Learning & Work
Transforming values into reality — A conversation with Eboo Patel (Part 2)
Concluding a two-part series, Eboo Patel, the Founder and Executive Director of Interfaith Youth Core, discusses how his organisation overcomes the faith line and promotes religious pluralism by bringing young people together to engage in dialogue and service to the community. (Read the first part of this interview here.)
The shared value of religious pluralism — A conversation with Eboo Patel (Part 1)
In the first of a two-part series, TheIsmaili.org spoke with Eboo Patel, the Founder and Executive Director of Interfaith Youth Core, an organisation that promotes mutual respect and pluralism among young people from different religious traditions. Patel shares his understanding of religious pluralism and explains what motivates him in his work.
Trial without sight: How one woman’s triumph against the odds allowed her to give back to society
Imagine swimming 750 metres, then biking 20 kilometres, and finally running 5 kilometres in a span of a few hours. Sounds like an intense physical challenge? How about taking this on without your sense of sight? Rozina Issani shares her inspiring personal story.
Knowledge Discovery Challenge sparks innovative solutions to address global development problems
The Knowledge Discovery Challenge was a competition in which Ismailis in Canada were invited to develop solutions to international development problems. The winning team found a way to address inadequate maternal and infant health care in a refugee camp, while fostering economic opportunity for women living there.
New breed of social entrepreneurs foster ethical enterprise
The notion that enterprise should be conscious of its impact on society rather than focusing exclusively on the pursuit of profit, has long been part of the Muslim ethic. It is also an increasingly visible trend in business that is finding new vitality in the era of social media.
Jamati member from Australia earns second prize in Divisional Toastmasters competition
Hussain Rajwani of Sydney, Australia was recently placed second in a Toastmasters divisional competition. Toastmasters International is a global organisation dedicated to public speaking and oral communication, enhancing leadership skills and confidence.
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.
Ismaili Centre plays host to the 2009 Lisbon Forum
In November, the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon was the venue of the 2009 Lisbon Forum, an annual event of the North-South Centre. Focused on the “creation of a culture of human rights through education,” the gathering was organised in partnership with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the Aga Khan Development Network.
Ismaili Student Network introduces young Ismailis to university life
Abeed Mohamed is one of a number of young Ismailis who left home for the first time this autumn, to begin life as a university student. The Ismaili Student Network helped him and other UK students to prepare for this important transition.
Scoring the sounds of Bollywood
Salim and Sulaiman Merchant started their career composing “jingles” — short pieces for television advertisements. But a big break in 1997 led them to build a solid career in Bollywood, where they regularly compose songs and background music for high-profile films.
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.
Economic opportunities in Bangladesh attract interest from the Jamat abroad
Decades ago, Bangladesh was home to a thriving Jamat. Ismailis were active in key industries including jute, textiles, steel, aluminum, leather, construction, and food processing, as well as trading, banking, insurance and hotels. Today, the country is re-emerging as an area of economic interest to both the Jamat and the wider international community.
Lifelong learning graduates empowered by their achievements
The idea that learning extends from the cradle to the grave underpins the philosophy of the ICEU Lifelong Learning Programme. The programme’s impact on the lives of participants has been as broad as the range of subjects that they have pursued.
Born special: A family’s journey of acceptance and hope
There is no easy access to Zain Ali’s mind — at the age of two he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. But his parents decided they would leave no stone unturned in exploring the various programs, therapies and interventions that exist for children like him.
From Kyoto to Copenhagen: The next step in the fight against climate change
Twelve years ago, Abyd Karmali witnessed the negotiation of the Kyoto Protocol to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Drawing on his experience, he discusses the crucial importance of the upcoming meeting in Copenhagen in addressing the current reality of the climate change crisis.
Eight hundred year-old Cambridge University awards Mawlana Hazar Imam an honorary degree
In a colourful and historic ceremony held on Friday, 12 June, the University of Cambridge conferred upon Mawlana Hazar Imam an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity. Hazar Imam became the first Muslim to receive the distinction in the University’s long and storied history.
University’s international ambitions resonate with students
That students at the University of Alberta are inspired to make an international impact through their activities is no coincidence. Their school is engaged in an array of international collaborations around the world, a fact remarked upon by Mawlana Hazar Imam in his convocation address.
Seeking knowledge to the ends of the universe
Professor Arif Babul is an astrophysicist whose research into the origins of the universe is just one aspect of his multi-faceted career. A Distinguished Professor at the University of Victoria, he directs the Canadian Computational Cosmology Collaboration, and is an advocate for strengthened Muslim-West relations.
Navigating towards a better tomorrow together
With the economic downturn taking its toll across the United States, professionals, businesspersons, and recent graduates focused on upgrading their knowledge and networking skills at the Regional Ismaili Business Conference held in Dallas earlier this year.
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.
Talking the talk early in life
Research shows that young children are not just capable of learning several languages — they are hard-wired to do so. And being multilingual has cognitive and intellectual benefits that extend beyond the basic advantage of knowing another language.
A changing climate: Exploring the social impact of global warming
In February, an eminent panel convened in London as part of the Ismaili Centre Lecture Series to discuss global warming and its impact on the developing world. The panel turned its attention to the social impact of climate change, particularly in the developing world.
Lessons I learnt last summer
In this reflective piece, Aliyyah Giga, an alumnus of The Institute of Ismaili Studies’ Summer Programme on Islam, shares some personal lessons that she drew from her experience of the programme.
Graduates of IIS programme carve out dynamic career paths
Ismailis interested in tackling pressing issues faced by societies around the world increasingly see the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities as a stepping stone. The multi-disciplinary programme is a bridge to new and exciting opportunities.
Beginning a journey: The Certificate in Lifelong Learning
Continuous learning is essential in a rapidly-globalising world. New forms of communication are allowing access to information that was once hard to reach, and the rate at which people around the world are sharing new types of knowledge is growing.
UCA-NUS partnership to develop a cadre of Central Asian scholars
A partnership between the University of Central Asia and the National University of Singapore aims to ensure that Central Asian scholars with top international academic credentials are strongly represented in the UCA’s faculty. The first students selected for the programme have high aspirations for their native countries.
Civic participation and institutional expertise assist villages in Tajikistan to prepare for natural disaster
Thousands of families living in Tajikistan experience earthquakes and other hazards throughout the year that impact their lives and livelihoods. Focus Humanitarian Assistance strives to reduce the impact of natural disasters through community-based initiatives.
Qatar’s quest to build a knowledge society
Qatar is in a hurry to meet the challenges of a dynamically changing world by transforming itself into a knowledge society. Its leaders are propelling the nation on a quest for excellence in education.
Economic trends in Europe: Seeing risks as opportunities
Uncertainty always signals a need for caution. But spectacular payoffs, writes Professor Alnoor Bhimani, can also accrue from the opportunities that are presented by uncertainty.
Lifelong learning: A priority for the European Jamat
The ability to adapt and continue learning is an essential skill in a fast-paced and rapidly-changing world. The Ismaili Council for the European Union has launched a programme which aims to turn learning into a continuous and natural process in the life of every Ismaili in Europe.
Building the future one nanoparticle at a time
Huma Jafry-Lalani is pursuing a Ph.D. in nanotechnology — one of the newest fields of scientific research. It has a wide range of applications, and offers the possibility of addressing some of the world's most pressing issues.
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.
Objectif Monde offers windows on a changing world
Objectif Monde brought together 250 students and young professionals from the French-speaking Jamats of Europe and West Africa to discuss career opportunities and trends in a rapidly changing world. We spoke with the organizers about the event and their thoughts on the future.
Young Canadian Ismailis recognized for their achievements
Six Canadian Ismailis were recently named to prestigious “Top 40 Under 40” lists for their achievements, vision, leadership and community involvement. They attribute their success to the values instilled in them as Ismaili Muslims, as well as the opportunity to thrive in the fields they love.
The “cosmopolitan ethic” explored
The 2007 Ismaili Centre Lecture Series concluded with addresses by Rageh Omar and Jan Aarte Scholte focusing on cosmopolitanism and identity, exploring ideas of tolerance and social justice in a pluralistic society. This gives way to the 2008 Lecture series which focuses on the theme Sharing the Narrative of Progress.
Ismaili business alliances in India
Ismaili-owned retail businesses in India are forming alliances in order to remain competitive in a growing economy. In November 2007, various Ismaili alliances gathered in Hyderabad to share best practices and strengthen their partnerships.
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.
From AKDN to Google
Aleem Walji recently joined Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, the world’s largest Internet search engine company. He is part of the Global Development team and brings to Google his insight in social development based on his education and experience with Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Spark of Knowledge Symposium
Firoz Rasul, President of Aga Khan University and Azim Nanji, Director of the Institute of Ismaili Studies discussed how knowledge could be advanced in the context of the 21st century at symposiums held in two Canadian cities, Toronto and Vancouver with video links to Edmonton, Calgary and Montreal.
Educational trends in Europe
Globalisation and the rapid emergence of new academic institutions have created an environment where students are offered more educational choices than ever before. Alnoor Bhimani, Professor at the London School of Economics identifies some educational trends and issues which will have an effect on the educational decisions made by European Jamat over the next decade.
Bangladesh Youth Camp
Society has high hopes for the youth given their potential to change the destiny of nations. The Prottasha (Bengali for "expectations") Youth Camp aimed to instill those aspirations in the youth of Bangladesh.
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.
Growing stronger, living longer
Seniors are living longer, are more educated and have witnessed more global changes than their predecessors. Today’s elders are therefore becoming the backbone of our society as well as role models for younger generations.
Rethinking savings strategies
The transformation of demographic trends in the European Union have led to a reshaping of the economic environment as well. In light of these changes, members of the European Jamat need to re-evaluate their savings strategies and career choices in order to ensure financial security.
European Jamat prepares for the knowledge society
With lifelong learning and cross-border economic collaboration becoming integral to success in today's meritocratic society, the Jamat needs to build upon its diverse resources in order to take advantage of the many opportunities and address the challenges presented by globalisation.
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.
Euroventures Conference builds bridges across borders
In order facilitate effective business connections within members of the Jamat in Europe, the Euroventures programme organised a weekend-long conference in Portugal that brought together leaders in the entrepreneurial and professional domains within and outside the Jamat.
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.
“Shoot for the moon” they say
"Shoot for the moon", they say - "even if you miss, you will land among the stars." Are these just statements to give hope or is it a reality? As participants in the Syrian Preparatory Programme (SyPP) Ruba Dayoub and Ahmad Alkasir set it to the test.
Life in the fast lane
The air was acrid and the noise deafening as state-of-the-art race cars zoomed around the track only coming in for a pit stop to pick up a fresh set of tires and more fuel. For a small group of Malaysian youth this outing exposed them to a very different career and allowed them to meet an Ismaili celebrity in their midst - Nur Ali, the dashing young racing phenom.
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