true to its mission of helping the newly independent country discover its civic voice, the Nation emerged as the country’s most popular daily.
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Daily Nation, Mawlana Hazar Imam announces a new journalism school to be situated in East Africa
Mawlana Hazar Imam announced the establishment of a new Graduate School of Media and Communications today, which will be part of the Aga Khan University (AKU) in East Africa. Hazar Imam made the announcement as part of his address at the inaugural Pan-Africa Media Conference, which marks the 50th Anniversary of the Nation Media Group.
Perched at the Daily Nation, young journalist shares a bird’s eye view of the Kenyan media landscape
Newly minted out of Columbia’s School of Journalism, Jami Makan spent eight months as an intern at the Daily Nation, the Nation Media Group’s flagship newspaper in Kenya. As the Nation celebrates its 50th year, he reflects on what he observed about the role and impact of the media in contemporary Kenyan society.
Novel approach to Early Childhood Education in Africa is creating a valuable legacy
Canadian kindergarten educator Shamim Murji recently returned to her country of birth, Uganda, where she volunteered with the AKF Madrasa Resource Centre. She shares her impressions of their preschool programme and the impact it is having on children, teachers and their communities.
Ugandan Vice President speaks at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby
On 25 October 2009, His Excellency Professor Gilbert Bukenya, Vice President of Uganda visited the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby. Accompanied by His Excellency George Abola, High Commissioner of Uganda in Ottawa, he sought to reach out to the Canadian Ismaili community with an invitation to invest in the future of Uganda.
Mombasa group offers support to families of children with medical needs
When Tanuja Walli’s son was diagnosed and treated for a heart defect, she realised how many other families in Mombasa did not have the resources to provide their children with the health care that they required. She and a circle of concerned friends devised a plan to support families in crisis, both emotionally and financially.
First days of school: Project Shelter Wakadogo opens in Uganda
Earlier this year, TheIsmaili.org reported on Project Shelter Wakadogo, which was building a nursery school in Northern Uganda. Five months later, with the school built, we caught up with Farah Williamson, one of the project principals, to learn how they are progressing and their hopes for the future.
Dar es Salaam plays host to the 2009 Unity Games
In April, the 2009 Unity Games held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania drew Jamati members from all over the country, as well as Kenya, Uganda and even Canada to compete in the spirit of brotherhood. Athletes were joined by spectators who also came to celebrate an enjoyable experience for all.
Mawlana Hazar Imam visits East Africa
Mawlana Hazar Imam, accompanied by Princess Zahra, is currently on a brief tour of East Africa to review the progress of Aga Khan Development Network initiatives in the region. Photographs of Hazar Imam’s visit to Mombasa and Nairobi can be viewed here.
East Africa visit
Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visits commenced with East Africa in August 2007. In Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, he met with the Jamat and with government and civic leaders. Mawlana Hazar Imam also announced a number of significant new AKDN initiatives.
Mozambique visit
Mawlana Hazar Imam's second Golden Jubilee visit to the Jamats in Africa began in Mozambique. As a State Guest, Mawlana Hazar Imam held a number of meetings with Senior Government officials, visited AKDN field projects and met with the Jamat.
Benefits of local coffee house ripple through Old Town Mombasa
Nestled among the narrow streets of Old Town Mombasa is a little gem of a place that radiates the hopefulness of a new generation. Founded by three Aga Khan Academy teachers, the Jahazi Coffee House is making an effort to improve life in the surrounding community.
A project for the little ones
In Northern Uganda, encouraging steps have been made towards peace in recent years, but there is a desperate need to rebuild civil institutions. One modest project is bringing hope to children and their families in a village just outside of Gulu district.
Optometrist provides eye health services to people in need
According to the WHO, more than 90 per cent of visually impaired people live in developing countries. One Ismaili doctor is making eye health services accessible to some of them and improving the quality of their lives.
Kenya launches commemorative Golden Jubilee stamps
At the culmination of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee, a series of four commemorative stamps were issued by the Postal Corporation of Kenya. The stamps were unveiled by Kenya’s Postmaster General and the Vice-President of Ismaili Council for Kenya.
Illustrated publication on Ismaili history launched in Kenya by The Institute of Ismaili Studies
Kenya hosted the first major launch of an Institute of Ismaili Studies publication outside North America and Europe. The authors and staff of The Institute recounted the journey of the making of the book, and its importance at this juncture in Ismaili history.
Celebrating the spirit of the Games
Over 1 200 volunteers have worked to ensure the success of the Golden Jubilee Games. Altaf Jiwa served as the Media Director for the event. He shares his reflections on what the Games meant to him.
Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya join the Jamat to participate in the Games
Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya attended the Golden Jubilee Games today, joining an audience of several thousand gathered at Moi International Sports Centre. In the afternoon they met the medal winners and posed for a photograph with them.
Volunteers key to Canadian initiative to combat HIV-AIDS in Uganda
Access to antiretroviral drugs has restored the quality of life of millions of HIV-positive people, but the cost of this medicine is prohibitive to populations in some areas of the developing world. Arif Alibhai and his colleagues from the University of Alberta have been working with volunteers in rural Uganda to change this.
Athletes from around the world arrive to a warm Kenyan welcome
Hundreds of Golden Jubilee Games athletes were greeted upon their arrival at the Games Village on the premises of the Parklands complex in Nairobi. Most had travelled long distances, and for many the journey was their first to Africa.
Road to the Games: The united colours of the France Jamat
The Golden Jubilee Games in Kenya will provide a platform for Jamati athletes from France, Belgium, Switzerland and Ivory Coast to demonstrate their athletic talent and enthusiasm on a global stage. Seventeen athletes from the French jurisdiction will travel to Nairobi.
Congolese Jamat hosts a dinner in celebration of the Golden Jubilee
As part of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Ismaili community in the Democratic Republic of Congo hosted a commemorative dinner in Kinshasa. The dinner was attended by Jamati leaders, key policy makers and government officials, and provided a forum to exhibit the work of the Ismaili Imamat in the country.
Academy in Mombasa on the fast-track to realising its vision
Aziz Batada is a teacher at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa, Kenya. He reflects on the rapid progress that he has witnessed over the past four years, and opportunities presented by the Academies programme.
Maputo Jamatkhana evokes a long history of Ismailis in Mozambique
The Maputo Jamatkhana was once described by Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah as the best in Africa. Timeless in its design and beauty, the Jamatkhana testifies to the long history of the Ismaili Muslim community in Mozambique.
West Africa visit
Monday, 28 April 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam departed Burkina Faso for Côte d’Ivoire today. In Burkina Faso, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the President, Prime Minister, senior government ministers and representatives of the AKDN.
Ismaili Young Achievers Programme (IYAP), Uganda
In February 2008 the Aga Khan Education Services, Uganda, held its first Ismaili Young Achiever’s Programme (IYAP). This recognition programme celebrates the academic and extra-curricular accomplishments of the youth of the Jamat.
Gearing up for the Golden Jubilee Games
Members of the Jamat from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda participated in an array of sporting events in Dar es Salaam over the holiday weekend in December 2007.
Camp Wasal 2007
The Indian Ocean region islands include: Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Comoros and Reunion Island. The predominantly French-speaking Jamat is spread among these islands and, in an effort promote English among the youth, the Aga Khan Education Services, Madagascar organised an English language camp that brought together participants from continental Africa and the Indian Ocean region.
Hike4Life takes on Kilimanjaro
Forty-three participants of Hike4Life from Canada, France, UK and the USA took on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The six-day climb commenced 26 December 2007.
Assisting with the HIV/AIDS battle in South Africa
Globally, AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognised in 1981. A group of Ismailis is working hard in South Africa to help address various aspects of HIV/AIDS. We profile their efforts in this article.
Madagascar visit diary
Following his visit to Mozambique, Mawlana Hazar Imam was received as a State Guest in Madagascar. During his four day visit, he met with senior government officials, visited AKDN projects and met with the Jamat.
Madagascar Visit
Following on from his visit to Mozambique, Mawlana Hazar Imam was received as a State Guest in Madagascar. During his four day visit, he met with Senior Government officials, visited AKDN projects and met with the Jamat.
Mozambique visit diary
Mawlana Hazar Imam's second Golden Jubilee visit to the Jamats in Africa began in Mozambique. As a State Guest, Mawlana Hazar Imam held a number of meetings with Senior Government officials, visited AKDN field projects and met with the Jamat.
Forays into the global village
Sabeen Virani talks about the growing phenomenon of young people across North America going overseas to study, work, or volunteer. She recounts her own experience in Syria as well as other individuals’ ventures to places like Sudan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Uganda.
Training the leaders of tomorrow
Young people today require as much support as we can provide in their overall development. Outdoor leadership programmes can provide a continuous progression and a firm foundation from which to grow. Rizwan Virji writes about the initiatives organised for young members of the Jamat in Kenya with a view to enhancing their leadership development.
A woman's efforts to help the needy
A member of the Lions International, Dilshad Mohamed, a businesswoman, has undertaken many initiatives to help out the members of the community in which she lives. Her efforts have been recognised both locally and internationally.
Beadwork around the world: Ancient to contemporary
Whether as ancient artefacts, or contemporary jewellery, the ubiquitous bead continues to have a fascinating appeal around the world. There have always been people who value special bones, stones, shells, seeds and beads for their magical qualities. By incorporating beads into the cultural fabric of their lives, native people worldwide have given us a marvellously textured view of history. Fariyal Jiwa recounts her foray into this world of beads which have been employed by many people for many purposes.
East Africa visit diary
Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visits commenced with East Africa in August 2007. In Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, he met with the Jamat and with government and civic leaders. Mawlana Hazar Imam also announced a number of significant new AKDN initiatives.
Golden Jubilee Imamat Day in Africa
11 July 2007 was indeed a historic day for the global Jamat, and to celebrate, Ismailis all over the African continent enjoyed several days of festivities leading up to Imamat day. Across the continent, the day itself began with flag raising ceremonies to launch the Golden Jubilee year, with Jamati leadership participating with Scouts, Guides, volunteers and members of the Jamat.
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