2008 essay Competition
Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. invited students in grades 9-12 to participate in the 2008 Essay Competition titled "Reaching the Millennium Development Goals"
The eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) form a blueprint agreed to by all the world’s countries and leading development institutions. The MDGs have galvanized unprecedented efforts to meet the needs of the world’s poorest and to lift millions of people out of extreme poverty.
The 2008 essay competition challenged students to select one of the MDGs and support how Aga Khan Foundation and Aga Khan Development Network are helping to ensure that this goal is being reached in individual countries and communities worldwide. The competition encouraged participants to learn about innovative solutions by reducing poverty in Asia and Africa.
Winners
1st Place: Kimberly Smith
How the Aga Khan Foundation is Working to Eradicate Poverty
2nd Place: Nisha Jagannathan
Gender Equality: The Mission to Empower Women
3rd Place: Sahar Noorani
The Pursuit of Surviving
Honorable Mention: Arielle Krueger
Lighting the World
Honrorable Mention: Gaia Croston
The Greatest Gift of All
Honorable Mention: Urooj Aqeel
Aga Khan Foundation's Plan to Act and Achieve Universal Primary Education
Prizes
1st place: $500
2nd place: $250
3rd place: $150
All entrants will receive a certificate of recognition and community service hours.
Case Studies
The submitted essay were based on research centered on the following Case Studies:
Azhar Park in Cairo
Community Action Investment Project in Tajikistan
Community Led Initiative for Child Survival in India
Education for Marginalized Children in Kenya
Water and Sanitation in Afghanistan
Building and Construction Improvement Program in Pakistan
Successful Business Enterprise in Northern Pakistan: Growing Apricots
Advanced Nursing Studies (ANS) Program in East Africa
Partnership for Advancing Community Education in Afghanistan (PACE-A)
Approximately, one month after the essay submission deadline, a panel of judges reviwed the essays to select the winners.
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Please email [email protected] if you have any questions
http://www.partnershipsinaction.org/con ... -essay.php
ACTIVITIES OF AKF USA
2009 Theme: EDUCATION THE UNIVERSAL BRIDGE
sharing knowledge, reaching dreams
Download flyer
Over half the world’s people live on less than $2 per day.
Over 775 million adults – one in five – in the world are illiterate. 64% are women.
One of the biggest obstacles for achieving the Millennium Development Goal for improved health and well being is the scarcity of qualified nurses.
Education serves as a bridge to help individuals and communities build more productive, fulfilling and dignified lives. Aga Khan Foundation’s educational activities span across a broad range of initiatives to help people in Asia and Africa reach their full potential from early childhood development to primary and secondary school improvement to skills and management training for professionals, entrepreneurs and community members. Health related activities include training nurses and educating communities about disease prevention and healthy behaviors. Rural development programs teach farmers effective techniques to help them move beyond subsistence. All these efforts equip people with life-long skills to overcome poverty and expand opportunities.
Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network(AKDN), a group of private, non-denominational, international development agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in specific regions of the developing world. AKDN contributes to expanding quality education on many levels and provides solutions that address some of the most persistent problems facing Africa and Asia. Visit www.akdn.org for more information.
Early Childhood Development (ECD). AKF has been a pioneer in promoting ECD for decades. With its child-centered approach and culturally appropriate curricula, AKF’s model East Africa preschool program has grown to over 200 preschools, training 6,000 teachers and 3,000 school management committee members and reaching over 60,000 children.
Training Nurses. Nurses form the front line of rural healthcare, often serving as the first and only point of contact for health services in developing countries. AKDN has established training programs in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria and throughout East Africa to improve skills and qualifications as well as expand the pool of qualified nurses.
School Improvement & Teacher Training. AKDN operates more than 300 schools and programs that provide quality pre-school, primary, and secondary education services to students in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uganda, Tanzania, and Tajikistan. Professional Development Centers provide world-class training to boost a growing cadre of competent, inspiring teachers.
Building Skills and Knowledge among Rural Populations. In most areas where the Foundation works, agricultural production is the primary economic activity for a majority of the people. The Foundation trains farmers in improved agricultural techniques to expand yields and productivity, which in turn, improve food security and incomes.
Excellence in Education: Academies and Universities. Aga Khan-sponsored academies and universities such as the Aga Khan Academies, the University of Central Asia, and the Aga Khan University create new educational models, with a vision to promote competent indigenous young leaders as a key to progress in the developing world.
Community Outreach in the US. Across America, AKF USA volunteers reach out through grassroots initiatives that educate communities about the positive role they can play in solving global poverty. AKF USA’s educational initiatives seek to inform, inspire and unite Americans as “global citizens” with communities in Africa and Asia to build bridges of hope and to promote peace, pluralism, prosperity and security globally.
http://www.partnershipsinaction.org/news/Theme2009.php
sharing knowledge, reaching dreams
Download flyer
Over half the world’s people live on less than $2 per day.
Over 775 million adults – one in five – in the world are illiterate. 64% are women.
One of the biggest obstacles for achieving the Millennium Development Goal for improved health and well being is the scarcity of qualified nurses.
Education serves as a bridge to help individuals and communities build more productive, fulfilling and dignified lives. Aga Khan Foundation’s educational activities span across a broad range of initiatives to help people in Asia and Africa reach their full potential from early childhood development to primary and secondary school improvement to skills and management training for professionals, entrepreneurs and community members. Health related activities include training nurses and educating communities about disease prevention and healthy behaviors. Rural development programs teach farmers effective techniques to help them move beyond subsistence. All these efforts equip people with life-long skills to overcome poverty and expand opportunities.
Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network(AKDN), a group of private, non-denominational, international development agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in specific regions of the developing world. AKDN contributes to expanding quality education on many levels and provides solutions that address some of the most persistent problems facing Africa and Asia. Visit www.akdn.org for more information.
Early Childhood Development (ECD). AKF has been a pioneer in promoting ECD for decades. With its child-centered approach and culturally appropriate curricula, AKF’s model East Africa preschool program has grown to over 200 preschools, training 6,000 teachers and 3,000 school management committee members and reaching over 60,000 children.
Training Nurses. Nurses form the front line of rural healthcare, often serving as the first and only point of contact for health services in developing countries. AKDN has established training programs in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria and throughout East Africa to improve skills and qualifications as well as expand the pool of qualified nurses.
School Improvement & Teacher Training. AKDN operates more than 300 schools and programs that provide quality pre-school, primary, and secondary education services to students in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uganda, Tanzania, and Tajikistan. Professional Development Centers provide world-class training to boost a growing cadre of competent, inspiring teachers.
Building Skills and Knowledge among Rural Populations. In most areas where the Foundation works, agricultural production is the primary economic activity for a majority of the people. The Foundation trains farmers in improved agricultural techniques to expand yields and productivity, which in turn, improve food security and incomes.
Excellence in Education: Academies and Universities. Aga Khan-sponsored academies and universities such as the Aga Khan Academies, the University of Central Asia, and the Aga Khan University create new educational models, with a vision to promote competent indigenous young leaders as a key to progress in the developing world.
Community Outreach in the US. Across America, AKF USA volunteers reach out through grassroots initiatives that educate communities about the positive role they can play in solving global poverty. AKF USA’s educational initiatives seek to inform, inspire and unite Americans as “global citizens” with communities in Africa and Asia to build bridges of hope and to promote peace, pluralism, prosperity and security globally.
http://www.partnershipsinaction.org/news/Theme2009.php
Hewlett Foundation grants more than $154 million to help fund education
Article By Peter Krowiak On September - 14 - 2009
A foundation recently announced it is giving more than $154 million in grant funds to youth organizations around the world.
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is giving the grant money to 287 different organizations. The grants were given based on the foundation’s six main giving categories, which include education, the environment, global development, performing arts, philanthropy and the population.
Through the foundation’s Education Program, 56 organizations received more than $31 million in grant funds. Some of those grant funds will include supporting the efforts of journalism in California.
"Informing the public is critical to making sound education policies, but California, like the rest of the nation, has fewer journalists than ever to do the work," the foundation noted.
In order to fill the need, $1.2 million has been granted to the Center for Investigative Reporting, which will use the funds to build a team of journalists that will cover educational and policy issues in the state.
The foundation’s Global Development Program is focused on reducing poverty across the globe. To that end, the foundation granted $27,775,000 to 37 organizations. Through a partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a $2.1 million grant has been given to the Aga Khan Foundation USA. The funds will be used to help launch programs for reading and math learning in Uganda and Kenya.
The foundation’s Performing Arts Program granted $200,000 to an Oakland organization that uses music as a way to educate young people. Youth Movement Records teaches young people about creativity, leadership, entrepreneurship and getting involved in their communities through taking part in aspects of the music industry.
The foundation has been giving grant money since 1967, and in 2008 awarded more than $784 million in funds. As of December of 2008, the foundation’s assets amounted to $6.29 billion.
Article By Peter Krowiak On September - 14 - 2009
A foundation recently announced it is giving more than $154 million in grant funds to youth organizations around the world.
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is giving the grant money to 287 different organizations. The grants were given based on the foundation’s six main giving categories, which include education, the environment, global development, performing arts, philanthropy and the population.
Through the foundation’s Education Program, 56 organizations received more than $31 million in grant funds. Some of those grant funds will include supporting the efforts of journalism in California.
"Informing the public is critical to making sound education policies, but California, like the rest of the nation, has fewer journalists than ever to do the work," the foundation noted.
In order to fill the need, $1.2 million has been granted to the Center for Investigative Reporting, which will use the funds to build a team of journalists that will cover educational and policy issues in the state.
The foundation’s Global Development Program is focused on reducing poverty across the globe. To that end, the foundation granted $27,775,000 to 37 organizations. Through a partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a $2.1 million grant has been given to the Aga Khan Foundation USA. The funds will be used to help launch programs for reading and math learning in Uganda and Kenya.
The foundation’s Performing Arts Program granted $200,000 to an Oakland organization that uses music as a way to educate young people. Youth Movement Records teaches young people about creativity, leadership, entrepreneurship and getting involved in their communities through taking part in aspects of the music industry.
The foundation has been giving grant money since 1967, and in 2008 awarded more than $784 million in funds. As of December of 2008, the foundation’s assets amounted to $6.29 billion.
Meet the new Chief Executive Officer of AKF USA
The leaves are changing and so are the faces around the office at Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. This month, we welcome our new Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mirza Jahani, who brings with him fresh ideas and energy to strengthen the growing U.S. branch led by Iqbal Noor Ali for the past 25 years.
Mirza has a rich and extensive history in the development field with experience working in government and in nonprofit management. As a former AKF CEO in Kenya, London and Tajikistan, he is well-versed in the values motivating the work of the Aga Khan Development Network and the complexity of issues surrounding the work we do. After 15 years with AKF, Mirza went on to work in the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, tackling similar international problems from a different angle. However, soon Mirza began to see a discrepancy between the large-scale strategies of government policy and the changes taking place on the ground. He became infused with a desire to dissect and understand the recipe for aid effectiveness – how can we ensure that our efforts are helping those who need them most? This aspiration coupled with his familiarity with the holistic project approaches implemented by the AKDN ultimately drove him to return to the AKF family this month.
Returning to AKF, Mirza finds an unchanged sense of purpose, resolve and enthusiasm in the organization’s work and extensive volunteer network. “Volunteer service is an expression of humanity,” Mirza says, and he is continually amazed by the dedication of the AKF volunteers throughout the world. Informed by his previous roles in international development, Mirza returns to the Foundation with a vision for rigorous and accountable programs, for a work environment that fosters learning and growing, and for a two-way knowledge bridge connecting Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. with the developing world.
http://www.partnershipsinaction.org/emp ... v2009.html
The leaves are changing and so are the faces around the office at Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. This month, we welcome our new Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mirza Jahani, who brings with him fresh ideas and energy to strengthen the growing U.S. branch led by Iqbal Noor Ali for the past 25 years.
Mirza has a rich and extensive history in the development field with experience working in government and in nonprofit management. As a former AKF CEO in Kenya, London and Tajikistan, he is well-versed in the values motivating the work of the Aga Khan Development Network and the complexity of issues surrounding the work we do. After 15 years with AKF, Mirza went on to work in the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, tackling similar international problems from a different angle. However, soon Mirza began to see a discrepancy between the large-scale strategies of government policy and the changes taking place on the ground. He became infused with a desire to dissect and understand the recipe for aid effectiveness – how can we ensure that our efforts are helping those who need them most? This aspiration coupled with his familiarity with the holistic project approaches implemented by the AKDN ultimately drove him to return to the AKF family this month.
Returning to AKF, Mirza finds an unchanged sense of purpose, resolve and enthusiasm in the organization’s work and extensive volunteer network. “Volunteer service is an expression of humanity,” Mirza says, and he is continually amazed by the dedication of the AKF volunteers throughout the world. Informed by his previous roles in international development, Mirza returns to the Foundation with a vision for rigorous and accountable programs, for a work environment that fosters learning and growing, and for a two-way knowledge bridge connecting Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. with the developing world.
http://www.partnershipsinaction.org/emp ... v2009.html
Ismaili Council for USA sponsors 2009 Women’s Conference in California
California First Lady Maria Shriver converses with Dr Mahmoud Eboo, President of the Ismaili Council for the USA and Dr Shaheen Kassim-Lakha, President of the Ismaili Council for the Western United States, at the Sponsors’ Reception for the Women’s Conference. Photo: Peter Grigsby/Office of Governor Schwarzenegger
Columns of women made their way to the Long Beach Convention Center, where the Women’s Conference was held at the end of October 2009. Billed as “the nation’s premier conference for women,” the event is organised annually by Maria Shriver, First Lady of California, to inspire, empower and educate women to become “architects of change.”
This year, the lsmaili Council for the United States was a sponsor of the conference and sent a delegation that included members of the Jamat as well as a number of guests from the University of Southern California’s faculty and administration. The conference, whose theme focused on empowering women to take charge of their own lives and embrace change, featured two full days of speakers and events.
“[The conference] brought to the fore an understanding that the challenges and opportunities women face are different, and require a wide range of public, private, and community-based responses. I believe that this was the major accomplishment of the Conference — to recognise the complexity of the audience and offer a portfolio of sessions.”
— Shenila Khoja-Moolji, an attendee from New YorkCNN’s Paula Zahn was the master of ceremonies, and introduced speakers that included Geena Davis, actress and founder of See Jane, and Anne Sweeney, President of Disney/ABC Television. Sessions hosted by speakers such as television star Dr. Mehmet Oz and renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz were held throughout the day covering issues such as managing one’s health, changing the world through the web, and starting a new business.
A panel on leadership brought together California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin Group and Sheila Bair, the Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which oversees banking institutions. They shared their experiences of navigating decision-making in difficult times.
Over lunch, participants also heard from a panel consisting of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President Valerie Jarrett, CNN contributor Amy Holmes, and ABC journalist Claire Shipman, who discussed where America is today in incorporating women in the workplace and positions of leadership. Katie Couric followed with an inspirational speech about her personal journey to the helm of TV journalism as the host of the CBS Evening News. Finally, California’s First Lady Maria Shriver, talked openly about the recent loss of her mother and of her uncle, Senator Edward Kennedy, before leading a panel on “Grief, Healing, and Resilience.”
The conference also afforded participants the opportunity to visit booths set up by hundreds of sponsoring organisations. The Ismaili Council for the USA had a booth that showcased the work of the Aga Khan Development Network, programmes that illustrated the Jamat’s engagement in community service initiatives, as well as profiles of three accomplished American-Ismaili women, originally from Tajikistan, Pakistan and East Africa.
The conference taught participants how to become agents of change and help make a difference in the lives of women. It provided the Council with ideas on how programming for women — as well as the broader Jamat — may be improved and enhanced. And attendees will be able to make recommendations on the involvement of the Ismaili Council in future Women’s Conferences in California and elsewhere.
Women`s Conference participants at the Ismaili Council for the USA exhibition booth. Photo: Faheen Allibhoy
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/927/
California First Lady Maria Shriver converses with Dr Mahmoud Eboo, President of the Ismaili Council for the USA and Dr Shaheen Kassim-Lakha, President of the Ismaili Council for the Western United States, at the Sponsors’ Reception for the Women’s Conference. Photo: Peter Grigsby/Office of Governor Schwarzenegger
Columns of women made their way to the Long Beach Convention Center, where the Women’s Conference was held at the end of October 2009. Billed as “the nation’s premier conference for women,” the event is organised annually by Maria Shriver, First Lady of California, to inspire, empower and educate women to become “architects of change.”
This year, the lsmaili Council for the United States was a sponsor of the conference and sent a delegation that included members of the Jamat as well as a number of guests from the University of Southern California’s faculty and administration. The conference, whose theme focused on empowering women to take charge of their own lives and embrace change, featured two full days of speakers and events.
“[The conference] brought to the fore an understanding that the challenges and opportunities women face are different, and require a wide range of public, private, and community-based responses. I believe that this was the major accomplishment of the Conference — to recognise the complexity of the audience and offer a portfolio of sessions.”
— Shenila Khoja-Moolji, an attendee from New YorkCNN’s Paula Zahn was the master of ceremonies, and introduced speakers that included Geena Davis, actress and founder of See Jane, and Anne Sweeney, President of Disney/ABC Television. Sessions hosted by speakers such as television star Dr. Mehmet Oz and renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz were held throughout the day covering issues such as managing one’s health, changing the world through the web, and starting a new business.
A panel on leadership brought together California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin Group and Sheila Bair, the Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which oversees banking institutions. They shared their experiences of navigating decision-making in difficult times.
Over lunch, participants also heard from a panel consisting of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President Valerie Jarrett, CNN contributor Amy Holmes, and ABC journalist Claire Shipman, who discussed where America is today in incorporating women in the workplace and positions of leadership. Katie Couric followed with an inspirational speech about her personal journey to the helm of TV journalism as the host of the CBS Evening News. Finally, California’s First Lady Maria Shriver, talked openly about the recent loss of her mother and of her uncle, Senator Edward Kennedy, before leading a panel on “Grief, Healing, and Resilience.”
The conference also afforded participants the opportunity to visit booths set up by hundreds of sponsoring organisations. The Ismaili Council for the USA had a booth that showcased the work of the Aga Khan Development Network, programmes that illustrated the Jamat’s engagement in community service initiatives, as well as profiles of three accomplished American-Ismaili women, originally from Tajikistan, Pakistan and East Africa.
The conference taught participants how to become agents of change and help make a difference in the lives of women. It provided the Council with ideas on how programming for women — as well as the broader Jamat — may be improved and enhanced. And attendees will be able to make recommendations on the involvement of the Ismaili Council in future Women’s Conferences in California and elsewhere.
Women`s Conference participants at the Ismaili Council for the USA exhibition booth. Photo: Faheen Allibhoy
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/927/
Aga Khan Foundation Walk to End Global Poverty
By N. Begum
Saturday, September 25, 2010 AT 06:03 PM
– CHICAGO, IL
Nearly 3,000 people participated in the Aga Khan Foundation’s Partnership Walk to end global poverty Sept. 19, at Montrose Harbor in Chicago. Now in its 16th year, the event is held annually in major cities across the U.S.
The Chicago walk raised more than $400,000 according to a press release. According to the foundation, all funds go directly to projects.
Given the unprecedented floods crisis in the past month, 50 percent of the funds raised at 2010 Partnership Walk will go to support the victims of floods in Pakistan and surrounding areas and the rest to poverty alleviation projects supported by Aga Khan Foundation in Africa and Asia. Since 1995, the organization said it has raised $36 million through these walks.
Governor Pat Quinn and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., attended and spoke at the event.
The opening program, featuring live entertainment celebrating the diversity of world cultures, was hosted by Alli Munsey, Mrs, Illinois 2010; Rehan Aslam, producer for “The Ten,” FOX News Chicago; and Ravi Baichwal, anchor/reporter, ABC 7 News among others.
The 2010 theme for this year’s walk was “Our Environment: One People, One Planet.”
Poor and marginalized communities are on the front lines of climate change, at risk from melting glaciers in Tajikistan, floods in Pakistan, salt water intrusion in Bangladesh, and prolonged drought in Kenya where food security and famine hang in the balance, said the foundation.
Thank you.
Your Comment will be published after Screening.
http://www.newsindia-times.com/NewsIndi ... 123270.htm
By N. Begum
Saturday, September 25, 2010 AT 06:03 PM
– CHICAGO, IL
Nearly 3,000 people participated in the Aga Khan Foundation’s Partnership Walk to end global poverty Sept. 19, at Montrose Harbor in Chicago. Now in its 16th year, the event is held annually in major cities across the U.S.
The Chicago walk raised more than $400,000 according to a press release. According to the foundation, all funds go directly to projects.
Given the unprecedented floods crisis in the past month, 50 percent of the funds raised at 2010 Partnership Walk will go to support the victims of floods in Pakistan and surrounding areas and the rest to poverty alleviation projects supported by Aga Khan Foundation in Africa and Asia. Since 1995, the organization said it has raised $36 million through these walks.
Governor Pat Quinn and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., attended and spoke at the event.
The opening program, featuring live entertainment celebrating the diversity of world cultures, was hosted by Alli Munsey, Mrs, Illinois 2010; Rehan Aslam, producer for “The Ten,” FOX News Chicago; and Ravi Baichwal, anchor/reporter, ABC 7 News among others.
The 2010 theme for this year’s walk was “Our Environment: One People, One Planet.”
Poor and marginalized communities are on the front lines of climate change, at risk from melting glaciers in Tajikistan, floods in Pakistan, salt water intrusion in Bangladesh, and prolonged drought in Kenya where food security and famine hang in the balance, said the foundation.
Thank you.
Your Comment will be published after Screening.
http://www.newsindia-times.com/NewsIndi ... 123270.htm
Dear All,
We are pleased to announce that we have created a channel on YouTube called: Aga Khan Foundation’s USA Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/AgaKhanFoundationUSA
We encourage you to subscribe to our channel and view our latest video clip called “OUR GLOBAL VILLAGE” and share the link with your friends and associates. This “Who We Are” video introduces viewers to the impact of Aga Khan Foundation’s work as heard through the words of people from around the U.S. in the media, government, corporate and nonprofit world and as seen through the images from our projects in Asia and Africa. Check it out and spread the word, especially in the run-up to the Walks this weekend and upcoming weekends.
AKF USA has also recently joined Twitter! Be sure to follow us @ AKF-USA and keep updated on our latest on-goings, events, and projects.
Last but not least, don’t forget to find us on Facebook! Be sure to search for, and like “AKF USA PartnershipsInAction” or simply click on the following link to be directed to the page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/akfusa
Enjoy our YouTube clip and be sure to spread the word!
Zahra Bhimani
Professional Development Intern, Communications
Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A.
1825 K Street, N.W., Suite 901
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202) 293-2537 ext. 146
We are pleased to announce that we have created a channel on YouTube called: Aga Khan Foundation’s USA Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/AgaKhanFoundationUSA
We encourage you to subscribe to our channel and view our latest video clip called “OUR GLOBAL VILLAGE” and share the link with your friends and associates. This “Who We Are” video introduces viewers to the impact of Aga Khan Foundation’s work as heard through the words of people from around the U.S. in the media, government, corporate and nonprofit world and as seen through the images from our projects in Asia and Africa. Check it out and spread the word, especially in the run-up to the Walks this weekend and upcoming weekends.
AKF USA has also recently joined Twitter! Be sure to follow us @ AKF-USA and keep updated on our latest on-goings, events, and projects.
Last but not least, don’t forget to find us on Facebook! Be sure to search for, and like “AKF USA PartnershipsInAction” or simply click on the following link to be directed to the page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/akfusa
Enjoy our YouTube clip and be sure to spread the word!
Zahra Bhimani
Professional Development Intern, Communications
Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A.
1825 K Street, N.W., Suite 901
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202) 293-2537 ext. 146
Partnership Walk in the USA launches with green campaign; aids relief efforts in Pakistan
“The risks––and costs––of inaction on climate change grow each year,” warned Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations at the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Toronto earlier this year. “The more we delay, the more we will pay.”
At the 2010 Walks, half of the funds raised will go toward relief and recovery efforts in Pakistan. The Partnership Walk in Chicago alone has already raised over $400 000 for Aga Khan Foundation projects that fight poverty in environmentally sustainable ways. Photo: Hanif Jaffer
His concern is shared by many around the world, who are increasingly living through the effects of climate change. It is also a message that finds resonance in the PartnershipsInAction 2010 event theme: Our Environment: One People, One Planet.
Since 1995, PartnershipsInAction events — initiatives of the Aga Khan Foundation USA (AKF USA) — have attracted over 313,000 participants and raised over $36 million, 100 per cent of which has gone directly towards projects supported by the Foundation. Now in its 16th year, the Partnership Walk is a national annual event held in major cities including Atlanta, Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, Orlando and San Francisco.
This year in particular, there is a greater urgency to raise awareness and support because of the 20 million people affected by the destructive Pakistan floods. In response to this natural disaster, the Aga Khan Development Network and Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) are working together to provide search and rescue efforts, evacuation strategies, and relief efforts. Half of the funds generated from this year’s Partnership Walk are earmarked to aid efforts in Pakistan.
Volunteers registered 3 000 people at the 2009 Partnership Walk in Los Angeles. Photo: Amjad
“The floods in Pakistan are a prime example of why stewardship of our planet is so important,” explains Mirza Jahani, Chief Executive Officer of AKF USA. “The floods were caused by a combination of climatic factors like the unusually high monsoon rainfall and rapidly melting glaciers. But it is also clear that manmade factors like deforestation have had a role to play. It will take Pakistan a long time to recover, and that is precisely the long-term view that AKDN will take when responding to this tragedy.”
In addition to raising awareness about environmental challenges — particularly those faced in poorer countries — volunteers are using this year’s theme to promote environmentally friendly practices closer to home as well.
When the Dallas chapter of PartnershipsInAction held its inaugural Flag Football Classic—a pre-walk event in June — it was marketed with paper-free resources and players were supplied with re-usable sports bottles at the game. Naziya Charania, Youth Outreach and Fundraising Manager of the Dallas PartnershipsInAction team, found that the new green strategy was actually more cost-effective.
AKF USA volunteers in Memphis get hyped for PartnershipsInAction. Photo: Ebrahim Esmail
“Not only did we help the planet, we cut costs,” Charania said. “We reached our main audience for this event through Facebook and Twitter and we didn’t have to spend anything on printing flyers or brochures. It was a smart move.”
These new strategies have inspired the youth to provide support in ever-increasing numbers by creating Walk teams, raising money, and volunteering in various events before and on the day of the Walk itself.
In Dallas, Charania and her team have been holding pre-Walk youth engagement activities, such as movie nights for kids and Mountain of Trash — a competition for school students to see which class can collect the most recyclable trash. Besides spreading awareness and involving youth, this competition also involves partner companies that would recycle the trash for the youth.
2010 Partnership Walk Dates
Chicago
19 September
Birmingham
2 October
Memphis
10 October
San Francisco
10 October
Dallas
16 October
Orlando
17 October
Atlanta
24 October
Houston
13 November
Los Angeles
14 November
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about PartnershipsInAction at www.partnershipsinaction.org.
Mumtaz Rojiani, Development Education Coordinator in the Florida region, is working with youth to develop content for the exhibits at the Walk. In keeping with the theme, the exhibits display AKDN’s projects related to environmental initiatives.
“One of the projects was the development of a smoke-free stove, which had a profound impact on health problems,” said Rojiani. “The stove helped women and children, who spend most of their time at home, prevent respiratory infections.”
This stove is an initiative of the Building and Construction Improvement Programme (BACIP), a project of the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services. BACIP has sold and helped install 11,500 of these stoves in villages in northern Pakistan to reduce sickness caused by smoke and dust.
It helps the environment too, explained Rojiani. “The stove used firewood more efficiently which reduced deforestation and saved those same women and children many hours a day that were spent searching for firewood.”
“We hope to create a ‘green’ ambience on Walk day,” added Rojiani. “I will need younger volunteers to circulate around the event site to collect bottles and cans for recycling.”
AKF USA regional teams are counting on the success of this year’s events to address the critical needs of developing nations. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky who attended the Chicago Walk on 19 September applauded the efforts of AKF volunteers.
“I am here today with so many citizens of the world who are committed to building a better, safer and healthier world for ourselves and future generations.”
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1100/
“The risks––and costs––of inaction on climate change grow each year,” warned Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations at the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Toronto earlier this year. “The more we delay, the more we will pay.”
At the 2010 Walks, half of the funds raised will go toward relief and recovery efforts in Pakistan. The Partnership Walk in Chicago alone has already raised over $400 000 for Aga Khan Foundation projects that fight poverty in environmentally sustainable ways. Photo: Hanif Jaffer
His concern is shared by many around the world, who are increasingly living through the effects of climate change. It is also a message that finds resonance in the PartnershipsInAction 2010 event theme: Our Environment: One People, One Planet.
Since 1995, PartnershipsInAction events — initiatives of the Aga Khan Foundation USA (AKF USA) — have attracted over 313,000 participants and raised over $36 million, 100 per cent of which has gone directly towards projects supported by the Foundation. Now in its 16th year, the Partnership Walk is a national annual event held in major cities including Atlanta, Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, Orlando and San Francisco.
This year in particular, there is a greater urgency to raise awareness and support because of the 20 million people affected by the destructive Pakistan floods. In response to this natural disaster, the Aga Khan Development Network and Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) are working together to provide search and rescue efforts, evacuation strategies, and relief efforts. Half of the funds generated from this year’s Partnership Walk are earmarked to aid efforts in Pakistan.
Volunteers registered 3 000 people at the 2009 Partnership Walk in Los Angeles. Photo: Amjad
“The floods in Pakistan are a prime example of why stewardship of our planet is so important,” explains Mirza Jahani, Chief Executive Officer of AKF USA. “The floods were caused by a combination of climatic factors like the unusually high monsoon rainfall and rapidly melting glaciers. But it is also clear that manmade factors like deforestation have had a role to play. It will take Pakistan a long time to recover, and that is precisely the long-term view that AKDN will take when responding to this tragedy.”
In addition to raising awareness about environmental challenges — particularly those faced in poorer countries — volunteers are using this year’s theme to promote environmentally friendly practices closer to home as well.
When the Dallas chapter of PartnershipsInAction held its inaugural Flag Football Classic—a pre-walk event in June — it was marketed with paper-free resources and players were supplied with re-usable sports bottles at the game. Naziya Charania, Youth Outreach and Fundraising Manager of the Dallas PartnershipsInAction team, found that the new green strategy was actually more cost-effective.
AKF USA volunteers in Memphis get hyped for PartnershipsInAction. Photo: Ebrahim Esmail
“Not only did we help the planet, we cut costs,” Charania said. “We reached our main audience for this event through Facebook and Twitter and we didn’t have to spend anything on printing flyers or brochures. It was a smart move.”
These new strategies have inspired the youth to provide support in ever-increasing numbers by creating Walk teams, raising money, and volunteering in various events before and on the day of the Walk itself.
In Dallas, Charania and her team have been holding pre-Walk youth engagement activities, such as movie nights for kids and Mountain of Trash — a competition for school students to see which class can collect the most recyclable trash. Besides spreading awareness and involving youth, this competition also involves partner companies that would recycle the trash for the youth.
2010 Partnership Walk Dates
Chicago
19 September
Birmingham
2 October
Memphis
10 October
San Francisco
10 October
Dallas
16 October
Orlando
17 October
Atlanta
24 October
Houston
13 November
Los Angeles
14 November
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about PartnershipsInAction at www.partnershipsinaction.org.
Mumtaz Rojiani, Development Education Coordinator in the Florida region, is working with youth to develop content for the exhibits at the Walk. In keeping with the theme, the exhibits display AKDN’s projects related to environmental initiatives.
“One of the projects was the development of a smoke-free stove, which had a profound impact on health problems,” said Rojiani. “The stove helped women and children, who spend most of their time at home, prevent respiratory infections.”
This stove is an initiative of the Building and Construction Improvement Programme (BACIP), a project of the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services. BACIP has sold and helped install 11,500 of these stoves in villages in northern Pakistan to reduce sickness caused by smoke and dust.
It helps the environment too, explained Rojiani. “The stove used firewood more efficiently which reduced deforestation and saved those same women and children many hours a day that were spent searching for firewood.”
“We hope to create a ‘green’ ambience on Walk day,” added Rojiani. “I will need younger volunteers to circulate around the event site to collect bottles and cans for recycling.”
AKF USA regional teams are counting on the success of this year’s events to address the critical needs of developing nations. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky who attended the Chicago Walk on 19 September applauded the efforts of AKF volunteers.
“I am here today with so many citizens of the world who are committed to building a better, safer and healthier world for ourselves and future generations.”
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1100/
2010 PartnershipsInAction Reaches New Heights
PartnershipsInAction, exceeded expectations in its 16th year. Over 36,000 participants attended PartnershipsInAction events and raised $6.6 million for projects supported by AKF USA. One hundred percent of the funds raised go directly to projects supported by the Foundation. In response to the overwhelming needs of people in Pakistan devastated by the floods, half of the funds raised at Partnership Walk will be donated to the Aga Khan Development Network’s recovery and rehabilitation efforts in Pakistan and surrounding areas
The 2010 PartnershipsInAction theme, “Our Environment: One People, One Planet,” engaged Americans as global citizens in the movement to improve the quality of our planet and its people. Witnessed during the Pakistan floods, poor and marginalized communities are on the front lines of climate change. Caused by a combination of deforestation, melting glaciers, and erratic weather patterns accelerated by climate change, the disaster in Pakistan illustrated the potential consequences of neglect and disregard for the environment and challenged the world to unite as global citizens in response.
At Partnership Walks and Golf tournaments, participants made an effort to reduce their carbon footprint. The importance of environmental stewardship resonated with all - attendees carried their reusable water bottles and eco-friendly bags while observing Village in Action exhibits. This year’s exhibits showcased Aga Khan Development Network strategies that promote energy-efficient technologies in developing areas and improve communities’ resilience to climate change.
Thanks to you, thousands of men, women and children in Pakistan, East Africa and throughout Asia and Africa will have the opportunity to build a better future. Congratulations to our dedicated volunteers and participants for yet another successful event season. Happy holidays, and see you next year!
http://www.partnershipsinaction.org/emp ... v2010.html
******
USAID Grants $5.2 Million to AKF USA for Relief & Recovery of the Floods in Pakistan
The Office of the U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) at the U.S. Agency for International Development granted Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) $5.2 million for AKDN's multi-agency response to the Pakistan floods. AKF USA is contributing $1 million to secure this level of funding in an agreement signed by Chief Executive Officer, Mirza Jahani (right), pictured with Mark Ward (left), head of OFDA, at the Foundation’s offices in Washington DC on October 26, 2010. The Relief and Early Recovery Program (RERP) is a humanitarian assistance project designed to benefit communities in Pakistan affected by the floods. The program will address needs in six sectors, including immediate material assistance, health care, provision of shelter, infrastructure repair and water and sanitation assistance, targeting approximately 232,000 individuals in the Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, and Thatta areas.
******
Aga Khan Foundation embraces community philanthropy
Aga Khan Foundation
While there is general agreement on the importance of civil society in development, there is now a healthy debate about how to create self-sustaining civil society organizations (CSOs). Can external models take root in foreign soil? Or is the best chance for success dependent on building on indigenous structures?
Within the context of this debate, the Aga Khan Foundation USA (AKF USA) is reviewing the way it supports its civil society programme. AKF USA continues to believe that CSOs are essential for a better society, but is looking to identify local ways of funding them to ensure long-term sustainability and enduring support from local people. A revised strategy would build on AKF USA work in establishing local organizations like the Pakistan Center for Philanthropy and the Kenya Community Development Foundation to focus more on community philanthropy.
To explore this idea, AKF USA called together a group of 18 practitioners from different parts of the world to a meeting in Washington DC in September 2010. One outcome of the meeting was strong support for a strategy to develop community philanthropy. Indeed, some people felt that without local people contributing their own money to solve their problems, external aid agencies are wasting their time.
People noted that community philanthropy is a naturally occurring phenomenon, found in all parts of the world, and embedded in different cultures in different ways. For the most part, however, the power of giving lies latent and unrecognized. But it could be a much more potent force in development if it expands from giving to local community members to giving to local CSOs. When the power of local giving is harnessed, results can be impressive. To take two examples, the Phuket Disaster Fund in Thailand arose following the 2004 tsunami because local people disliked depending on external aid and wanted to be in charge of renewal. In Selma, Alabama, the Black Belt Community Foundation has 100 community ambassadors who give their time to ensure that the foundation is connected to the needs of local people. The ambassadors have raised $100,000 for the benefit of the 12 counties they work in under the motto ‘taking what we have to make what we need’.
According to the 2010 Global Status Report on Community Foundations, published in November, there are signs that, despite the worldwide recession, people are stepping forward to take responsibility for their communities and are increasingly willing to commit their personal resources for public benefit. They want to see their money used competently and professionally but in transparent, democratic and culturally appropriate ways that avoid the capture of resources by local elites, which happens all too frequently when money comes from external agencies.
But what is the appropriate role for an outside funder who wishes to foster positive developments without displacing or harming local efforts? In approaching this question, participants agreed that outside funders should be ‘gardeners’ rather than ‘manufacturers’. They need to test and till the soil, water – but not over-water – the plants, be careful not to block out the sun, and change the approach according to the season.
The group identified a large number of principles implied by this approach. Of these, one particularly important one was that local people should contribute their own money from the start. Unless this money is on the table, there should be no external funding.
Other key principles are:
* Context matters – There is no ‘right way’ for external funders to do things.
* Time is needed – Funders should be there for the long haul, but should develop an exit strategy.
* Money, and more than money, needed – Grant size should vary according to capacity to absorb the money. Funders should use their power to provide technical assistance and contacts, and to convene local partners as appropriate.
* Measure what matters – Measuring results is essential, but indicators of success should reflect what matters to local people.
* Use technology – Funders should encourage local groups to harness the transformative power of technology. AKF USA wants to know your views. Is community philanthropy, as explained here, a useful strategy for further development?
Would you be interested in taking part in the next stages of developing this concept? If so, please write to Joanne Trotter at [email protected].
Published with permission from the author. This article is featured in Alliance Magazine (Volume 15 Number 4 December 2010)
http://www.tcfn-cfc.ca/news/aga-khan-fo ... lanthropy/
PartnershipsInAction, exceeded expectations in its 16th year. Over 36,000 participants attended PartnershipsInAction events and raised $6.6 million for projects supported by AKF USA. One hundred percent of the funds raised go directly to projects supported by the Foundation. In response to the overwhelming needs of people in Pakistan devastated by the floods, half of the funds raised at Partnership Walk will be donated to the Aga Khan Development Network’s recovery and rehabilitation efforts in Pakistan and surrounding areas
The 2010 PartnershipsInAction theme, “Our Environment: One People, One Planet,” engaged Americans as global citizens in the movement to improve the quality of our planet and its people. Witnessed during the Pakistan floods, poor and marginalized communities are on the front lines of climate change. Caused by a combination of deforestation, melting glaciers, and erratic weather patterns accelerated by climate change, the disaster in Pakistan illustrated the potential consequences of neglect and disregard for the environment and challenged the world to unite as global citizens in response.
At Partnership Walks and Golf tournaments, participants made an effort to reduce their carbon footprint. The importance of environmental stewardship resonated with all - attendees carried their reusable water bottles and eco-friendly bags while observing Village in Action exhibits. This year’s exhibits showcased Aga Khan Development Network strategies that promote energy-efficient technologies in developing areas and improve communities’ resilience to climate change.
Thanks to you, thousands of men, women and children in Pakistan, East Africa and throughout Asia and Africa will have the opportunity to build a better future. Congratulations to our dedicated volunteers and participants for yet another successful event season. Happy holidays, and see you next year!
http://www.partnershipsinaction.org/emp ... v2010.html
******
USAID Grants $5.2 Million to AKF USA for Relief & Recovery of the Floods in Pakistan
The Office of the U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) at the U.S. Agency for International Development granted Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) $5.2 million for AKDN's multi-agency response to the Pakistan floods. AKF USA is contributing $1 million to secure this level of funding in an agreement signed by Chief Executive Officer, Mirza Jahani (right), pictured with Mark Ward (left), head of OFDA, at the Foundation’s offices in Washington DC on October 26, 2010. The Relief and Early Recovery Program (RERP) is a humanitarian assistance project designed to benefit communities in Pakistan affected by the floods. The program will address needs in six sectors, including immediate material assistance, health care, provision of shelter, infrastructure repair and water and sanitation assistance, targeting approximately 232,000 individuals in the Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, and Thatta areas.
******
Aga Khan Foundation embraces community philanthropy
Aga Khan Foundation
While there is general agreement on the importance of civil society in development, there is now a healthy debate about how to create self-sustaining civil society organizations (CSOs). Can external models take root in foreign soil? Or is the best chance for success dependent on building on indigenous structures?
Within the context of this debate, the Aga Khan Foundation USA (AKF USA) is reviewing the way it supports its civil society programme. AKF USA continues to believe that CSOs are essential for a better society, but is looking to identify local ways of funding them to ensure long-term sustainability and enduring support from local people. A revised strategy would build on AKF USA work in establishing local organizations like the Pakistan Center for Philanthropy and the Kenya Community Development Foundation to focus more on community philanthropy.
To explore this idea, AKF USA called together a group of 18 practitioners from different parts of the world to a meeting in Washington DC in September 2010. One outcome of the meeting was strong support for a strategy to develop community philanthropy. Indeed, some people felt that without local people contributing their own money to solve their problems, external aid agencies are wasting their time.
People noted that community philanthropy is a naturally occurring phenomenon, found in all parts of the world, and embedded in different cultures in different ways. For the most part, however, the power of giving lies latent and unrecognized. But it could be a much more potent force in development if it expands from giving to local community members to giving to local CSOs. When the power of local giving is harnessed, results can be impressive. To take two examples, the Phuket Disaster Fund in Thailand arose following the 2004 tsunami because local people disliked depending on external aid and wanted to be in charge of renewal. In Selma, Alabama, the Black Belt Community Foundation has 100 community ambassadors who give their time to ensure that the foundation is connected to the needs of local people. The ambassadors have raised $100,000 for the benefit of the 12 counties they work in under the motto ‘taking what we have to make what we need’.
According to the 2010 Global Status Report on Community Foundations, published in November, there are signs that, despite the worldwide recession, people are stepping forward to take responsibility for their communities and are increasingly willing to commit their personal resources for public benefit. They want to see their money used competently and professionally but in transparent, democratic and culturally appropriate ways that avoid the capture of resources by local elites, which happens all too frequently when money comes from external agencies.
But what is the appropriate role for an outside funder who wishes to foster positive developments without displacing or harming local efforts? In approaching this question, participants agreed that outside funders should be ‘gardeners’ rather than ‘manufacturers’. They need to test and till the soil, water – but not over-water – the plants, be careful not to block out the sun, and change the approach according to the season.
The group identified a large number of principles implied by this approach. Of these, one particularly important one was that local people should contribute their own money from the start. Unless this money is on the table, there should be no external funding.
Other key principles are:
* Context matters – There is no ‘right way’ for external funders to do things.
* Time is needed – Funders should be there for the long haul, but should develop an exit strategy.
* Money, and more than money, needed – Grant size should vary according to capacity to absorb the money. Funders should use their power to provide technical assistance and contacts, and to convene local partners as appropriate.
* Measure what matters – Measuring results is essential, but indicators of success should reflect what matters to local people.
* Use technology – Funders should encourage local groups to harness the transformative power of technology. AKF USA wants to know your views. Is community philanthropy, as explained here, a useful strategy for further development?
Would you be interested in taking part in the next stages of developing this concept? If so, please write to Joanne Trotter at [email protected].
Published with permission from the author. This article is featured in Alliance Magazine (Volume 15 Number 4 December 2010)
http://www.tcfn-cfc.ca/news/aga-khan-fo ... lanthropy/
Publications: Education
Providing community-based education in rural Afghanistan
Improving access and equity for marginalized groups is one of CRS’ strategic priorities in education. The agency has made this a priority in Afghanistan since 2002 by supporting an Accelerated Learning program for rural children and youth who had previously missed out on schooling. Today, CRS supports community-based education in villages such as Shah Mohammad’s as part of the Partnership for Advancing Community Education in Afghanistan (PACE-A). PACE-A is a USAID-funded project that CRS implements in collaboration with the Aga Khan Foundation, CARE and the International Rescue Committee.
http://www.crsprogramquality.org/2010/1 ... ghanistan/
*****
Providing community-based education in rural Afghanistan
Improving access and equity for marginalized groups is one of CRS’ strategic priorities in education. The agency has made this a priority in Afghanistan since 2002 by supporting an Accelerated Learning program for rural children and youth who had previously missed out on schooling. Today, CRS supports community-based education in villages such as Shah Mohammad’s as part of the Partnership for Advancing Community Education in Afghanistan (PACE-A). PACE-A is a USAID-funded project that CRS implements in collaboration with the Aga Khan Foundation, CARE and the International Rescue Committee.
http://www.crsprogramquality.org/2010/1 ... ghanistan/
*****
new AKF USA website
http://partnershipsinaction.org/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm1sj93h ... tube_gdata
*****
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Enhancing the Sustainability of Civil Society Institutions: Aga Khan Foundation's Approach
Dr. Mirza Jahani, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation USA, will lead this NGOs & Development study group session.
*
Location:
Belfer L-4 (ground floor)
*
Date:
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
*
Time:
4:00 PM
http://www.hks.harvard.edu/news-events/ ... s-approach
http://partnershipsinaction.org/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm1sj93h ... tube_gdata
*****
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Enhancing the Sustainability of Civil Society Institutions: Aga Khan Foundation's Approach
Dr. Mirza Jahani, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation USA, will lead this NGOs & Development study group session.
*
Location:
Belfer L-4 (ground floor)
*
Date:
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
*
Time:
4:00 PM
http://www.hks.harvard.edu/news-events/ ... s-approach
The CEO of AKF USA to speak at the 2011 Global Philanthropy Forum 10th Annual Conference
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/2 ... Conference
[/b]
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/2 ... Conference
[/b]
An interactive workshop on calligraphy in Houston, sponsored by His Highness The Aga Khan Council for the USA
Giving Calligraphy a Whirl & Getting Your Ommmmm On
By Craig Malisow, Wed., Apr. 27 2011 @ 10:33AM
Categories: Visual Arts
The Houston Arts Alliance will host an interactive workshop on calligraphy in religious expression May 22, featuring artists from Islamic, Jewish and Buddhist traditions.
Part of the Sacred Songs, Sacred Sites series, Calligraphy and the Call will offer attendees to give calligraphy a whirl (to use highly technical language) under the tutelage of four Houston-area calligraphers, including a Buddhist monk who believes the art form promotes "a calm and meditative state fundamental to Buddhism"; a Brazilian-born daughter of Holocaust survivors, who's known well in Houston's Jewish community for her Ketubbahs (Jewish wedding contracts); a Pakistan-born, self-taught calligrapher who practices in both Arabic and English; and a native Egyptian whose "interest in calligraphy was piqued by a teacher who told him that beautiful handwriting was a way of appreciating God."
Whether you want to appreciate God or just learn how to write real pretty-like, this workshop looks like another killer installment in the Sacred Songs series, which is the first major project of the Alliance's Folkslife & Traditional Arts program. Plus, it's free, thanks in part to the Houston Endowment, the National Endowment for the Arts, Sara and Bill Morgan, His Highness The Aga Khan Council for the USA, Humanities Texas and Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston.
Check the Alliance site for more information.
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/artattack ... graphy.php
Giving Calligraphy a Whirl & Getting Your Ommmmm On
By Craig Malisow, Wed., Apr. 27 2011 @ 10:33AM
Categories: Visual Arts
The Houston Arts Alliance will host an interactive workshop on calligraphy in religious expression May 22, featuring artists from Islamic, Jewish and Buddhist traditions.
Part of the Sacred Songs, Sacred Sites series, Calligraphy and the Call will offer attendees to give calligraphy a whirl (to use highly technical language) under the tutelage of four Houston-area calligraphers, including a Buddhist monk who believes the art form promotes "a calm and meditative state fundamental to Buddhism"; a Brazilian-born daughter of Holocaust survivors, who's known well in Houston's Jewish community for her Ketubbahs (Jewish wedding contracts); a Pakistan-born, self-taught calligrapher who practices in both Arabic and English; and a native Egyptian whose "interest in calligraphy was piqued by a teacher who told him that beautiful handwriting was a way of appreciating God."
Whether you want to appreciate God or just learn how to write real pretty-like, this workshop looks like another killer installment in the Sacred Songs series, which is the first major project of the Alliance's Folkslife & Traditional Arts program. Plus, it's free, thanks in part to the Houston Endowment, the National Endowment for the Arts, Sara and Bill Morgan, His Highness The Aga Khan Council for the USA, Humanities Texas and Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston.
Check the Alliance site for more information.
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/artattack ... graphy.php
GOLFERS TAKE SWING TO END GLOBAL POVERTY AT DALLAS-AREA GOLF TOURNAMENT
http://www.wfaa.com/younews/123410308.html
DALLAS, TEXAS, June 6, 2011. The fifth annual PartnershipsInAction Golf Tournament set a fundraising record when golfers and sponsors contributed about $225,000 toward the fight to end global poverty. 140 golfers participated in the tournament held on June 6 at the Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco, Texas.
PartnershipsInAction Golf is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) to raise awareness and funds that reduce hunger, disease, illiteracy and poverty in Africa and Asia. One hundred percent of donations and all net proceeds from the tournament go directly to projects supported by AKF USA; not a cent is spent on administration.
The tournament attracted high-level corporate executives, civic leaders and local celebrities. Sponsors included teams from Ben E. Keith, United Central Bank, Anheuser-Busch, Dr. Pepper, Andrews Distributing, Pepsi,
Comerica Bank, Chevron-Texaco, Capital One Bank, Coca Cola, Frito lay and more.
Winners of on-course contests, the Million Dollar Shootout and Helicopter Ball Drop received suite tickets to the Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants football game.
After the tournament, 238 golfers, sponsors and additional guests attended an evening program where they enjoyed live and silent auctions, a magic show and awards ceremony. Chris Arnold, game night Master of Ceremonies of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, hosted the evening program.
Mary Jalonick, President of the Dallas Foundation, remarked in her keynote speech, “Our organizations share the goal of improving lives and empowering people in specific places. Education is one of our top concerns, just as it is for the Aga Khan Foundation. And we believe, as Aga Khan agencies do, that we accomplish more when we work with partners to achieve our goals.”
Other special guests included Shawn Bhagat, President of the North Texas Trade Association, Phil Dyer, Mayor
of Plano; Lisa Sutter, Carrollton Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem; Pat Miner, Plano Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem; and Becky
Miller, former Mayor of Carrollton.
With over half of the world’s population living on less than $2 per day, golfers participating at this charity tournament help communities in some of the poorest areas of Africa and Asia create long-term, self-help solutions to lift themselves out of poverty. PartnershipsInAction Golf tournaments are held in eight major U.S. cities this year, and since 2007 more than 3,400 golfers have participated and raised funds for AKF USA.
AKF USA, established in 1981, is a private, non-denominational, not-for-profit international development organization committed to alleviating poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy. AKF USA works to address the root
causes of poverty by supporting and sharing innovative solutions in the areas of health, education, rural development, civil society, and the environment. AKF USA is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code.
AKF USA is part of the Aga Khan Development Network (www.akdn.org), a network of private, nondenominational, development agencies around the world, established by His Highness the Aga Khan to empower communities and individuals, often in disadvantaged circumstances, improve living conditions and opportunities.
The Network’s agencies work for the common good of all citizens, regardless of their gender, origin or religion and its underlying impulse is the ethic of compassion for the vulnerable in society.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Jameel Habib, AKF USA Volunteer Team for
North Texas Region
Phone: 817-946-9848
email: [email protected]
Ms. Martha Sipple, Communications & Public
Affairs Manager, AKF USA
phone: 202-293-2537 cell: 202-203-0838
email: [email protected]
http://www.wfaa.com/younews/123410308.html
DALLAS, TEXAS, June 6, 2011. The fifth annual PartnershipsInAction Golf Tournament set a fundraising record when golfers and sponsors contributed about $225,000 toward the fight to end global poverty. 140 golfers participated in the tournament held on June 6 at the Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco, Texas.
PartnershipsInAction Golf is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) to raise awareness and funds that reduce hunger, disease, illiteracy and poverty in Africa and Asia. One hundred percent of donations and all net proceeds from the tournament go directly to projects supported by AKF USA; not a cent is spent on administration.
The tournament attracted high-level corporate executives, civic leaders and local celebrities. Sponsors included teams from Ben E. Keith, United Central Bank, Anheuser-Busch, Dr. Pepper, Andrews Distributing, Pepsi,
Comerica Bank, Chevron-Texaco, Capital One Bank, Coca Cola, Frito lay and more.
Winners of on-course contests, the Million Dollar Shootout and Helicopter Ball Drop received suite tickets to the Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants football game.
After the tournament, 238 golfers, sponsors and additional guests attended an evening program where they enjoyed live and silent auctions, a magic show and awards ceremony. Chris Arnold, game night Master of Ceremonies of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, hosted the evening program.
Mary Jalonick, President of the Dallas Foundation, remarked in her keynote speech, “Our organizations share the goal of improving lives and empowering people in specific places. Education is one of our top concerns, just as it is for the Aga Khan Foundation. And we believe, as Aga Khan agencies do, that we accomplish more when we work with partners to achieve our goals.”
Other special guests included Shawn Bhagat, President of the North Texas Trade Association, Phil Dyer, Mayor
of Plano; Lisa Sutter, Carrollton Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem; Pat Miner, Plano Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem; and Becky
Miller, former Mayor of Carrollton.
With over half of the world’s population living on less than $2 per day, golfers participating at this charity tournament help communities in some of the poorest areas of Africa and Asia create long-term, self-help solutions to lift themselves out of poverty. PartnershipsInAction Golf tournaments are held in eight major U.S. cities this year, and since 2007 more than 3,400 golfers have participated and raised funds for AKF USA.
AKF USA, established in 1981, is a private, non-denominational, not-for-profit international development organization committed to alleviating poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy. AKF USA works to address the root
causes of poverty by supporting and sharing innovative solutions in the areas of health, education, rural development, civil society, and the environment. AKF USA is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code.
AKF USA is part of the Aga Khan Development Network (www.akdn.org), a network of private, nondenominational, development agencies around the world, established by His Highness the Aga Khan to empower communities and individuals, often in disadvantaged circumstances, improve living conditions and opportunities.
The Network’s agencies work for the common good of all citizens, regardless of their gender, origin or religion and its underlying impulse is the ethic of compassion for the vulnerable in society.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Jameel Habib, AKF USA Volunteer Team for
North Texas Region
Phone: 817-946-9848
email: [email protected]
Ms. Martha Sipple, Communications & Public
Affairs Manager, AKF USA
phone: 202-293-2537 cell: 202-203-0838
email: [email protected]
AKF USA Annual Report Released
Fri, 2011-07-15 07:00 — admin
Dear Friend of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A.,
It is with great pleasure that I announce the release of our 2010 Annual Report. It looks at the broad range of our work and focuses particular attention on early childhood development – which has been a mainstay of Aga Khan Foundation’s programming for nearly 20 years and is now increasingly seen as a vital ingredient for human development.
As described in the report, there are so many stories to tell of hope for young children and all people across Africa, Central and South Asia. The Aga Khan Foundation is inspiring a wide range of individuals to contribute to a better future, like Gul Hassan who is a wounded war veteran committed to teaching children in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, or mothers of kindergarten children in Kwale, Kenya who use micro credit loans to make their businesses turn a profit that pays for school fees.
With your support, girls in Afghanistan are again receiving a good education and villagers in southern Kenya are gaining the confidence to hold their local clinics more accountable and thereby, improve the quality of health care.
The 2010 Annual Report demonstrates the great strides made already with your generous support. We are so grateful for your interest and generosity. I encourage you to stay aware of our work via this website and www.akdn.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mirza Jahani
Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A.
http://partnershipsinaction.org/content ... t-released
Fri, 2011-07-15 07:00 — admin
Dear Friend of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A.,
It is with great pleasure that I announce the release of our 2010 Annual Report. It looks at the broad range of our work and focuses particular attention on early childhood development – which has been a mainstay of Aga Khan Foundation’s programming for nearly 20 years and is now increasingly seen as a vital ingredient for human development.
As described in the report, there are so many stories to tell of hope for young children and all people across Africa, Central and South Asia. The Aga Khan Foundation is inspiring a wide range of individuals to contribute to a better future, like Gul Hassan who is a wounded war veteran committed to teaching children in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, or mothers of kindergarten children in Kwale, Kenya who use micro credit loans to make their businesses turn a profit that pays for school fees.
With your support, girls in Afghanistan are again receiving a good education and villagers in southern Kenya are gaining the confidence to hold their local clinics more accountable and thereby, improve the quality of health care.
The 2010 Annual Report demonstrates the great strides made already with your generous support. We are so grateful for your interest and generosity. I encourage you to stay aware of our work via this website and www.akdn.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mirza Jahani
Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A.
http://partnershipsinaction.org/content ... t-released
Partnership Golf Chicago
Date: Friday, July 22, 2011
88 golfers took a swing at ending global poverty by raising over $83,000 in the fifth annual Chicago Partnership Golf tournament at the Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont, Illinois. Golfers not only raised money for people in need but also participated in a variety of fun challenges including a golf ball canon, putting, longest drive and hole-in-one contests as well as a silent auction.
Special guests included Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State; Robert (Bobby) Shilling, U.S. Representative, Illinois; Ron Sutter, Circuit Court Judge, DuPage County; and Alvin Bel, CEO of Big Pawn. Gaynor Hall, WGN-TV Reporter and CLTV Weekend Anchor, served as emcee for the luncheon program, and Joanne Trotter, Director of Programs for AKF USA was guest speaker.
This event has occurred. You may continue to make a donation toward this event below. For more information about the day's tournament, please contact Karim Khowaja, Project Manager by email at [email protected].
http://partnershipsinaction.org/content ... lf-chicago
Date: Friday, July 22, 2011
88 golfers took a swing at ending global poverty by raising over $83,000 in the fifth annual Chicago Partnership Golf tournament at the Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont, Illinois. Golfers not only raised money for people in need but also participated in a variety of fun challenges including a golf ball canon, putting, longest drive and hole-in-one contests as well as a silent auction.
Special guests included Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State; Robert (Bobby) Shilling, U.S. Representative, Illinois; Ron Sutter, Circuit Court Judge, DuPage County; and Alvin Bel, CEO of Big Pawn. Gaynor Hall, WGN-TV Reporter and CLTV Weekend Anchor, served as emcee for the luncheon program, and Joanne Trotter, Director of Programs for AKF USA was guest speaker.
This event has occurred. You may continue to make a donation toward this event below. For more information about the day's tournament, please contact Karim Khowaja, Project Manager by email at [email protected].
http://partnershipsinaction.org/content ... lf-chicago
Artful Thursday: High Notes
Thursday, Sep 15, 2011
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
FREE
Law Building
1001 Bissonnet Map & Directions
print mail
About
Presented by Hussein Rashid
Adjunct professor, Hofstra University; associate editor, Religion Dispatches
Up to thirty percent of the slaves brought to the United States from Africa were Muslim. They spoke and wrote Arabic, and carried a rich musical tradition. Centuries’ worth of Muslim instrumental and singing traditions were combined with those of other cultures encountered in the United States, eventually forming blues, jazz, rock, and hip-hop—uniquely American musical genres.
Billie Holiday’s wavy intonation has its roots in the muezzin’s call to prayer. The syncopated riffs and rhythms of blues guitar legend John Lee Hooker echo a traditional call-and-response, with painful lyrics about life, love, and faith. The be-bop and cool-jazz improvisations of John Coltrane are informed by numerous musical and meditative traditions, including those of Islam. Also indebted to this tradition are the folk rock of Steve Earle and the hip-hop of Mos Def. In this month’s Artful Thursday lecture, Hussein Rashid uses music to explore how the Muslim-American community has made a lasting cultural contribution to American music.
This Artful Thursday program is generously supported by His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for the Southwestern United States.
Artful Thursday programs receive generous funding from the Rockwell Fund. Promotional support is generously provided by Houston Public Radio—KUHF 88.7 FM & Classical 91.7 FM.
Admission is free and open to the public. A reception follows the program. Refreshments generously provided by the Buffalo Speedway Starbucks (corner of Buffalo Speedway and Westpark), Carla Everett, manager, and the Rice Village Starbucks, Jenna Ortiz, manager.
http://www.mfah.org/calendar/artful-thu ... otes/4718/
Thursday, Sep 15, 2011
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
FREE
Law Building
1001 Bissonnet Map & Directions
print mail
About
Presented by Hussein Rashid
Adjunct professor, Hofstra University; associate editor, Religion Dispatches
Up to thirty percent of the slaves brought to the United States from Africa were Muslim. They spoke and wrote Arabic, and carried a rich musical tradition. Centuries’ worth of Muslim instrumental and singing traditions were combined with those of other cultures encountered in the United States, eventually forming blues, jazz, rock, and hip-hop—uniquely American musical genres.
Billie Holiday’s wavy intonation has its roots in the muezzin’s call to prayer. The syncopated riffs and rhythms of blues guitar legend John Lee Hooker echo a traditional call-and-response, with painful lyrics about life, love, and faith. The be-bop and cool-jazz improvisations of John Coltrane are informed by numerous musical and meditative traditions, including those of Islam. Also indebted to this tradition are the folk rock of Steve Earle and the hip-hop of Mos Def. In this month’s Artful Thursday lecture, Hussein Rashid uses music to explore how the Muslim-American community has made a lasting cultural contribution to American music.
This Artful Thursday program is generously supported by His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for the Southwestern United States.
Artful Thursday programs receive generous funding from the Rockwell Fund. Promotional support is generously provided by Houston Public Radio—KUHF 88.7 FM & Classical 91.7 FM.
Admission is free and open to the public. A reception follows the program. Refreshments generously provided by the Buffalo Speedway Starbucks (corner of Buffalo Speedway and Westpark), Carla Everett, manager, and the Rice Village Starbucks, Jenna Ortiz, manager.
http://www.mfah.org/calendar/artful-thu ... otes/4718/
His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for the Southwestern United States sponsors "Everyday Art: The Islamic Impact on American Arts".
http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/mes/events/19038
http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/mes/events/19038
Glenview Isma'ili Muslim Community Prepares for Partnership Walk
Volunteerism in the Isma'ili community runs strong for the upcoming 13th annual Walk at Millennium Park.
http://glenview.patch.com/articles/glen ... rship-walk
Walk to End Global Poverty at Chicago PartnershipsInAction Walk
September 19, 2011
On September 18, 2011, over 2,400 walked to end global poverty by raising over $400,000 in the 17th annual Partnership Walk at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago.
http://partnershipsinaction.org/content ... ction-walk
Volunteerism in the Isma'ili community runs strong for the upcoming 13th annual Walk at Millennium Park.
http://glenview.patch.com/articles/glen ... rship-walk
Walk to End Global Poverty at Chicago PartnershipsInAction Walk
September 19, 2011
On September 18, 2011, over 2,400 walked to end global poverty by raising over $400,000 in the 17th annual Partnership Walk at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago.
http://partnershipsinaction.org/content ... ction-walk
Partnership Walk San Francisco
Date: Sunday, October 9, 2011
Location: Central Park, Lake Elizabeth, Fremont, CA
Join over 800 participants for Partnership Walk at Central Park in Fremont and demonstrate your support for ending global poverty.
Distinguished guests and guest speakers include:
Dr. Ken Wilson, Executive Director, the Christensen Fund (Keynote Speaker)
Cassie Doyle, Consul General of Canada in Northern California (Guest Speaker
Representative from the office of U.S. Congressman Mike Honda
Andrae G. Macapinlac, Senior Field Representative from the office of California State Assemblyman Bob Weickowski
Ash Kalra, San Jose Council Member
Anu Natarajan, Fremont City Council member
Mayor Jose Esteves, Milpitas
Dennis Graham, Milpitas Police Chief
Brian Sturdivant, Milpitas Fire Chief
Come join us this year for another day of learning activities, fundraising and culturally diverse performances! Want to volunteer for this event? Sign up here.
*****
Partnership Walk Memphis
Date: Sunday, October 9, 2011
Location: Tom Lee Park, Memphis TN
Join over 2,400 participants for this years Partnership Walk at Tom Lee Park in Memphis and demonstrate your support for ending global poverty.
Distinguished Guests include:
Mayor A.C. Wharton, Memphis. Keynote Speaker
http://partnershipsinaction.org/content ... lk-memphis
Date: Sunday, October 9, 2011
Location: Central Park, Lake Elizabeth, Fremont, CA
Join over 800 participants for Partnership Walk at Central Park in Fremont and demonstrate your support for ending global poverty.
Distinguished guests and guest speakers include:
Dr. Ken Wilson, Executive Director, the Christensen Fund (Keynote Speaker)
Cassie Doyle, Consul General of Canada in Northern California (Guest Speaker
Representative from the office of U.S. Congressman Mike Honda
Andrae G. Macapinlac, Senior Field Representative from the office of California State Assemblyman Bob Weickowski
Ash Kalra, San Jose Council Member
Anu Natarajan, Fremont City Council member
Mayor Jose Esteves, Milpitas
Dennis Graham, Milpitas Police Chief
Brian Sturdivant, Milpitas Fire Chief
Come join us this year for another day of learning activities, fundraising and culturally diverse performances! Want to volunteer for this event? Sign up here.
*****
Partnership Walk Memphis
Date: Sunday, October 9, 2011
Location: Tom Lee Park, Memphis TN
Join over 2,400 participants for this years Partnership Walk at Tom Lee Park in Memphis and demonstrate your support for ending global poverty.
Distinguished Guests include:
Mayor A.C. Wharton, Memphis. Keynote Speaker
http://partnershipsinaction.org/content ... lk-memphis
Partnership Walk in Fremont raises $200,000
Fremont Bulletin Staff
Posted: 10/13/2011 03:35:01 PM PDT
Click photo to enlarge
More than 1,000 Bay Area residents walked to end global poverty in the annual Partnership Walk at Central Park in Fremont Sunday.
The San Francisco Partnership Walk is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A to raise awareness and funds that reduce poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health in Africa and Asia.
Sunday's walk raised more than $200,000, according to organizers, with 100 percent of the funds going directly to projects sponsored by the foundation.
Many special guests and civic leaders attended the walk, including Dr. Ken Wilson, executive director of the Christensen Fund, who gave the keynote speech during the opening ceremonies.
"Over the last 20 years I have had repeated opportunities to see the work that the Aga Khan Foundation and its sister organizations have been doing in Africa, in Central Asia and the Middle East," he said. "It is inspiring work.... It starts and ends with people. It starts with all the volunteers that we see today. It is work that is driven by the passion of people. It values the people themselves in the communities, valuing their knowledge, creativity, heritage and culture as assets and helps them build new institutions that start from their strength, passion and values."
http://www.mercurynews.com/fremont/ci_19107002
*****
Partnership Walk Birmingham
Date: Sunday, October 16, 2011
Location: Railroad Park, Birmingham AL
Join over 1,900 participants in Partnership Walk at Railroad Park in Birmingham, Alabama and demonstrate you support for ending global poverty. Distinguished guests and guest speakers include:
Honorable Mayor William A. Bell, Sr.
Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman
Councilors from the City of Birmingham will be in attendance
Come join us this year for another day of learning activities, fundraising and culturally diverse performances!
http://partnershipsinaction.org/content ... birmingham
17th Annual Partnership Walk raises $250,000
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Birmingham's 2011 Partnership walk raised $250,000 for the Aga Khan Foundation to support efforts in Asia and Africa, according to AKF USA volunteer Salima Mulji. It also featured cultural exhibitions and examples of how the charity changes lives in developing nations.
"This event is to raise funds and awareness for the projects that the Aga Khan Foundation has in third world countries, to raise the quality of life of people in the villages of Asia and Africa. For example: electricity, poverty, health, micro-financing, they build infrastructure so that people can help themselves," said Mulji.
http://www.cbs42.com/content/localnews/ ... w9Vqw.cspx
Fremont Bulletin Staff
Posted: 10/13/2011 03:35:01 PM PDT
Click photo to enlarge
More than 1,000 Bay Area residents walked to end global poverty in the annual Partnership Walk at Central Park in Fremont Sunday.
The San Francisco Partnership Walk is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A to raise awareness and funds that reduce poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health in Africa and Asia.
Sunday's walk raised more than $200,000, according to organizers, with 100 percent of the funds going directly to projects sponsored by the foundation.
Many special guests and civic leaders attended the walk, including Dr. Ken Wilson, executive director of the Christensen Fund, who gave the keynote speech during the opening ceremonies.
"Over the last 20 years I have had repeated opportunities to see the work that the Aga Khan Foundation and its sister organizations have been doing in Africa, in Central Asia and the Middle East," he said. "It is inspiring work.... It starts and ends with people. It starts with all the volunteers that we see today. It is work that is driven by the passion of people. It values the people themselves in the communities, valuing their knowledge, creativity, heritage and culture as assets and helps them build new institutions that start from their strength, passion and values."
http://www.mercurynews.com/fremont/ci_19107002
*****
Partnership Walk Birmingham
Date: Sunday, October 16, 2011
Location: Railroad Park, Birmingham AL
Join over 1,900 participants in Partnership Walk at Railroad Park in Birmingham, Alabama and demonstrate you support for ending global poverty. Distinguished guests and guest speakers include:
Honorable Mayor William A. Bell, Sr.
Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman
Councilors from the City of Birmingham will be in attendance
Come join us this year for another day of learning activities, fundraising and culturally diverse performances!
http://partnershipsinaction.org/content ... birmingham
17th Annual Partnership Walk raises $250,000
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Birmingham's 2011 Partnership walk raised $250,000 for the Aga Khan Foundation to support efforts in Asia and Africa, according to AKF USA volunteer Salima Mulji. It also featured cultural exhibitions and examples of how the charity changes lives in developing nations.
"This event is to raise funds and awareness for the projects that the Aga Khan Foundation has in third world countries, to raise the quality of life of people in the villages of Asia and Africa. For example: electricity, poverty, health, micro-financing, they build infrastructure so that people can help themselves," said Mulji.
http://www.cbs42.com/content/localnews/ ... w9Vqw.cspx
WALK TO END GLOBAL POVERTY AT ATLANTA PARTNERSHIPSINACTION WALK !
From Snellville, Georgia
First Posted: 10/20/2011 12:56:25 AM | Last Updated: 10/20/2011 12:46:56 PM
Over 7,000 are expected to walk to end global poverty in the 17th annual Partnership Walk at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. The Atlanta Partnership Walk is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A (AKF USA) to raise awareness and funds that reduce poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health in Africa and Asia.
Atlanta’s 2010 Walk raised over $1,300,000 and is expected to raise more this year. 100% of the funds raised at Partnership Walk go directly to projects sponsored by the Foundation; not a cent is spent on administration.
http://www.ourtown.com/snellvillega/art ... -walk.html
From Snellville, Georgia
First Posted: 10/20/2011 12:56:25 AM | Last Updated: 10/20/2011 12:46:56 PM
Over 7,000 are expected to walk to end global poverty in the 17th annual Partnership Walk at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. The Atlanta Partnership Walk is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A (AKF USA) to raise awareness and funds that reduce poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health in Africa and Asia.
Atlanta’s 2010 Walk raised over $1,300,000 and is expected to raise more this year. 100% of the funds raised at Partnership Walk go directly to projects sponsored by the Foundation; not a cent is spent on administration.
http://www.ourtown.com/snellvillega/art ... -walk.html
Annual walk at Lake Eola takes on poverty
More than 3,000 people are expected to gather in downtown Orlando's Lake Eola Park on Sunday as part of an annual effort to make poverty a thing of the past.
The 17th annual Partnership Walk aims to raise awareness and money to fight poverty and hunger in Africa and Asia, according to the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A., which oversees the initiative.
More...
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/loc ... 8186.story
*****
'Walk to end poverty' draws 1,800 to annual event
More than 1,800 people walked around Lake Eola Park on Sunday during the 17th annual event aimed at ending global poverty, officials said.
The "Partnership Walk," sponsored by the Aga Khan Foundation USA, raised more than $200,000 to fight poverty and hunger in Asia and Africa, according to spokeswoman Martha Sipple.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/loc ... 5835.story
More than 3,000 people are expected to gather in downtown Orlando's Lake Eola Park on Sunday as part of an annual effort to make poverty a thing of the past.
The 17th annual Partnership Walk aims to raise awareness and money to fight poverty and hunger in Africa and Asia, according to the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A., which oversees the initiative.
More...
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/loc ... 8186.story
*****
'Walk to end poverty' draws 1,800 to annual event
More than 1,800 people walked around Lake Eola Park on Sunday during the 17th annual event aimed at ending global poverty, officials said.
The "Partnership Walk," sponsored by the Aga Khan Foundation USA, raised more than $200,000 to fight poverty and hunger in Asia and Africa, according to spokeswoman Martha Sipple.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/loc ... 5835.story
Aga Khan Council for Northern Texas collaborates to organize forum on Islamic Art and Culture
http://www.theshorthorn.com/index.php/n ... rum-at-uta
Excerpt:
A forum designed to portray cultural links through symbols in Islamic art will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Every semester, the Art and Art History Department hosts a forum in collaboration with the Aga Khan Council for Northern Texas, a social governance structure for the Ismaili Muslim community. This semester, the forum will focus on symbols used by Islamic kings in the pre-modern era, a time period toward the end of the 20th century.
*****
http://www.theshorthorn.com/index.php/n ... rum-at-uta
Excerpt:
A forum designed to portray cultural links through symbols in Islamic art will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Every semester, the Art and Art History Department hosts a forum in collaboration with the Aga Khan Council for Northern Texas, a social governance structure for the Ismaili Muslim community. This semester, the forum will focus on symbols used by Islamic kings in the pre-modern era, a time period toward the end of the 20th century.
*****
AKF joins in compilation of a report on community philanthropy
Excerpt:
"There is a need for the development community to see local people as actors and donors rather than as beneficiaries, says a new report on community philanthropy.
Community philanthropy is not often heard of in international development. And in the report, ”The Value of Community Philanthropy: Results of a Consultation,” a joint effort by the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, people wonder how different it is from the work of nongovernmental organizations."
http://www.devex.com/en/blogs/the-devel ... ilanthropy
Excerpt:
"There is a need for the development community to see local people as actors and donors rather than as beneficiaries, says a new report on community philanthropy.
Community philanthropy is not often heard of in international development. And in the report, ”The Value of Community Philanthropy: Results of a Consultation,” a joint effort by the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, people wonder how different it is from the work of nongovernmental organizations."
http://www.devex.com/en/blogs/the-devel ... ilanthropy
Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Release Report on the Role of Community Philanthropy in Civil Society and Aid Effectiveness
http://www.interaction.org/document/aga ... ommunity-p
Community philanthropy seen on upswing
http://www.philanthropyjournal.org/news ... en-upswing
http://www.interaction.org/document/aga ... ommunity-p
Community philanthropy seen on upswing
http://www.philanthropyjournal.org/news ... en-upswing
Last edited by kmaherali on Tue Apr 17, 2012 6:56 am, edited 1 time in total.
Community Philanthropy: It’s Not Just for the Wealthy Anymore – NPQ – Nonprofit Quarterly
Excerpt:
"In 2011, the Aga Khan Foundation and the C.S. Mott Foundation sponsored a series of roundtables or consultations in Washington, D.C. Johannesburg, and Dhaka. Philanthropic experts and community activists explored how to stimulate and develop community philanthropy, but the theme wasn’t the usual laser focus on simply amassing more money. As the report by CENTRIS consultant Barry Knight explains, the emphasis was on community philanthropy “as a means of contributing to the sustainability of civil society and supporting the effectiveness of development aid.” "
http://www.nonprofitquarterly.org/phila ... ymore.html
Excerpt:
"In 2011, the Aga Khan Foundation and the C.S. Mott Foundation sponsored a series of roundtables or consultations in Washington, D.C. Johannesburg, and Dhaka. Philanthropic experts and community activists explored how to stimulate and develop community philanthropy, but the theme wasn’t the usual laser focus on simply amassing more money. As the report by CENTRIS consultant Barry Knight explains, the emphasis was on community philanthropy “as a means of contributing to the sustainability of civil society and supporting the effectiveness of development aid.” "
http://www.nonprofitquarterly.org/phila ... ymore.html
AKF member of global coalition providing new approach to address the needs of children and their caregivers affected by HIV/AIDS, including in-home coaching sessions
http://www.savethechildren.org/site/app ... 01¬oc=1
Excerpt:
*Members of the global coalition include: Action for Children, ADEA, Aga Khan Foundation, AIR, AMANI, Bernard Van Leer, Brookings Institute, CARE, California Polytechnical State University, Catholic Relief Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Child Fund, CIFF, Consultative Group for Early Childhood Development, Covance, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, ELMA, Episcopal Relief and Development, FHI 360, Firelight Foundation, FXB, GBC Health, Georgia State University, Global Partnership for Education, Handicap International, Harvard Center for the Developing Child, Harvard University, Health and Human Services, Hesperian Foundation, ICF & Associates, John Snow International, Long Island University, Management Sciences for Health, Merck, Oak Foundation, Office of the Global AIDS Council, Pact, PATH, Peace Corps, Plan USA, Population Council, Public Law 10995 (US Government Secretariat for Orphans and Vulnerable Children), REPSSI,Royal Free University College of London, Salvation Army, Save the Children, Spark Center, UNC Frank Porter Graham Center, UNICEF, UNESCO, University Research Company, USAID, Winrock, World Bank and World Vision International.
http://www.savethechildren.org/site/app ... 01¬oc=1
Excerpt:
*Members of the global coalition include: Action for Children, ADEA, Aga Khan Foundation, AIR, AMANI, Bernard Van Leer, Brookings Institute, CARE, California Polytechnical State University, Catholic Relief Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Child Fund, CIFF, Consultative Group for Early Childhood Development, Covance, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, ELMA, Episcopal Relief and Development, FHI 360, Firelight Foundation, FXB, GBC Health, Georgia State University, Global Partnership for Education, Handicap International, Harvard Center for the Developing Child, Harvard University, Health and Human Services, Hesperian Foundation, ICF & Associates, John Snow International, Long Island University, Management Sciences for Health, Merck, Oak Foundation, Office of the Global AIDS Council, Pact, PATH, Peace Corps, Plan USA, Population Council, Public Law 10995 (US Government Secretariat for Orphans and Vulnerable Children), REPSSI,Royal Free University College of London, Salvation Army, Save the Children, Spark Center, UNC Frank Porter Graham Center, UNICEF, UNESCO, University Research Company, USAID, Winrock, World Bank and World Vision International.
AKF US a recipient of The Coca-Cola Foundation grant
The Coca-Cola Foundation Awards $26 Million to 85 Global Organizations During First Quarter 2012
Funding Supports Global Efforts To Create Sustainable Communities
Excerpt:
Aga Khan Foundation USA, Economic Development And Education Opportunities For Youth In Kyrgyzstan And Afghanistan, benefiting more than 12,000 students, youth entrepreneurs, teachers and farmers through support of entrepreneurial and education programs, Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan, $200,000.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/2 ... -85-Global
The Coca-Cola Foundation Awards $26 Million to 85 Global Organizations During First Quarter 2012
Funding Supports Global Efforts To Create Sustainable Communities
Excerpt:
Aga Khan Foundation USA, Economic Development And Education Opportunities For Youth In Kyrgyzstan And Afghanistan, benefiting more than 12,000 students, youth entrepreneurs, teachers and farmers through support of entrepreneurial and education programs, Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan, $200,000.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/2 ... -85-Global
2011 Annual Report Release
Thu, 2012-06-21 21:07 — admin
It is with great pleasure that I share our 2011 Annual Report, which offers a glimpse into lives touched by the Aga Khan Foundation’s work in Asia and Africa. In the past we have shown how the Aga Khan Foundation has inspired people to create a better future. This year we turn that around and share stories of our local partners who inspire us by their courage and willingness to invest in their communities.
You will find the story of a woman farmer in Mali who faced a hard choice and learned new skills that brought market opportunities to her village and better nutrition to her family. There is also the story of the young Afghan man who returned to help communities reduce their risk and vulnerability to natural disaster.
We take courage from the teacher in Kenya who recovered from the double blow of losing her husband and her job, and who found meaning by starting a school for disadvantaged children that Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. is happy to support. And we are moved by the mother in Pakistan who, after losing her daughter, became a champion for helping women and children. Their examples fortify us to pursue our shared goal of ending poverty through education, skills and self-reliance.
The Annual Report demonstrates the great strides that your generosity has made possible. We are so grateful for your support and engagement. I invite you to find additional inspiring stories on this website and www.akdn.org/usa.asp.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mirza Jahani
http://www.partnershipsinaction.org/con ... rt-release
Thu, 2012-06-21 21:07 — admin
It is with great pleasure that I share our 2011 Annual Report, which offers a glimpse into lives touched by the Aga Khan Foundation’s work in Asia and Africa. In the past we have shown how the Aga Khan Foundation has inspired people to create a better future. This year we turn that around and share stories of our local partners who inspire us by their courage and willingness to invest in their communities.
You will find the story of a woman farmer in Mali who faced a hard choice and learned new skills that brought market opportunities to her village and better nutrition to her family. There is also the story of the young Afghan man who returned to help communities reduce their risk and vulnerability to natural disaster.
We take courage from the teacher in Kenya who recovered from the double blow of losing her husband and her job, and who found meaning by starting a school for disadvantaged children that Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. is happy to support. And we are moved by the mother in Pakistan who, after losing her daughter, became a champion for helping women and children. Their examples fortify us to pursue our shared goal of ending poverty through education, skills and self-reliance.
The Annual Report demonstrates the great strides that your generosity has made possible. We are so grateful for your support and engagement. I invite you to find additional inspiring stories on this website and www.akdn.org/usa.asp.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mirza Jahani
http://www.partnershipsinaction.org/con ... rt-release