Introduction

The Shia Ismaili Muslims are a community of ethnically and culturally diverse peoples living in over 25 countries around the world, united in their allegiance to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan (known to the Ismailis as Mawlana Hazar Imam) as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader), and direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).

 

Articles related to: Aga Khan Foundation

Partnership Walk in the USA launches with green campaign; aids relief efforts in Pakistan

AKF USA volunteers in Memphis get hyped for Partnerships<em>InAction</em>. Photo: Ebrahim Esmail

This year, the annual PartnershipsInAction Walk in the United States launched with a green theme that draws attention to the impact of climate change. Underscored by the recent flood disaster in Pakistan, the Walk’s message has taken on an even greater urgency, and is echoed by volunteers across the country as they seek to raise awareness and support.

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National Park of Mali follows four decades of AKDN investment in West Africa

Created under a public-private partnership between the Government of Mali and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the 103-hectare National Park of Mali creates a permanent green space in one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. Photo: Courtesy of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture

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.

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Bridges of Canadian hope: Showcasing Canada’s success in international development

This ring of chairs, shown from the Calgary exhibit of Bridges that Unite, is symbolic of AKFC’s approach to development that empowers the community to determine their own needs. Photo: Courtesy of Aga Khan Foundation Canada

Bridges that Unite is a bilingual travelling exhibition that explores the 25-year partnership between the Canadian International Development Agency and the Aga Khan Development Network. Powerful images and voices showcase accomplishments enabled by Canadian generosity, and invite visitors to consider Canada’s role in some of the world’s most isolated and impoverished regions.

 

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Four Partnership Walk & Run enthusiasts share their experience of meeting beneficiaries firsthand

Munir Samji speaks with to two Siddhi farmers. With advice and assistance from AKRSP, many of the farmers have improved in their income from the land — in some cases doubling it. Photo: Prashant Joshi

Last November, four dedicated participants from the Partnership Walk & Run in the United Kingdom had a chance to see the impact of their efforts firsthand. They spent seven days in India, where they visited one of the projects selected to receive funds from the event. They recently shared their impressions with TheIsmaili.org.

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Novel approach to Early Childhood Education in Africa is creating a valuable legacy

Children prepare for snack time at an AKF Madrasa Programme preschool in Uganda. Photo: Courtesy of Shamim Murji

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.

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Economic opportunities in Bangladesh attract interest from the Jamat abroad

A busy street in Bangladesh’s capital city. Photo: Ayeleen Ajanee Saleh

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.

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World Partnership Walk to celebrate its 25th year in Canada

Twenty-fifth World Partnership Walk logo. Copyright: Aga Khan Foundation Canada

In 1985, a small group of Ismaili women wanted to make a difference in the fight against global poverty. Their first steps gave birth to the World Partnership Walk, the largest and most successful event of its kind in Canada..

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Golf balls dance in support of poverty relief

Participants pose at the Atlanta golf tournament, held at Country Club of the South. Photo: Courtesy of AKF-USA

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.

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A webcast for change in the developing world

The first live webcast in the AKDN speaker series highlighted Mawlana Hazar Imam

The AKDN Speakers Series hosted a live webcast for volunteers wishing to offer a nazrana of time and knowledge. Moderated by Ali Velshi, it featured keynote speaker, Dr Tom Kessinger, General Manager of the Aga Khan Foundation and Deputy Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.

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Running a marathon with a global impact

Zahira Virani prepares to run the London Marathon. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

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.

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A rich history of the Scout Movement in Portugal

Group photo of Scout Movement in Portugal in 1999. Photo: Courtesy of Ismaili Council for 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.

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AKDN hosts exhibition in Tajikistan

Nafisa Gulshaeva, a staff member of the AKF-supported Institute of Professional Development in Dushanbe, discusses teaching resources with visitors. Photo: AKDN/Michael Romanyuk

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.

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