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: Leadership Development

Kabul school sparks new opportunities for young people and a brighter future for Afghanistan

Children play with everyday food items as they learn about the world in which they live, at the National Council Sparks Early Childhood Development Program in Kabul. Photo: Karim Thomas

Sparks Academy in Kabul is a catalyst for community development and learning opportunities for people of all ages. When Tahmina Shayan began volunteering with a community-based early childhood development programme of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan that was supported by the school, she discovered new opportunities for herself and an avenue to make a difference in the lives of other young Afghans.

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Ismaili summer camps in North America teach youth about building communities that care

A counselor helps participants tie-die shirts during a self-expression activity at an Ismaili summer camp. Photo: Nasir Barday

Each year, many Ismaili youth from all over North America spend their summers at camps organised by the Jamati institutions. They learn about the importance of being responsible members of the society, compete at various sports and games and take on leadership roles — all while growing, discovering, playing, and making friends.

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CEO of Diamond Trust Bank tells of opportunities and growth in East Africa

Nasim Devji is presented with “CEO of the Year” at the Capital Markets Awards 2011. Photo: Courtesy of Diamond Trust Bank, Kenya

Nasim Devji is the Group CEO and Managing Director of Diamond Trust Bank, Kenya — an affiliate of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development — and the first woman in the Kenyan banking industry to hold that office. She has garnered numerous career recognitions, including being named Leading African Woman in Business in 2010. Yasmin Madhani recently spoke with her.

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Finding peace amidst a legacy of conflict and resolution

His Excellency President Paul Kagame of Rwanda joined members of the Nkabom Steering Committee, including Naveed Somani (far left), for consultation. Photo: Courtesy of Naveed Somani

In May 2010, Naveed Somani was named to the Steering Committee for the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Nkabom International Youth Leadership Programme. Focused on equipping young people with conflict resolution skills, the programme took him to Rwanda where he witnessed the legacy of a national conflict and its resolution. He shares his impressions and experiences.

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Champion Ismaili debaters argue convincingly for youth to take up the art of disputation

Champion debaters Iqbal Kassam, Shakir Rahim and Shama Barday argue that debating has improved their self-confidence, built their knowledge on a large variety of subjects, and equipped them with valuable tools for the future. Photo: TheIsmaili.org

Good debaters are not only eloquent speakers but also quick thinkers who can mould, evolve and expand a concept in order to challenge their opponent. Three North American Ismailis with a record of outshining the competition in the debating arena at state, provincial, national, and international levels, describe how the ability to intelligently dispute an argument has helped them succeed in other aspects of their lives.

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New sport facility in Kabul cultivates the spirit of the youth

The two-storey Youth, Sports and Social Development Center opened its doors in Kabul, Afghanistan on 16 December 2010. Photo: Shiraz Allibhai (montage)

The Ismaili youth of Afghanistan have a new place where they can play, learn and socialise. The two-storey Youth, Sports and Social Development Center in Kabul, opened its doors in December 2010.

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Empowered women work to improve the lives of other women and their communities around the world

A number of Ismaili women are courageously taking the initiative to pave the way for the empowerment of the underprivileged, of which women and girls constitute a substantial portion. Photo: TheIsmaili.org

A number of Ismaili women have devoted their careers to elevating the status of women — particularly those who are disadvantaged — by improving the quality of their lives and those amongst whom they live in communities across the globe. By leveraging their own potential and fulfilling a desire to make a difference, they are providing inspiration for others to follow their lead.

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Scholarship opportunities abound; students need only apply

More than $2 billion in private scholarships are available each year to deserving students for filling out some paperwork, writing an essay or two and occasionally being interviewed in person or over the phone. Copyright: Mangostock | Dreamstime.com

Each year, companies and charities offer more than $2 billion in private scholarships, which, in addition to being an attractive form of education financing, are also a prestigious form of recognition. But many scholarships go unfulfilled because nobody applies for them. Three students share tips from their scholarship successes.

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Almost a century later, the Girl Scouts movement is still engaged in service

A tribute to the Girl Scouts in Savanah, GA, where Girl Scouts USA founder Juliette Gordon Low was from. Photo: Flikr/swirlspice

This year, the Girl Guide movement turns 98. Over the years, the organisation’s impact on the physical, mental and spiritual development of girls and young women has been phenomenal. Many Ismaili Muslim women who are part of the movement have become inspiring role models and leaders in their communities and the world.

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Ismaili scouts earn prestigious Eagle Scout award for outstanding community service

The keynote speaker, Congressman Pete Sessions, addresses the audience about the importance of scouting and community service. Photo: Bombay Photography

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.

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Transforming values into reality — A conversation with Eboo Patel (Part 2)

Following a talk he delivered at The Institute of Ismaili Studies in December 2009, Eboo Patel converses with audience members about the work of his Interfaith Youth Core. Photo: Courtesy of The Institute of Ismaili Studies

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.)

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The shared value of religious pluralism — A conversation with Eboo Patel (Part 1)

Eboo Patel, founder and Executive Director of the Interfaith Youth Core, a Chicago-based institution building the global interfaith youth movement, addressing an audience at The Institute of Ismaili Studies in London. Photo: Courtesy of The Institute of Ismaili Studies

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.

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Jamati member from Australia earns second prize in Divisional Toastmasters competition

Hussain Rajwani (right) of Sydney, Australia was awarded second prize in a Toastmasters divisional competition. Photo: Courtesy of Hussain Rajwani

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.

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Training the leaders of tomorrow

Rizwan Virji at a leadership camp. Photo: The Ismaili Africa

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.

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“Shoot for the moon” they say

Class of 2006, first day at the British Council. Photo: Karim Valimohamed

"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.

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