Articles related to: Volunteerism
Shaping the world around them through grassroots service
Described as grassroots because they are led by concerned citizens rather than governments or established institutions, such community action initiatives can be a powerful means in addressing difficult issues. Some Ismailis are successfully using grassroots action to magnify the impact of their volunteer work.
Ismaili Muslims uphold tradition of voluntary service hand-in-hand with their fellow Americans
Service to humanity is at once an ethic deeply rooted in the Islamic tradition, as well as a fundamental expression of American civic values. Commemorating the tenth anniversary of the September 11th tragedy in partnership with their fellow Americans, Ismaili Muslims across the United States will volunteer in a wide range of service activities in their local communities.
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.
UK Ismaili volunteers help marathon runners get to the finish line
Thirty Ismaili volunteers extended a hand of friendship and support — and many bottles of water — to some 8 000 runners at the 2011 Brighton Marathon. The event was an opportunity to get involved and give back to the wider community.
“Superstars” near and far work to help the people of Pakistan in the wake of flooding
Despite the magnitude of the disastrous flooding in Pakistan and the impact on its people, many in the international community remain unaware, and the attention garnered early on has waned. Through individual and organised institutional efforts, many Ismailis, together with others in Pakistan and around the world, have sought to raise awareness and funds to support flood relief efforts.
Partnership Walk in the USA launches with green campaign; aids relief efforts in Pakistan
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.
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.
Jamat in Kabul comes together around week-long celebration of volunteerism
Earlier this year, the Afghan Jamat observed a week-long celebration of volunteerism, a tradition that has long been central to Ismaili culture. 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.
Imamat Day in Tajikistan marks 15 years of engagement in the country’s development
On 11 July, the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe was the venue for an Imamat Day reception hosted by the Aga Khan Development Network in Tajikistan. The event, which also marked the 15th anniversary of the signing of an Agreement of Cooperation between the Government of Tajikistan and the AKDN, included a cultural show as well as a three-day exhibition of AKDN’s projects in the country during the past 15 years.
Ismaili scouts earn prestigious Eagle Scout award for outstanding community service
In December, ten Ismaili Muslim Boy Scouts in Texas earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Award for performing outstanding community service that demonstrated initiative, commitment to help those in need, and extraordinary leadership skills. This prestigious rank is achieved by only five per cent of all Boy Scouts in the United States.
Ismailis join in the global response to earthquake-devastated Haiti
In January, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake shattered the Republic of Haiti. Horrified by the disaster, countries, civil society organisations and individual donors responded with desperately needed help. Among them were many Ismailis who used their resources and skills to find creative ways to provide timely assistance to Haitians.
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.
Getting involved and making a positive difference in the lives of others
As a Muslim community, giving of our time and helping others is integral to our way of life. From a young age, Ismailis are surrounded by examples of volunteers in action. In the UK, the Youth, Cultural and Social Network has launched an initiative that provides opportunities for the Jamat to give back to the society in which they live.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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