Community & Service
International Women’s Day brings women from around the world to the Ismaili Centre, London
Women from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate, identify their strengths and hear about inspirational women. The event was organised by the Women’s Activities Portfolio of the Ismaili Council for the United Kingdom, and was the third consecutive time that the Ismaili community marked the occasion in the UK.
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.
Ismaili volunteers stand front and centre as Olympics get underway in Vancouver
As the 2010 Winter Olympic Games got underway in Vancouver, hundreds of Ismaili volunteers officially became ambassadors to the world. Donning green-coloured jackets, these Olympic Ambassadors have been welcoming tourists and athletes, providing information and directions, and managing queues and crowds in Vancouver City Centre.
Olympic Torch Bearers from the Ismaili community carry the flame in Vancouver
When the Olympic Cauldron was lit at BC Place Stadium, the fire that set it alight came by way of 25 members of the Ismaili community. Like thousands of their fellow Canadians, they were chosen to carry the flame as it made its way across Canada in the months leading up to the Games.
Fatal landslide in Hunza Valley threatens to flood villages
A massive landslide in the Hunza Valley damaged and buried three villages in the northern Pakistan territory of Gilgit-Baltistan, killing at least 19 people and rendering over 250 families homeless. Residents were quickly evacuated, but the aftermath of the landslide is also threatening populations outside of the immediately affected area.
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.
Faith-based communities unite to save Toronto neighbourhood food bank
For years, the Flemingdon Food Bank, located in the Don Mills area of Toronto, had served individuals of many faiths and cultures. But when it found itself on the verge of having to close down, the Ismaili community joined with other faith-based groups to support the troubled institution.
Ismaili community celebrates the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay in Don Mills
Thursday afternoon, President Mohamed Manji of the Ismaili Council for Canada carried the Olympic torch through the Don Mills neighbourhood of Toronto. Earlier in the day, community members gathered for a pre-torch event hosted by the Ismaili community in partnership with the Flemingdon Food Bank.
Mawlana Hazar Imam receives “Prix de l’Entrepreneur philanthropique de l’année 2009”
Mawlana Hazar Imam received the Prix de l’Entrepreneur philanthropique de l’année 2009 (2009 Philanthropic Entrepreneur of the Year Award) presented to him by Le Nouvel Economiste, at a ceremony held on 17 December at the Cour des Comptes in Paris.
FOCUS recognised for its disaster response and relief efforts in the wake of hurricanes
The South Asian Chamber of Commerce of Houston, Texas recently honoured Focus Humanitarian Assistance for their disaster response and relief efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav, Rita and Ike that affected the Southern United States. Chief Guest and CNN business anchor Ali Velshi presented the award.
Ismaili Community Ensemble celebrates Eid in the Square
In celebration of Eid ul-Fitr, the Mayor of London organised a live entertainment programme in Trafalgar Square this year. The Ismaili Community Ensemble was invited to take part in the event, which attracted thousands, and marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
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.
A summer adventure: FOCUS Hike4Life in Kyrgyzstan
Alim Nagji, writes about his experience during the FOCUS Hike4Life held this summer in Kyrgyzstan. Some 40 participants undertook a 100 kilometre journey through the Tian Shan mountains surrounding Lake Issyk-Kul, the second largest mountain lake in the world.
Patron of the Olympic Truce, the Governor General of Canada speaks with young British Columbians at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby
As part of Canada’s expression of the Olympic Truce, Her Excellency the Governor General of Canada led a Truce Dialogue in the run-up to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The Dialogue, which took place at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby, aimed at engaging youth on the topic of peace-building through sport and culture.
A beacon of hope from the summit of Afghanistan’s highest mountain
Four young Afghan Ismaili mountaineers from Wakhan wanted to offer a message of peace and hope to their countrymen. Together with a team of Frenchmen, they set out to climb Noshaq — the country’s highest mountain.
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.
“Rays of Light” shines on both sides of the Atlantic
Following successful showings in Paris and Lisbon, Rays of Light: Glimpses into the Ismaili Imamat had its North American debut in August in Atlanta. A Golden Jubilee International Programme, this exhibition depicts 50 years of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat, against the backdrop of the 1 400 year history of Ismaili Imamat.
My year of living livelihoods
During the course of the Golden Jubilee, many murids around the world pledged a nazrana of Time and Knowledge to Mawlana Hazar Imam. Shaheen Tejani reflects on the completion of her recent TKN engagement with the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance.
Volunteer search and rescue team is the highlight of FOCUS event
In May, Focus Humanitarian Assistance celebrated its 15th anniversary with An Evening with Focus, held at the Ismaili Centre, London. The event created awareness of the integral role that FOCUS and its volunteers play in communities around the world.
Documentary film highlights relationship with the Calgary Stampede based on shared values
East Meets Western, a new television documentary about the Ismaili community and the Calgary Stampede, describes two seemingly disparate cultures that have built a successful relationship based on shared values. The film showcases the volunteerism, creativity and organisational skills of the Jamat, and highlights the historical role that the Stampede has played in promoting cultural pluralism in Calgary.
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.
Spirit of the West is alive and thriving in the Alberta Jamat
Anyone who has visited the Canadian province of Alberta will have been touched by the Spirit of the West. In the best tradition of that spirit, the Jamat in Alberta has worked to make the province and the country a better place for all.
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.
Being human together
Reflecting on Mawlana Hazar Imam's speech at the 2009 Conference of the Global Philanthropy Forum, Asif Penwala explores the connection between philanthropy, the ethic of compassion and voluntary service. He observes how this relationship comes together within the Jamat, as well as the wider sphere of the Ismaili Imamat. Also see the video.
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.
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.
Cycling the open road: FOCUS Bike4Life 2008
Sixty-nine people participated in the 2008 FOCUS Challenge event, cycling some 550 kilometres from Mumbai to Goa along the Konkan Coast. This photo essay documents their journey.
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.
Building a better society through CIVIC participation
CIVIC, an initiative to engage Jamati youth, appealed to the social conscience of young Ismailis by inviting them to give back to their local communities through voluntary service. More than 1 100 participants contributed over 4 400 hours of service to projects that benefited communities across Canada.
Donation of 100 wheelchairs to benefit the infirm in Singapore
The Ismaili Council for Malaysia and Singapore recently donated 100 wheelchairs that will benefit several social welfare groups as well as twin sisters suffering from cerebral palsy. The wheelchairs were presented during a ceremony attended by Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zainul Abidin Rasheed.
Canadian Jamat jubilant over visit
For the Canadian Jamat, a year-and-a-half of anticipation, planning and hard work culminated in Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to the country in November 2008. Some 20 000 volunteers ensured that the experience was a happy and memorable one.
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.
The way we celebrate
In the days leading up to Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to Canada, the diversity of the Jamat’s cultural roots will come alive in celebration. Events have been planned across the country under the theme One Jamat, One Heart.
Texas Jamat comes together in the face of a massive storm
On 13 September, Hurricane Ike surged through Houston with destructive force. The Ismaili Council and Focus Humanitarian Assistance established a Crisis Response Team to ensure the safety of the Jamat, while also assisting relief efforts in the wider Houston community.
Art competition in Pakistan raises awareness of environmental issues
In Islam, protection of the physical environment is one of humankind’s responsibilities. The Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan organised a nationwide Friends of the Environment art competition to raise awareness about the importance of the natural environment and methods of preserving it.
Golf balls dance in support of poverty relief
Three hundred golf balls rained from the sky, marking the start of the PartnershipsInAction Annual Golf Tournament. The AKF-USA fundraising initiative was an opportunity for golfers to learn about international development while enjoying a day on the green.
Giving the gift of sight through service
Service is a cornerstone of the social conscience that Islam espouses. Alqaim Giga and Sehar Lalani have applied their passion for service to the improvement of eyesight and eye health among peoples living in different parts of the world.
First purpose-built Jamatkhana opens in the Ishkashim region of Afghan Badhakhshan
The Jamat of Afghanistan celebrated the opening of the first purpose-built Jamatkhana in the Ishkashim district of Badakhshan. Hundreds gathered for the official opening, which was attended by a number of distinguished guests including the Governor of Badakhshan Province and the President of the Provincial Assembly.
Two cities inextricably linked by a shared heritage and common values
During the past year, Sameer Kassam served as a volunteer with the Aga Khan Development Network in Salamieh and in Cairo. In addition to gaining an understanding of the AKDN’s work and local impact, Kassam also noted the links between the two cities.
UAE Jamat volunteers in event to raise funds for cancer research
Every year since Dubai held its first Terry Fox Run in 1999, the Jamat in United Arab Emirates has helped with the event’s organisation. The 2008 run set a new benchmark for attendance and fundraising, making a significant contribution to cancer research and raising awareness about the disease.
Seeds of hope: Cultivating democracy, pluralism and civil society
Where Hope Takes Root is a collection of speeches given by Mawlana Hazar Imam over the past six years. Its publication coincides with the Golden Jubilee, which presents an opportunity to reflect on 50 years of Imamat, as well as the key themes and ideas that underlie the Imam’s work.
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.
Running a marathon with a global impact
In April 2008, Zahira Virani ran the Flora London Marathon, pushing her limits while raising funds for development initiatives of the Aga Khan Foundation. Shaneen Makhani spoke with her to learn what motivated her, and how she managed to juggle her training with her family and work commitments.
Transforming the world through institutional imagination
In 2007, Nurjehan Mawani was the recipient of the UNIFEM Canada award for her work in advancing equality for women and girls. In her acceptance remarks, she discussed the role that institutional imagination can play in addressing complex societal issues.
Jamat in Badakhshan celebrates Navroz with an historic cross-border concert
In a symbolic expression of their long historic ties and common roots, thousands of Jamati members from the Tajik and Afghan sides of Badakhshan came together for a cross-border concert to celebrate Navroz.
Inspired to give in service to others
Last year at the age of 14, Ruhee Ismail-Teja became the youngest winner of the YMCA Volunteer of the Year Award in Calgary. She has discovered how to balance her passion for volunteering with life’s other responsibilities.
A rich history of the Scout Movement in Portugal
The history of Scouting in the Portuguese Ismaili community began in 1934 in Mozambique. The Scouting tradition continued as members of the Jamat emigrated from Mozambique to Portugal. Today, the Ismaili Scout group in Portugal is the second largest group in the country.
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).
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.
Emirates Woman of the Year Award
From London to Dubai, Zenny Hirji’s fund-raising efforts for charitable organisations have been exemplary. Now she is recognised as the “Emirates Woman of the Year" for her work with the Children's Hope Foundation.
Building the post-conflict civil society: discussion at Ismaili Centre London
A panel of notable academics and specialists assembled at The Ismaili Centre, London on Wednesday, 30 January 2008 to discuss the role of faith in post-conflict emerging states.
AKDN hosts exhibition in Tajikistan
Over 5 000 people viewed informative exhibits, listened to traditional Tajik music, and examined locally-developed products as part of a two-day exhibition on the work of the Aga Khan Development Network in Tajikistan.
Diversity: Charting a course
A summit on diversity was held for youth at Southern Methodist University in Texas. Organised by the office of Congresswoman Johnson and the Ismaili Council for Northern Texas, it focused on contemporary questions of diversity. Students attended lectures and workshops that emphasised the importance of keeping an open-mind and fostering harmonious, pluralistic societies.
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.
Charting a family's journey
Afroza and Alykhan Nanji, a dentist and doctor respectively, are raising their two children in Calgary, Canada. Like many couples with young families, they have struggled with the definition of success as they juggle commitments to their faith, family, careers and community.
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.
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.
Nanga Parbat - Hike to raise awareness of thalassemia
The United Arab Emirates Thalassemia Society and Pakistani Thalassemia Society joined hands to increase awareness of thalassemia. Last year, the awareness effort was undertaken by a trek to Nanga Parbat in the Himalayas. The Aga Khan Scouts and Guides of United Arab Emirates participated and raised funds for this awareness campaign.
Volunteers celebrated
The commemoration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee was a unique and momentous occasion for Ismailis around the world. In North America, Australia, and New Zealand, the planning for the celebrations began over a year ago by thousands of volunteers as they prepared to host the Jamat in 19 different cities. The multitude of activities from conceptualization of the commemoration to the execution of the epochal event were performed entirely by volunteers who on this day, gave with their tan, man, and dhan (material, spiritual and financial resources.)
Intercultural Dialogue workshops held at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
The Council of Europe, an organisation promoting democracy and human rights in Europe, will be launching a White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue with the support of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Portugal, and other international organisations.
Jamat celebrates Independence Day in India
Sixty years and she's seen it all - happiness and sorrow, love and hate, poverty and riches. And her citizens celebrated this milestone across the country. Independence Day in India was celebrated by Jamati members at various centres across India. The Independence Day events invigorated and re-ignited the spirit of patriotism in the Jamat who are proud to be citizens of India and share with her the journey forward.
Golden Jubilee Imamat Day in North America
The celebrations began early on the morning of 11 July 2007 across North America as the long-awaited day finally dawned. It was the start of the Golden Jubilee, a day of celebration for all Ismailis around the world in commemoration of 50 years of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat.
Email this page
Print this page
Bookmark & Share
Email
RSS Feed
Twitter
