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Jamat in Kabul comes together around week-long celebration of volunteerism

Also see the Volunteer Week photo gallery.

Volunteers line up to welcome Jamati and institutional leaders at Umomi Jamatkhana at the conclusion of Volunteer Week in Afghanistan. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan

Earlier this year, the Afghan Jamat observed a week-long celebration of volunteerism, a tradition that has long been central to Ismaili culture. Held at all Kabul Jamatkhanas, Volunteer Week was an opportunity to showcase the impact that volunteers have on the Jamat’s wellbeing, and increase the unity and collaboration among them, as well as within the wider Jamat.

“We were excited and happy to have this week to demonstrate the love and respect with which we carry out our voluntary duties,” said Rabia, a volunteer. All volunteers dressed in their uniforms throughout the week, which kicked off with a special cake-cutting ceremony in each Jamatkhana that was led by their respective Jamati leaders.

The week also coincided with Navroz, and in keeping with tradition volunteers took part in cleaning and sprucing up their Jamatkhanas. They planted different kinds of flowers and trees in and around Jamatkhana grounds. Recognising perhaps, the contribution that he was making to the health and beauty of the environment, junior volunteer Mahmood declared his lifelong commitment: “I planted a flower at Jamatkhana, and I will always come early to water it!”

Volunteers prepared traditional Afghan foods that were sold in the Volunteer Week food courts of each Kabul Jamatkhana. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, volunteers cooked and sold traditional Afghan dishes, including bolani, aashak, manto, sambosa, palao, kabaab, as well as aft mehwa (a sweet drink) and sweets. “Many people come here to buy the food,” said Frozan, one of the volunteers responsible for selling the food. “[It is an opportunity for them] to eat dinner with their family and friends at Jamatkhana.”

In addition to food, there were handicrafts on sale and games for entertainment. Women could also apply mendhi or khina. Zuhal, a senior volunteer who is also studying to be a beautician, took some time off work to volunteer her skills: “I am supposed to be [at the beauty parlour] until 6:00 PM, but I came to Jamatkhana at 3:00 PM to design hands and use my skill to make people happy.”

Beyond the celebration, Volunteer Week also carried serious messages aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of volunteerism, including its role in cultivating greater unity and supporting the overall progress of the Jamat. It was also an opportunity to assist volunteers in becoming more effective in their work, and to invite more members of the Jamat to contribute their time and skills as volunteers.

Older volunteers help their junior counterparts to plant a tree, and teach them about the importance of caring for the environment. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan

Senior Jamati leaders visited each Jamatkhana to meet volunteers and observe them as they carried out their duties. Volunteers from other Jamatkhanas also visited, so it became a point of pride for each Jamat to demonstrate the hospitality, proficiency and enthusiasm of their volunteers. But it was also a chance for networking and learning from each other.

“I am happy because throughout this week I met more friends who do the same duty we do,” said Fariha, a senior volunteer from Nukhusteen Jamatkhana. “We all have the same goal and want the same achievements but we were not familiar with each other before this occasion.”

The week also drew interest of many new volunteers, who were invited to join and serve for a few days before making a commitment. A young lady named Parinaz became a volunteer after observing the “respect, excitement and enthusiasm in the faces of [other] volunteers.” She added, “I decided to [join] as a way to serve Mawlana Hazar Imam.”

Volunteers gathered at Umomi Jamatkhana, where they watched video highlights of the past week. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan

As the week concluded, volunteers and Jamati leaders gathered at Umomi Jamatkhana, where they watched video highlights captured throughout the week, and cheered as attention turned on each Jamatkhana.

“The week had many brilliant accomplishments and messages,” said the volunteer captain of one Jamatkhana. “All volunteers are looking forward to the next volunteer week!”