Bharazi, pancakes and eggs, oh my!
The 23rd annual Ismaili Muslim Stampede breakfast left people with full bellies and big smiles on Saturday, July 6 at the Jamatkhana Centre in the city's northeast. The breakfast featured the traditional east African side dish Bharazi, which contains pigeon peas in coconut sauce, as well as eggs and pancakes.
From the 4 a.m. start of the prepping of the Chai tea and Bharazi to the entertainment and feeding of thousands of people, the Ismaili Muslim community did not disappoint! Watch our video below for a behind-the-scenes experience of the work that goes in to putting on a Stampede breakfast.
Video and more...
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/ ... -1.5203943
BRIDGE-BUILDING AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
Lunch and Learn at the Ismaili Jamatkhana Albuquerque, New Mexico
A Lunch and Learn event to facilitate knowledge exchange between the Ismaili community and public officials was organized by the Ismaili Council for the Central US at Albuquerque Jamatkhana on April 13, 2019. Ismaili value systems that unify the Jamat globally and the ethics of service in our faith were shared with the guests.
Numerous officials from the federal, state and city attended, including United States Congresswoman Debra Haaland, New Mexico State Auditor Brian S. Colon, representatives from Albuquerque Police Department, representatitves from the FBI, representative from the Office of United States Senator Tom Udall, and United States Congressman Ben Ray Lujan.
The role of the Imamat and its history were explained, as well as the projects of the Aga Khan Development Network in improving the quality of life of the Jamat, and the communities among whom they live. During the discussion, guests and the Ismaili Council also learned about the needs of the city and how they impact various government initiatives. Areas where our I-CERV volunteers may assist were explored along with possible future opportunities to hold collaborative events.
The event created a deeper understanding of the values we offer as a community, and allowed the guests to gain a better understanding of the Jamat in Albuquerque. After the event, the attendees were given a tour of the Jamatkhana where aspects of our tariqa were explained.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/usa/lunch-and-learn ... new-mexico
A Lunch and Learn event to facilitate knowledge exchange between the Ismaili community and public officials was organized by the Ismaili Council for the Central US at Albuquerque Jamatkhana on April 13, 2019. Ismaili value systems that unify the Jamat globally and the ethics of service in our faith were shared with the guests.
Numerous officials from the federal, state and city attended, including United States Congresswoman Debra Haaland, New Mexico State Auditor Brian S. Colon, representatives from Albuquerque Police Department, representatitves from the FBI, representative from the Office of United States Senator Tom Udall, and United States Congressman Ben Ray Lujan.
The role of the Imamat and its history were explained, as well as the projects of the Aga Khan Development Network in improving the quality of life of the Jamat, and the communities among whom they live. During the discussion, guests and the Ismaili Council also learned about the needs of the city and how they impact various government initiatives. Areas where our I-CERV volunteers may assist were explored along with possible future opportunities to hold collaborative events.
The event created a deeper understanding of the values we offer as a community, and allowed the guests to gain a better understanding of the Jamat in Albuquerque. After the event, the attendees were given a tour of the Jamatkhana where aspects of our tariqa were explained.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/usa/lunch-and-learn ... new-mexico
Ismaili Jamatkhanas in Greater Atlanta Host Elected Officials
Ismaili Jamatkhanas foster an appreciation of pluralism and serve as a perfect venue for sharing the Ismaili Muslim identity and community values with the greater community. Events hosted at the Jamatkhana stimulate the intellect, encourage dialogue, and celebrate cultural diversity in the Greater Atlanta Area. They are often also used to host government and community leaders to enhance relations and find pathways for civic engagement.
United States Senator for Georgia, David Alfred Perdue Jr., recently visited the Atlanta Ismaili Jamatkhana in Decatur and was welcomed by leaders of the local Ismaili community for a luncheon. He enjoyed a tour of the Jamatkhana space and called the visit a “connection of spirits.”
The value that the Ismaili community and the Aga Khan Development Network places on the intellect and education resonated particularly strongly with Senator Perdue, as his mother is a school teacher.
Before diving into politics, Senator Perdue was a Fortune 500 CEO and his work often took him around the globe. During one such trip, he stayed at the Serena Hotel in Lahore and was pleasantly surprised to learn that the hotel falls under the Aga Khan Development Network’s arm for economic development.
The Jamatkhana in Norcross, Georgia, separately hosted Gwinnett County Commissioner Ben Ku. Commissioner Ku was recently elected to the office, and while he had previously visited the Jamatkhana for a candidate forum, he used this visit as an opportunity to learn more about the Ismaili community that resides in his district. Commissioner Ku is a grandson of Chinese immigrants and one of his goals is to ensure that minority voices are heard in local governments. He joined Ismaili community leaders in a discussion on how to better engage citizens from diverse backgrounds into leadership positions and boards within the county.
Photos:
https://the.ismaili/usa/jamatkhanas-gre ... rce=Direct
******
Coral Springs Commissioner Candidates Meet and Greet at Fort Lauderdale Jamatkhana
In a Meet and Greet event hosted in the Ft. Lauderdale Jamatkhana, attendees had an opportunity to have their voices heard by the six candidates running for the position of Coral Springs Commissioner Seat 2. The event included an audience of Jamati and other community members.
“This is the second successful event,” said Sameer Chagani, Project Manager for the civic engagement events. This event allowed the Jamati members to engage in dialog with the candidates and understand what the candidates bring to the table and vice-versa. After listening to the candidates’ speeches, event attendees are now in a position to make better and more informed decisions.
“We have to first understand what our civic duty is. Once we understand that, we can then become ambassadors to other Jamati [members].” Highlighting these values of civic engagement is Nayela Giga, council member for the Capacity Development and Community Building Team, and part of the organizing team for these events. With recent events organized, the Jamat has become a recognized element of the social, cultural, economic, and educational landscape. Events such as this help bridge the gaps between communities and allow us to improve the quality of life of all people.
Both Sameer and Nayela noted the positive response received from the Jamat. “[There is] such great support for this type of initiative, a great opportunity for them to get involved with who is going to be the next leader in our local government.” Events like this encourage conversation and involvement in moving towards a more pluralistic society.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/usa/coral-springs-c ... jamatkhana
*****
Celebrating and Showing Gratitude
“It gives you a feeling that nothing else can really give you, it gives you a different type of joy. You see what you’re doing and how that is helping the community,” says Maha Jalia, a university student and member of the Atlanta I-CERV team.
During the winter holidays, over 200 I-CERV (Ismaili Community Engaged in Responsible Volunteering) volunteers collaborated with multiple food banks across the Southeast region including Second Harvest Food Bank in Knoxville, Mid-South Food Bank in Memphis, Midwest Food Bank in Peachtree City, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank in Nashville, and the Memphis Interfaith: Meal Packing – Rise Against Hunger event, integrating service into the tradition of holiday celebration.
Volunteers of all ages sorted through roughly 11,000 items, discarded 1,000 pounds of food, and donated 7,895 meals to the community at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The food was sorted, packaged, and distributed to over 600 non-profit agencies through the Atlanta Community Food Bank Network.
Amisa Jiwani, a 19-year-old student shares her experience, “It is amazing to see how much of a difference can be made in such a short amount of time. Watching the Jamat come together to help the Atlanta community is an empowering experience.” She added, “this experience was enlightening for me, and I would like to believe for all the volunteers as well because it exposes us to the vulnerable populations in our own neighborhoods.”
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/usa/celebrating-and ... -gratitude
Ismaili Jamatkhanas foster an appreciation of pluralism and serve as a perfect venue for sharing the Ismaili Muslim identity and community values with the greater community. Events hosted at the Jamatkhana stimulate the intellect, encourage dialogue, and celebrate cultural diversity in the Greater Atlanta Area. They are often also used to host government and community leaders to enhance relations and find pathways for civic engagement.
United States Senator for Georgia, David Alfred Perdue Jr., recently visited the Atlanta Ismaili Jamatkhana in Decatur and was welcomed by leaders of the local Ismaili community for a luncheon. He enjoyed a tour of the Jamatkhana space and called the visit a “connection of spirits.”
The value that the Ismaili community and the Aga Khan Development Network places on the intellect and education resonated particularly strongly with Senator Perdue, as his mother is a school teacher.
Before diving into politics, Senator Perdue was a Fortune 500 CEO and his work often took him around the globe. During one such trip, he stayed at the Serena Hotel in Lahore and was pleasantly surprised to learn that the hotel falls under the Aga Khan Development Network’s arm for economic development.
The Jamatkhana in Norcross, Georgia, separately hosted Gwinnett County Commissioner Ben Ku. Commissioner Ku was recently elected to the office, and while he had previously visited the Jamatkhana for a candidate forum, he used this visit as an opportunity to learn more about the Ismaili community that resides in his district. Commissioner Ku is a grandson of Chinese immigrants and one of his goals is to ensure that minority voices are heard in local governments. He joined Ismaili community leaders in a discussion on how to better engage citizens from diverse backgrounds into leadership positions and boards within the county.
Photos:
https://the.ismaili/usa/jamatkhanas-gre ... rce=Direct
******
Coral Springs Commissioner Candidates Meet and Greet at Fort Lauderdale Jamatkhana
In a Meet and Greet event hosted in the Ft. Lauderdale Jamatkhana, attendees had an opportunity to have their voices heard by the six candidates running for the position of Coral Springs Commissioner Seat 2. The event included an audience of Jamati and other community members.
“This is the second successful event,” said Sameer Chagani, Project Manager for the civic engagement events. This event allowed the Jamati members to engage in dialog with the candidates and understand what the candidates bring to the table and vice-versa. After listening to the candidates’ speeches, event attendees are now in a position to make better and more informed decisions.
“We have to first understand what our civic duty is. Once we understand that, we can then become ambassadors to other Jamati [members].” Highlighting these values of civic engagement is Nayela Giga, council member for the Capacity Development and Community Building Team, and part of the organizing team for these events. With recent events organized, the Jamat has become a recognized element of the social, cultural, economic, and educational landscape. Events such as this help bridge the gaps between communities and allow us to improve the quality of life of all people.
Both Sameer and Nayela noted the positive response received from the Jamat. “[There is] such great support for this type of initiative, a great opportunity for them to get involved with who is going to be the next leader in our local government.” Events like this encourage conversation and involvement in moving towards a more pluralistic society.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/usa/coral-springs-c ... jamatkhana
*****
Celebrating and Showing Gratitude
“It gives you a feeling that nothing else can really give you, it gives you a different type of joy. You see what you’re doing and how that is helping the community,” says Maha Jalia, a university student and member of the Atlanta I-CERV team.
During the winter holidays, over 200 I-CERV (Ismaili Community Engaged in Responsible Volunteering) volunteers collaborated with multiple food banks across the Southeast region including Second Harvest Food Bank in Knoxville, Mid-South Food Bank in Memphis, Midwest Food Bank in Peachtree City, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank in Nashville, and the Memphis Interfaith: Meal Packing – Rise Against Hunger event, integrating service into the tradition of holiday celebration.
Volunteers of all ages sorted through roughly 11,000 items, discarded 1,000 pounds of food, and donated 7,895 meals to the community at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The food was sorted, packaged, and distributed to over 600 non-profit agencies through the Atlanta Community Food Bank Network.
Amisa Jiwani, a 19-year-old student shares her experience, “It is amazing to see how much of a difference can be made in such a short amount of time. Watching the Jamat come together to help the Atlanta community is an empowering experience.” She added, “this experience was enlightening for me, and I would like to believe for all the volunteers as well because it exposes us to the vulnerable populations in our own neighborhoods.”
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/usa/celebrating-and ... -gratitude
Celebration of Independence Day through Civic Engagement
Ismailis celebrated Independence Day throughout Pakistan by fulfilling their civic duties for the betterment of the country.
The Ismaili community celebrated the 73rd Independence Day of Pakistan with inclusiveness and enthusiasm throughout the country. Young volunteers to senior leaders of the Jamat were all seen participating in activities commencing with an early morning flag hoisting ceremony followed by plantation and cleanliness drives, visits to care for the sick and celebrations with the elderly.
Girl Guides in Booni, Upper Chitral visited patients in the hospital where they shared special gifts with patients to mark Independence Day. In Karimabad, Karachi, Scouts and Guides celebrated alongside the elderly in the Senior Citizens Home.
“Caring for patients in hospitals, cleaning the local community areas, placing dustbins and arranging a plantation drive through Girl Guides has provided us with an opportunity to practice our values as Pakistanis,” expressed Feroza Bibi from Upper Chitral.
Celebrations were also held at the Senior Citizen Home in Karachi where scouts, as well as the local band, entertained seniors.
In various parts of the country, the Jamat participated in new plantation and cleanliness drives by collecting trash and placing dustbins.
Scouts in Gilgit and Hunza visited the graveyard of martyrs to pay tribute for their services to Pakistan. While in Ishkoman Puniyal, celebration walks were organised to share messages of civic responsibilities and express love for the country.
Commenting on the occasion, Hafiz Sherali, President, Ismaili Council for Pakistan highlighted that, “the responsibility of civic duty and volunteerism is a legacy of the 1400 years of the Ismaili Imamat. The contribution in Pakistan began with the endeavours of Imam Sultan Mahomed Shah that has been carried forward by Mawlana Hazar Imam in improving the quality of life of the people through world-class education and health care, economic development and preservation of culture and heritage.”
Today, the Ismaili community celebrated the 73rd Independence Day of Pakistan with the vision set forth in 1947.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/pakistan/celebratio ... rce=Direct
Ismailis celebrated Independence Day throughout Pakistan by fulfilling their civic duties for the betterment of the country.
The Ismaili community celebrated the 73rd Independence Day of Pakistan with inclusiveness and enthusiasm throughout the country. Young volunteers to senior leaders of the Jamat were all seen participating in activities commencing with an early morning flag hoisting ceremony followed by plantation and cleanliness drives, visits to care for the sick and celebrations with the elderly.
Girl Guides in Booni, Upper Chitral visited patients in the hospital where they shared special gifts with patients to mark Independence Day. In Karimabad, Karachi, Scouts and Guides celebrated alongside the elderly in the Senior Citizens Home.
“Caring for patients in hospitals, cleaning the local community areas, placing dustbins and arranging a plantation drive through Girl Guides has provided us with an opportunity to practice our values as Pakistanis,” expressed Feroza Bibi from Upper Chitral.
Celebrations were also held at the Senior Citizen Home in Karachi where scouts, as well as the local band, entertained seniors.
In various parts of the country, the Jamat participated in new plantation and cleanliness drives by collecting trash and placing dustbins.
Scouts in Gilgit and Hunza visited the graveyard of martyrs to pay tribute for their services to Pakistan. While in Ishkoman Puniyal, celebration walks were organised to share messages of civic responsibilities and express love for the country.
Commenting on the occasion, Hafiz Sherali, President, Ismaili Council for Pakistan highlighted that, “the responsibility of civic duty and volunteerism is a legacy of the 1400 years of the Ismaili Imamat. The contribution in Pakistan began with the endeavours of Imam Sultan Mahomed Shah that has been carried forward by Mawlana Hazar Imam in improving the quality of life of the people through world-class education and health care, economic development and preservation of culture and heritage.”
Today, the Ismaili community celebrated the 73rd Independence Day of Pakistan with the vision set forth in 1947.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/pakistan/celebratio ... rce=Direct
Outreach, Youth and Communications Teams work in Synergy on Eid al-Adha
About 800 Orphans from Kasangati Orphans Fund Society (KOFS) which is in Kawanda in Kawempe division, Kampala were provided a meal, drinks and biscuits on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. The Orphanage doubles as a school and Mosque within the same location and is probably the biggest orphanage in the country receiving children from as far as Sudan.
Eid al-Adha is an occasion to reflect on the kindness and compassion of the Prophets and the event is at the heart of the Abrahamic tradition. It also highlights on our common humanity and a common ethical heritage, which is shared among Muslims, Christians and Jews alike.
Sheikh Sulaiman Kiberu, the executive director of KOFS appreciated the Ismaili community’s repeated acts of good will and contributions and said that they survive on such donations. He also commented that the Ismaili community’s generosity of spirit has motivated others in society to give to the Orphanage.
The President of the National Council for Uganda said that “service to society is an important part of our Ismaili Muslim tradition and such occasions present opportunities for giving resources and time, and for significantly improving the communities within which we live. The synergies between the three portfolios of the National Council (Outreach, Youth and Communications) are opportunities to inculcate within our young volunteers the importance of upholding the Ismaili Muslim tradition of volunteerism."
One of the volunteers commented that “We are delighted to help on Eid, which is an occasion for offering service and a time of inclusion, sharing and giving."
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/uganda/outreach-you ... id-al-adha
About 800 Orphans from Kasangati Orphans Fund Society (KOFS) which is in Kawanda in Kawempe division, Kampala were provided a meal, drinks and biscuits on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. The Orphanage doubles as a school and Mosque within the same location and is probably the biggest orphanage in the country receiving children from as far as Sudan.
Eid al-Adha is an occasion to reflect on the kindness and compassion of the Prophets and the event is at the heart of the Abrahamic tradition. It also highlights on our common humanity and a common ethical heritage, which is shared among Muslims, Christians and Jews alike.
Sheikh Sulaiman Kiberu, the executive director of KOFS appreciated the Ismaili community’s repeated acts of good will and contributions and said that they survive on such donations. He also commented that the Ismaili community’s generosity of spirit has motivated others in society to give to the Orphanage.
The President of the National Council for Uganda said that “service to society is an important part of our Ismaili Muslim tradition and such occasions present opportunities for giving resources and time, and for significantly improving the communities within which we live. The synergies between the three portfolios of the National Council (Outreach, Youth and Communications) are opportunities to inculcate within our young volunteers the importance of upholding the Ismaili Muslim tradition of volunteerism."
One of the volunteers commented that “We are delighted to help on Eid, which is an occasion for offering service and a time of inclusion, sharing and giving."
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/uganda/outreach-you ... id-al-adha
Houston Consular Corps Embarks on New Partnerships
The Houston branch is the third largest Consular Corps in the United States after Washington, DC and New York City. On Friday, June 7, 2019, the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center hosted the inaugural Houston Consular Corps luncheon in Sugar Land, Texas. Over 90 countries were represented to engage in discussions on economic development by fostering foreign relations. Amongst the attendees were guest speakers Fort Bend County Judge KP George, Ambassador Juan B. Sosa, Consul General of Panama and Dean of the Consular Corps of Houston, and Jeffrey C. Wiley, President & CEO of the Fort Bend Economic Development Council.
In his introductory remarks, Murad Ajani, President of the Aga Khan Council for Southwestern United States, shared his vision for Fort Bend County’s growing opportunities and promising partnerships. He alluded to the emblematic significance of the venue itself, one inaugurated in 2002 by former Texas Governor Rick Perry, and Mawlana Hazar Imam.
The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center is part of the global network of the Ismaili Centers that are created to fulfill a broader vision that provides places for cultural awareness and exchange of knowledge. The architect of the Center was tasked with fabricating a structure that expresses Islamic values of pluralism, intellectual pursuit, and service to humanity in a modern Western context.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/usa/houston-consula ... rtnerships
The Houston branch is the third largest Consular Corps in the United States after Washington, DC and New York City. On Friday, June 7, 2019, the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center hosted the inaugural Houston Consular Corps luncheon in Sugar Land, Texas. Over 90 countries were represented to engage in discussions on economic development by fostering foreign relations. Amongst the attendees were guest speakers Fort Bend County Judge KP George, Ambassador Juan B. Sosa, Consul General of Panama and Dean of the Consular Corps of Houston, and Jeffrey C. Wiley, President & CEO of the Fort Bend Economic Development Council.
In his introductory remarks, Murad Ajani, President of the Aga Khan Council for Southwestern United States, shared his vision for Fort Bend County’s growing opportunities and promising partnerships. He alluded to the emblematic significance of the venue itself, one inaugurated in 2002 by former Texas Governor Rick Perry, and Mawlana Hazar Imam.
The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center is part of the global network of the Ismaili Centers that are created to fulfill a broader vision that provides places for cultural awareness and exchange of knowledge. The architect of the Center was tasked with fabricating a structure that expresses Islamic values of pluralism, intellectual pursuit, and service to humanity in a modern Western context.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/usa/houston-consula ... rtnerships
Community Comes Together to Pack 100,000 Meals
On Sept. 15, more than 750 volunteers came together at the Ismaili Jamatkhana Plano to help alleviate food insecurity in honor of Hunger Action Month this September.
The Ismaili Muslim community worked in partnership with Feeding Children Everywhere, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a hunger-free world, to offer this Day of Service event. Volunteers that included Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, entire families, church organizations and city officials came together to pack more than 100,000 meals.
Texas State Representative Matt Shaheen, Plano Police Chief Greg Rushin, Plano City Council member Shelby Williams, Carrollton Mayor Kevin Falconer and Nizar Didarali, President of the Aga Khan Council for Central United States, were among the public officials who gave their time to the cause.
This extensive team of volunteers packed more than 100,000 meals in only seven hours. The meals were to be donated to four North Texas nonprofit organizations: City Square, North Texas Food Bank, Metrocrest Services and 6Stones. The meals assembled were a jambalaya mix with red lentils, rice and seasonings. The meal was chosen as it is nutritious, has a long shelf life and can accommodate meatless diets.
According to North Texas Food Bank, one of every six North Texans are food-insecure. Hunger Action Month was created to educate and to encourage action in ending food insecurity.
The City of Plano presented the Ismaili Jamatkhana Plano with a Certificate of Appreciation for this Day of Service.
Photos:
http://planomagazine.com/i-cerv-day-of- ... 000-meals/
On Sept. 15, more than 750 volunteers came together at the Ismaili Jamatkhana Plano to help alleviate food insecurity in honor of Hunger Action Month this September.
The Ismaili Muslim community worked in partnership with Feeding Children Everywhere, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a hunger-free world, to offer this Day of Service event. Volunteers that included Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, entire families, church organizations and city officials came together to pack more than 100,000 meals.
Texas State Representative Matt Shaheen, Plano Police Chief Greg Rushin, Plano City Council member Shelby Williams, Carrollton Mayor Kevin Falconer and Nizar Didarali, President of the Aga Khan Council for Central United States, were among the public officials who gave their time to the cause.
This extensive team of volunteers packed more than 100,000 meals in only seven hours. The meals were to be donated to four North Texas nonprofit organizations: City Square, North Texas Food Bank, Metrocrest Services and 6Stones. The meals assembled were a jambalaya mix with red lentils, rice and seasonings. The meal was chosen as it is nutritious, has a long shelf life and can accommodate meatless diets.
According to North Texas Food Bank, one of every six North Texans are food-insecure. Hunger Action Month was created to educate and to encourage action in ending food insecurity.
The City of Plano presented the Ismaili Jamatkhana Plano with a Certificate of Appreciation for this Day of Service.
Photos:
http://planomagazine.com/i-cerv-day-of- ... 000-meals/
Thousands volunteer on third annual Ismaili CIVIC Day
Thousands of volunteers assembled at various locations across Canada to take part in Ismaili CIVIC over two weekends at the end of September.
It marked the third straight year of Ismaili CIVIC, an annual event established during Canada’s 150th birthday to bring Canadian Ismaili Muslims together to improve quality of life in their communities.
“Ismaili CIVIC is a great way to get involved,” said Rahmat Kassam, one of the organizers of Ismaili CIVIC in Ottawa. Seventy-five volunteers in Canada’s capital helped clean seven parks and made over 1000 sandwiches at shelters.
In B.C., participants planted trees, cleaned parks, and helped at food banks.
Nine-year-old Arsh Pirani, who helped clean up Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, was happy despite the hard day of work.
“It’s fun because you are helping all the creatures on the water and on the land,” said Arsh.
Elsewhere in Canada, volunteers worked with cancer patients, at rehab centres and blood services centres, at hospices and seniors centres, and with the Women in Need Society and Habitat for Humanity.
Safira Teja, a fourth-year University of Ottawa student, said she joined Ismaili CIVIC because giving back to the city and country where she lives is important to her.
“We want to contribute to the communities that have helped us,” she said.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/canada/thousands-vo ... rce=Direct
Thousands of volunteers assembled at various locations across Canada to take part in Ismaili CIVIC over two weekends at the end of September.
It marked the third straight year of Ismaili CIVIC, an annual event established during Canada’s 150th birthday to bring Canadian Ismaili Muslims together to improve quality of life in their communities.
“Ismaili CIVIC is a great way to get involved,” said Rahmat Kassam, one of the organizers of Ismaili CIVIC in Ottawa. Seventy-five volunteers in Canada’s capital helped clean seven parks and made over 1000 sandwiches at shelters.
In B.C., participants planted trees, cleaned parks, and helped at food banks.
Nine-year-old Arsh Pirani, who helped clean up Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, was happy despite the hard day of work.
“It’s fun because you are helping all the creatures on the water and on the land,” said Arsh.
Elsewhere in Canada, volunteers worked with cancer patients, at rehab centres and blood services centres, at hospices and seniors centres, and with the Women in Need Society and Habitat for Humanity.
Safira Teja, a fourth-year University of Ottawa student, said she joined Ismaili CIVIC because giving back to the city and country where she lives is important to her.
“We want to contribute to the communities that have helped us,” she said.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/canada/thousands-vo ... rce=Direct
A tradition of giving: B.C.’s Ismaili Muslim community awarded for leadership in philanthropy
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is proud to announce the Ismaili Muslim community of B.C. as the recipients of the 2019 Leadership Award for their work in support of mental health initiatives, and their philanthropic commitment to the broader community.
The Muslim community adheres to a tradition of giving — giving one’s time, talents and material resources to enhance the community around them.
Through this spirit of generosity, the Ismaili community raised millions of dollars in support of local community organizations, inspired a new generation of philanthropists and continues to raise the bar for community-led initiatives.
“One has to think not about just one’s own self-interest, but really the interest of others,” says Samir Manji, president of the Ismaili Council for BC. “I think His Highness the Aga Khan put it best when he said: ‘The question is not only what have I achieved, but what is it that I have helped others achieve?’”
This notion of selflessness and working to better the world around them is paramount to the values by which the community lives.
“The community truly embodies what it means to be engaged citizens,” says Barbara Grantham, president and CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. “Our foundation is profoundly grateful to the Ismaili Muslim community of B.C. for their generosity and leadership. Through their years of continuing charitable endeavours, they have enriched thousands of lives in B.C.”
More...
https://vancouversun.com/sponsored/news ... ilanthropy
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is proud to announce the Ismaili Muslim community of B.C. as the recipients of the 2019 Leadership Award for their work in support of mental health initiatives, and their philanthropic commitment to the broader community.
The Muslim community adheres to a tradition of giving — giving one’s time, talents and material resources to enhance the community around them.
Through this spirit of generosity, the Ismaili community raised millions of dollars in support of local community organizations, inspired a new generation of philanthropists and continues to raise the bar for community-led initiatives.
“One has to think not about just one’s own self-interest, but really the interest of others,” says Samir Manji, president of the Ismaili Council for BC. “I think His Highness the Aga Khan put it best when he said: ‘The question is not only what have I achieved, but what is it that I have helped others achieve?’”
This notion of selflessness and working to better the world around them is paramount to the values by which the community lives.
“The community truly embodies what it means to be engaged citizens,” says Barbara Grantham, president and CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. “Our foundation is profoundly grateful to the Ismaili Muslim community of B.C. for their generosity and leadership. Through their years of continuing charitable endeavours, they have enriched thousands of lives in B.C.”
More...
https://vancouversun.com/sponsored/news ... ilanthropy
2019 VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation Leadership Award: Ismaili Community of BC
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... Sh4l7da858
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is proud to announce the Ismaili Muslim Community of BC as the recipients of the 2019 Leadership Award for their work in support of mental health initiatives, and their philanthropic commitment to the broader community.
Each year, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation presents a Leadership Award at the annual Night of a Thousand Stars gala to recognize individuals, families or corporations who have made a significant contribution to our hospitals and health care centres.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... Sh4l7da858
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is proud to announce the Ismaili Muslim Community of BC as the recipients of the 2019 Leadership Award for their work in support of mental health initiatives, and their philanthropic commitment to the broader community.
Each year, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation presents a Leadership Award at the annual Night of a Thousand Stars gala to recognize individuals, families or corporations who have made a significant contribution to our hospitals and health care centres.
Mayor Turner: Beauty of Ismaili Center Houston Reflects our Diversity, Strength
An Eid Luncheon held at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center in Sugar Land, Texas began with a video highlighting the work of landscape architect Nelson Byrd Woltz at the Aga Khan Garden in Alberta, Canada. This firm has also been commissioned to design the landscape at the new Ismaili Center Houston.
Keynote speaker Sylvester Turner, Mayor of the City of Houston, stated that “[Eid] highlights our common humanity and ethical heritage shared by Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike but also the importance of making sacrifices in one’s daily life such as those of one’s time, energy, and resources for the benefit of others.” Mayor Turner spoke glowingly of Mawlana Hazar Imam and his vision to alleviate global poverty in developing countries.
Recalling the 1,000 Points of Light Award given to the Ismaili community by the past five living Presidents of the United States, the Mayor then expressed great excitement for the Ismaili Center Houston, as it will stand as a symbol of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s work and the Ismaili community’s impact on Houston. He emphasized that the “beauty of [the Ismaili Center Houston] is that regardless of what structure is put there, it is the very fact that it is being done in this community that reflects diversity, that is the beauty.”
Beyond the physical magnificence of the Ismaili Center Houston as it takes its place as the seventh Ismaili Center in the world, Mayor Turner reminded the audience not to forget the “heart” from which this building is being constructed, from which the true value of the Ismaili Center Houston is derived.
President Murad Ajani of the Ismaili Council for the Southwestern United States shared with those in attendance the eagerness of the Ismaili community as it looks “forward to the role and potential that [the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center], and the upcoming Ismaili Center Houston, have in advancing the pursuit of learning and building trust across all communities that call Houston home.”
Over 175 guests, hailing from all sectors of the community, filled the social hall of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center in commemoration of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. Beyond simply commemorating an Islamic holiday, the Eid Luncheon has become a staple event for diverse leaders, elected officials, and members of faith communities to interact under the auspices of this festival.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/usa/mayor-turner-be ... y-strength
An Eid Luncheon held at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center in Sugar Land, Texas began with a video highlighting the work of landscape architect Nelson Byrd Woltz at the Aga Khan Garden in Alberta, Canada. This firm has also been commissioned to design the landscape at the new Ismaili Center Houston.
Keynote speaker Sylvester Turner, Mayor of the City of Houston, stated that “[Eid] highlights our common humanity and ethical heritage shared by Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike but also the importance of making sacrifices in one’s daily life such as those of one’s time, energy, and resources for the benefit of others.” Mayor Turner spoke glowingly of Mawlana Hazar Imam and his vision to alleviate global poverty in developing countries.
Recalling the 1,000 Points of Light Award given to the Ismaili community by the past five living Presidents of the United States, the Mayor then expressed great excitement for the Ismaili Center Houston, as it will stand as a symbol of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s work and the Ismaili community’s impact on Houston. He emphasized that the “beauty of [the Ismaili Center Houston] is that regardless of what structure is put there, it is the very fact that it is being done in this community that reflects diversity, that is the beauty.”
Beyond the physical magnificence of the Ismaili Center Houston as it takes its place as the seventh Ismaili Center in the world, Mayor Turner reminded the audience not to forget the “heart” from which this building is being constructed, from which the true value of the Ismaili Center Houston is derived.
President Murad Ajani of the Ismaili Council for the Southwestern United States shared with those in attendance the eagerness of the Ismaili community as it looks “forward to the role and potential that [the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center], and the upcoming Ismaili Center Houston, have in advancing the pursuit of learning and building trust across all communities that call Houston home.”
Over 175 guests, hailing from all sectors of the community, filled the social hall of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center in commemoration of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. Beyond simply commemorating an Islamic holiday, the Eid Luncheon has become a staple event for diverse leaders, elected officials, and members of faith communities to interact under the auspices of this festival.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/usa/mayor-turner-be ... y-strength
One Small Idea – One Giant Leap for Mankind: the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center Hosts TEDxSugarLand
The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center hosted TEDxSugarLand for the fourth consecutive year on October 26, 2019. In keeping with the general theme of celebrations across the greater Houston area this year, marking the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing, the theme of TEDxSugarLand 2019 was "One Small Idea, One Giant Leap for Mankind."
In his opening remarks to the attendees, Irfan Ali, Honorary Secretary, of the Ismaili Council for the Southwestern United States, explained that the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center was created with a vision of being a place for cultural awareness and an exchange of knowledge. The importance of the principles of intellectual curiosity and knowledge-sharing are perhaps best conveyed in a speech made by Mawlana Hazar Imam in 2015, “Our history, our interpretation of our faith, is anchored in the intellect and we rejoice in investing in the human intellect. It’s part of the ethics of what we believe in and it’s part of what we believe distinguishes us, obviously, from the environment in which we live.”
This year’s TEDxSugarLand event featured twelve speakers – including professors, researchers, business leaders, and authors - covering topics from clean energy storage solutions and space medicine, to evolving cancer care and the human element of artificial intelligence, to name a few.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/usa/one-small-idea- ... xsugarland
The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center hosted TEDxSugarLand for the fourth consecutive year on October 26, 2019. In keeping with the general theme of celebrations across the greater Houston area this year, marking the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing, the theme of TEDxSugarLand 2019 was "One Small Idea, One Giant Leap for Mankind."
In his opening remarks to the attendees, Irfan Ali, Honorary Secretary, of the Ismaili Council for the Southwestern United States, explained that the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center was created with a vision of being a place for cultural awareness and an exchange of knowledge. The importance of the principles of intellectual curiosity and knowledge-sharing are perhaps best conveyed in a speech made by Mawlana Hazar Imam in 2015, “Our history, our interpretation of our faith, is anchored in the intellect and we rejoice in investing in the human intellect. It’s part of the ethics of what we believe in and it’s part of what we believe distinguishes us, obviously, from the environment in which we live.”
This year’s TEDxSugarLand event featured twelve speakers – including professors, researchers, business leaders, and authors - covering topics from clean energy storage solutions and space medicine, to evolving cancer care and the human element of artificial intelligence, to name a few.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/usa/one-small-idea- ... xsugarland
The Story of How Music Transcended Fragile Societies
The melody of a mandolin, accordion, banjo, and violin filled the room, bringing together nearly 200 people from different faiths and cultures on a Sunday afternoon. On October 27, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF), and the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States presented in partnership a film screening of “El Gusto,” a musical documentary by filmmaker Safinez Bousbia, who won the Best Director Award at the Abu Dhabi International Film Festival in 2011. The film screening was held at the Ismaili Jamatkhana in Norcross, Georgia.
The film portrays the coming together of Muslim and Jewish musicians for their love of Chaabi music, after being separated due to conflict in Algeria. “I love how a story can bring people together. I think that art, and particularly film, is a beautiful way to bring audiences together and help foster a love of these international stories with universal themes,” said Katherine Price Crosby, the Community Programming Manager for AJFF.
The Ismaili Jamatkhana opened its doors with a warm welcome to a large and diverse audience. Prior to the film screening, the audience was given tours of the Jamatkhana, as well as of the Historic Cities Program Exhibition by the Ismaili community volunteers. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has for over two decades engaged in the restoration of many historic monuments in the Muslim World, as was shown in the exhibition on display. His Highness the Aga Khan, as Chairman of the Network, has explained that such cultural legacies have an important position in the development arena.
“It’s really all about people coming together and being able to be a part of the sharing of cultures,” said Nafeesah Madwyn, a volunteer for AJFF. Nafeesah has been on the film committee for five years. “Engaging with different cultures and different people is what brings me back every year,” she shared.
This event sparked aspirations of peace and prosperity. “I hope attendees found the film moving, and that they enjoyed a day of entertaining programming at a non-traditional theater space,” said Price Crosby. The idea of the Ismaili Jamatkhana as a place for gathering of different communities celebrating and learning from one another was prevalent. “We love working with the Ismaili Community, as they always welcome audiences and our programming in a unique way,” added Price Crosy.
The film screening commenced with a speech from Salima Jaffer, President of the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States. “Through events like these, we learn to see our differences in a new way. Instead of viewing cultural diversity as a burden or even as a threat, we can view it as a gift from the Divine, an opportunity to learn and grow, and an opportunity to understand and indeed appreciate the other,” she stated in her opening remarks.
Sherry Frank, Board Member of the AJFF, spoke on behalf of the AJFF. “One aspiration for AJFF was for it to be informative, enjoyable, and engaging. But, one strong dream is that it would be an opportunity to build bridges,” she said.
At a speech given by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Lisbon Aga Khan Music Awards on March 31, 2019, he said: “The cultural heritage of Islam has long embraced musical language as an elemental expression of human spirituality. Listening to music, practicing music, sharing music, performing music - have long been an intimate part of life for Muslim communities across the world, as has been the chanting of devotional and historical or epic texts.”
It was in what is part of Spain and Portugal called al-Andulus, that Muslims, Jews, Christians, created together with an exemplary culture of tolerance, fostering musical creativity that even included new types of musical instruments and pioneering approaches to music education.
There is remarkable diversity in the world of Muslim music and it reflects the incredible tapestry of Muslim cultures themselves, including musical traditions that have been carefully cultivated over the centuries within the Ismaili community.
The room filled with applause as the film ended and credits rolled on the screen. Dr. David Marcus, a Lecturer of Arabic at Georgia Institute of Technology concluded the event by serenading the audience. He sang traditional Arabic songs accompanied by the Oud. Members of the audience were nodding their heads and tapping their toes, a different strut to the same rhythm.
This event brought together people of different faiths and cultures and found inspiration in building a community in which differences are celebrated and seen as an opportunity for growth and education.
Photos:
https://the.ismaili/usa/story-how-music ... -societies
The melody of a mandolin, accordion, banjo, and violin filled the room, bringing together nearly 200 people from different faiths and cultures on a Sunday afternoon. On October 27, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF), and the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States presented in partnership a film screening of “El Gusto,” a musical documentary by filmmaker Safinez Bousbia, who won the Best Director Award at the Abu Dhabi International Film Festival in 2011. The film screening was held at the Ismaili Jamatkhana in Norcross, Georgia.
The film portrays the coming together of Muslim and Jewish musicians for their love of Chaabi music, after being separated due to conflict in Algeria. “I love how a story can bring people together. I think that art, and particularly film, is a beautiful way to bring audiences together and help foster a love of these international stories with universal themes,” said Katherine Price Crosby, the Community Programming Manager for AJFF.
The Ismaili Jamatkhana opened its doors with a warm welcome to a large and diverse audience. Prior to the film screening, the audience was given tours of the Jamatkhana, as well as of the Historic Cities Program Exhibition by the Ismaili community volunteers. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has for over two decades engaged in the restoration of many historic monuments in the Muslim World, as was shown in the exhibition on display. His Highness the Aga Khan, as Chairman of the Network, has explained that such cultural legacies have an important position in the development arena.
“It’s really all about people coming together and being able to be a part of the sharing of cultures,” said Nafeesah Madwyn, a volunteer for AJFF. Nafeesah has been on the film committee for five years. “Engaging with different cultures and different people is what brings me back every year,” she shared.
This event sparked aspirations of peace and prosperity. “I hope attendees found the film moving, and that they enjoyed a day of entertaining programming at a non-traditional theater space,” said Price Crosby. The idea of the Ismaili Jamatkhana as a place for gathering of different communities celebrating and learning from one another was prevalent. “We love working with the Ismaili Community, as they always welcome audiences and our programming in a unique way,” added Price Crosy.
The film screening commenced with a speech from Salima Jaffer, President of the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States. “Through events like these, we learn to see our differences in a new way. Instead of viewing cultural diversity as a burden or even as a threat, we can view it as a gift from the Divine, an opportunity to learn and grow, and an opportunity to understand and indeed appreciate the other,” she stated in her opening remarks.
Sherry Frank, Board Member of the AJFF, spoke on behalf of the AJFF. “One aspiration for AJFF was for it to be informative, enjoyable, and engaging. But, one strong dream is that it would be an opportunity to build bridges,” she said.
At a speech given by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Lisbon Aga Khan Music Awards on March 31, 2019, he said: “The cultural heritage of Islam has long embraced musical language as an elemental expression of human spirituality. Listening to music, practicing music, sharing music, performing music - have long been an intimate part of life for Muslim communities across the world, as has been the chanting of devotional and historical or epic texts.”
It was in what is part of Spain and Portugal called al-Andulus, that Muslims, Jews, Christians, created together with an exemplary culture of tolerance, fostering musical creativity that even included new types of musical instruments and pioneering approaches to music education.
There is remarkable diversity in the world of Muslim music and it reflects the incredible tapestry of Muslim cultures themselves, including musical traditions that have been carefully cultivated over the centuries within the Ismaili community.
The room filled with applause as the film ended and credits rolled on the screen. Dr. David Marcus, a Lecturer of Arabic at Georgia Institute of Technology concluded the event by serenading the audience. He sang traditional Arabic songs accompanied by the Oud. Members of the audience were nodding their heads and tapping their toes, a different strut to the same rhythm.
This event brought together people of different faiths and cultures and found inspiration in building a community in which differences are celebrated and seen as an opportunity for growth and education.
Photos:
https://the.ismaili/usa/story-how-music ... -societies
Outreach and Health volunteers collaborate with Lira Jamat and hold a full one-day free medical camp with eye screening.
Nadim Lalani, the National Council member for Outreach spoke of his time at the Lira weekend, saying, “The experience was a little different to volunteering within the Jamat. We had the opportunity to make a difference and work with people from completely different backgrounds and cultures. Not only volunteers but Doctors, Donors from Optometry and Pharmaceutical field also travelled over 14 hours by road to hold this worthy Health Camp. The School premises were used as a base for the Health Camp, where children, parents, guardians and others from the school community had their vitals checked; were seen by a doctor and free medication and vitamins were prescribed. All those who were involved had the same goal of wanting to support and give much needed resources to this local community.”
Gulzar Hirani, the Aga Khan Health Board Chair said “We do a similar annual Health Camp in Central Kampala with the Kibuli community, which is lot busier but this time we travelled to Lira, in Northern Uganda. These camps are good for screening non-communicable diseases because when these are not arrested early, the victims slip into complications and yet with timely intervention- these diseases can be controlled. The Health camp experience is meaningful and enjoyable and seeing their smiles and happiness after having free checkup gives the volunteers a very good feeling. Some of the volunteers have served for a long time and this time one volunteer even brought his 18 year old along , as he wanted his son to see what Mawlana Hazar Imam means when he speaks about the importance of contributing towards the community with whom we live.”
The one-day free health camp held on Saturday, 30 November 2019 was much needed and impactful. The volunteers, donors and Mukhisaheb and Kamadiasaheb of Lira Jamat not only coordinated the Lira logistics but also joined in and helped.
The well attended health camp was organised specifically for the St. Gracious Nursery and Primary school and its community and this joint collaboration demonstrated how health issues can be communicated to the community in an interesting way.
The camp started early in the morning and while registrations were being done, there was a sensitisation on the importance of early childhood education, in order to create awareness of this critical initiative. This session was conducted with the assistance of the Aga Khan Foundation's Madrasa Early Childhood Program. Aseru Sarah from the Madrasa programme said, “this is an amazing initiative by the Ismaili Muslim community and its volunteers and donors and I am happy to be part of it.” She added that “we have today spoken to this local community about the importance of brain development in the early years of life and parents were urged to ensure they interact with their children from pre-natal stage and immediately after birth they should continue to educate their children, even by using local resources and the God given gifts to nurture the children intellectually, socially and spiritually.”
The school where the camp was held is centrally located in the heart of Lira, and despite heavy rain on the day, as many as 400 children, parents and guardians benefited from the health camp.
There was also an opportunity for the school community to have vision testing by one of the donor company present at the camp. Mohsin Lalani an Optometrist from Millennium Optics Limited commented that, “We screened about 120 children today and among the common problems found today at the camp were photo sensitivity, allergies and myopia amongst children. We feel it is important for the children to be screened at an early age so that the challenges are addressed and vision is not compromised. As Millennium Optics we are grateful to be part of this good work and this type of work also reinforces our company motto of “Vision for Better Life”.
The other Donors who generously partnered with the Health Camp included Gittoes Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Astra Pharma (U) Ltd, and Arman Pharmacy (U) Ltd, based in Lira. The other generous partners included Leo Biscuits who distributed biscuits to the children; bread and water was also generously gifted.
The health camp was a huge success with overwhelming response from the local community. Majority of the people who attended the camp were suffering from infections, acidity and other various common but neglected problems such as diarrhoea, skin infections and allergies.
One of the parents, Dennis Okello Ayini a 35-year-old father of 3 children who attended the camp commented that, “this kindness is very welcomed and helps parents like us manage our daily expenses and we appreciate the free medical attention, medicines, the learning given on benefits of early childhood education and the refreshments. My children have been suffering from itchy red eyes and today we have received treatment thanks to the Camp.”
Minaz Jamal, the President of the Ismaili National Council of Uganda said, “As Ismaili community it is important for us to get out of our comfort zone and to engage with the local communities in remote areas of Uganda and make a real difference to lives. The aim of today’s one-day camp was not just to provide health and eye services but to create an environment where the whole school community gets sensitised about health and other issues. Through such camps and with the assistance of our volunteers and our supportive donors, we are able to conduct this type of support and encourage civic society engagement which are key objectives of our community.”
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/uganda/outreach-and ... dical-camp
Nadim Lalani, the National Council member for Outreach spoke of his time at the Lira weekend, saying, “The experience was a little different to volunteering within the Jamat. We had the opportunity to make a difference and work with people from completely different backgrounds and cultures. Not only volunteers but Doctors, Donors from Optometry and Pharmaceutical field also travelled over 14 hours by road to hold this worthy Health Camp. The School premises were used as a base for the Health Camp, where children, parents, guardians and others from the school community had their vitals checked; were seen by a doctor and free medication and vitamins were prescribed. All those who were involved had the same goal of wanting to support and give much needed resources to this local community.”
Gulzar Hirani, the Aga Khan Health Board Chair said “We do a similar annual Health Camp in Central Kampala with the Kibuli community, which is lot busier but this time we travelled to Lira, in Northern Uganda. These camps are good for screening non-communicable diseases because when these are not arrested early, the victims slip into complications and yet with timely intervention- these diseases can be controlled. The Health camp experience is meaningful and enjoyable and seeing their smiles and happiness after having free checkup gives the volunteers a very good feeling. Some of the volunteers have served for a long time and this time one volunteer even brought his 18 year old along , as he wanted his son to see what Mawlana Hazar Imam means when he speaks about the importance of contributing towards the community with whom we live.”
The one-day free health camp held on Saturday, 30 November 2019 was much needed and impactful. The volunteers, donors and Mukhisaheb and Kamadiasaheb of Lira Jamat not only coordinated the Lira logistics but also joined in and helped.
The well attended health camp was organised specifically for the St. Gracious Nursery and Primary school and its community and this joint collaboration demonstrated how health issues can be communicated to the community in an interesting way.
The camp started early in the morning and while registrations were being done, there was a sensitisation on the importance of early childhood education, in order to create awareness of this critical initiative. This session was conducted with the assistance of the Aga Khan Foundation's Madrasa Early Childhood Program. Aseru Sarah from the Madrasa programme said, “this is an amazing initiative by the Ismaili Muslim community and its volunteers and donors and I am happy to be part of it.” She added that “we have today spoken to this local community about the importance of brain development in the early years of life and parents were urged to ensure they interact with their children from pre-natal stage and immediately after birth they should continue to educate their children, even by using local resources and the God given gifts to nurture the children intellectually, socially and spiritually.”
The school where the camp was held is centrally located in the heart of Lira, and despite heavy rain on the day, as many as 400 children, parents and guardians benefited from the health camp.
There was also an opportunity for the school community to have vision testing by one of the donor company present at the camp. Mohsin Lalani an Optometrist from Millennium Optics Limited commented that, “We screened about 120 children today and among the common problems found today at the camp were photo sensitivity, allergies and myopia amongst children. We feel it is important for the children to be screened at an early age so that the challenges are addressed and vision is not compromised. As Millennium Optics we are grateful to be part of this good work and this type of work also reinforces our company motto of “Vision for Better Life”.
The other Donors who generously partnered with the Health Camp included Gittoes Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Astra Pharma (U) Ltd, and Arman Pharmacy (U) Ltd, based in Lira. The other generous partners included Leo Biscuits who distributed biscuits to the children; bread and water was also generously gifted.
The health camp was a huge success with overwhelming response from the local community. Majority of the people who attended the camp were suffering from infections, acidity and other various common but neglected problems such as diarrhoea, skin infections and allergies.
One of the parents, Dennis Okello Ayini a 35-year-old father of 3 children who attended the camp commented that, “this kindness is very welcomed and helps parents like us manage our daily expenses and we appreciate the free medical attention, medicines, the learning given on benefits of early childhood education and the refreshments. My children have been suffering from itchy red eyes and today we have received treatment thanks to the Camp.”
Minaz Jamal, the President of the Ismaili National Council of Uganda said, “As Ismaili community it is important for us to get out of our comfort zone and to engage with the local communities in remote areas of Uganda and make a real difference to lives. The aim of today’s one-day camp was not just to provide health and eye services but to create an environment where the whole school community gets sensitised about health and other issues. Through such camps and with the assistance of our volunteers and our supportive donors, we are able to conduct this type of support and encourage civic society engagement which are key objectives of our community.”
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/uganda/outreach-and ... dical-camp
France Jamat celebrates the IVC centenary
On a cold Saturday morning in November, the first preparations for an exceptional weekend begin. More than a hundred members of the Jamats of Paris, Brussels, Lausanne, Nantes, Toulouse, Montpellier, Grenoble, and Lyon work together towards a common goal: to prepare and distribute meals for the homeless.
For many decades, volunteers have been serving the Jamat with generosity and humility throughout the jurisdiction, in Belgium, Switzerland, Ivory Coast, and France. In November 2019, we marked the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps, by holding celebrations worldwide.
Mawlana Hazar Imam has often spoken about social engagement, and bringing help to those most vulnerable. These values are important aspects of our ethic of volunteering.
In a speech made in Berlin in 2005, he said, “The Ismailis have a long tradition of philanthropy, self-reliance and voluntary service. Wherever they live, they faithfully abide by the Quranic ethic of a common humanity and the dignity of a man. They willingly pool knowledge and resources with all those who share our social ethic to help improve the quality of life of less fortunate men, women, and children.”
With this in mind, and with the willingness to share these values with the younger generation, 50 children from Paris and Brussels Bait-ul Ilms were tasked with making more than 500 meals for the homeless in the space of just a few hours. Numerous volunteers then walked the streets of the big cities within the jurisdiction to distribute an impressive total of more than a thousand sandwiches, bottles of water, biscuits, and litres of soup to those in need.
After the weekend of service and celebration, Paris volunteer Shayan Anvar, summed it up well, saying, “I really enjoyed giving my time to those in need. I was able to talk to the people and put a smile on their faces, even if just for a small moment. To me, it is priceless. This tradition of volunteering unites us, and we must maintain, preserve, and amplify it throughout generations. We cannot be happier than when helping others.”
Volunteering can take many forms and is available to anyone, regardless of age. As the year of celebrations comes to a close, the spirit of this period is still present and demonstrates the strength and depth of values conveyed throughout generations, across continents.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/france- ... rce=Direct
On a cold Saturday morning in November, the first preparations for an exceptional weekend begin. More than a hundred members of the Jamats of Paris, Brussels, Lausanne, Nantes, Toulouse, Montpellier, Grenoble, and Lyon work together towards a common goal: to prepare and distribute meals for the homeless.
For many decades, volunteers have been serving the Jamat with generosity and humility throughout the jurisdiction, in Belgium, Switzerland, Ivory Coast, and France. In November 2019, we marked the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps, by holding celebrations worldwide.
Mawlana Hazar Imam has often spoken about social engagement, and bringing help to those most vulnerable. These values are important aspects of our ethic of volunteering.
In a speech made in Berlin in 2005, he said, “The Ismailis have a long tradition of philanthropy, self-reliance and voluntary service. Wherever they live, they faithfully abide by the Quranic ethic of a common humanity and the dignity of a man. They willingly pool knowledge and resources with all those who share our social ethic to help improve the quality of life of less fortunate men, women, and children.”
With this in mind, and with the willingness to share these values with the younger generation, 50 children from Paris and Brussels Bait-ul Ilms were tasked with making more than 500 meals for the homeless in the space of just a few hours. Numerous volunteers then walked the streets of the big cities within the jurisdiction to distribute an impressive total of more than a thousand sandwiches, bottles of water, biscuits, and litres of soup to those in need.
After the weekend of service and celebration, Paris volunteer Shayan Anvar, summed it up well, saying, “I really enjoyed giving my time to those in need. I was able to talk to the people and put a smile on their faces, even if just for a small moment. To me, it is priceless. This tradition of volunteering unites us, and we must maintain, preserve, and amplify it throughout generations. We cannot be happier than when helping others.”
Volunteering can take many forms and is available to anyone, regardless of age. As the year of celebrations comes to a close, the spirit of this period is still present and demonstrates the strength and depth of values conveyed throughout generations, across continents.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/france- ... rce=Direct
ANZ 10K Ismaili Civic Pledge
TOGETHER WE MADE IT !
In 2019, ICERV - the Ismaili Community Engaged in Responsible Volunteering, pledged to undertake 10,000 hours of volunteer community service across Australia and New Zealand, exemplifying Islam’s core values of peace, compassion and care.
By the end of 2019 the target went beyond with 10,017 hours of service completed essentially in two thematic areas - the sustainable planet and poverty alleviation, to improve the quality of life of fellow Australians and New Zealanders.
Ismailis of all ages from 8 - 65 contributed to this pledge in a wide range of areas such as feeding the homeless in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, conducting food drives during Ramadan in collaboration with St Vincent de Paul, donating over 150 Christmas hampers, clean-up of public spaces like beaches & parks, blood donation drives, tree planting, bush care and clean up Australia campaign, in Perth,Adelaide and Brisbane.
In keeping with the theme of environmental sustainability the Community introduced recycled bags to prevent the harmful effects of plastic and removing approximately 25000 plastic bags across ANZ. As part of this initiative, recyclable cups and plates were also introduced in all centers.
The community’s participation in these community service activities has strengthened relationship with St Vincent de Paul in each capital city, the Hills Shire Council (Sydney), Whitehorse City Council (Melbourne), Auckland City Council, Lions Club, Salvation Army, The Australian Red Cross and numerous local Church groups.
The 10K pledge also included the hours contributed by community members in personal community and professional voluntary service such as Board memberships, Rotary clubs, school PTA, office voluntary projects etc
Moving from strength to strength, 2020 has inspired the community to extend the pledge to 15K hours and to work on global initiatives through the Ismail Civic brand, where the Ismaili Community across the globe in over 35 countries will work on community service and volunteering projects. Watch this space !
https://the.ismaili/news/anz-10k-civic-pledge
TOGETHER WE MADE IT !
In 2019, ICERV - the Ismaili Community Engaged in Responsible Volunteering, pledged to undertake 10,000 hours of volunteer community service across Australia and New Zealand, exemplifying Islam’s core values of peace, compassion and care.
By the end of 2019 the target went beyond with 10,017 hours of service completed essentially in two thematic areas - the sustainable planet and poverty alleviation, to improve the quality of life of fellow Australians and New Zealanders.
Ismailis of all ages from 8 - 65 contributed to this pledge in a wide range of areas such as feeding the homeless in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, conducting food drives during Ramadan in collaboration with St Vincent de Paul, donating over 150 Christmas hampers, clean-up of public spaces like beaches & parks, blood donation drives, tree planting, bush care and clean up Australia campaign, in Perth,Adelaide and Brisbane.
In keeping with the theme of environmental sustainability the Community introduced recycled bags to prevent the harmful effects of plastic and removing approximately 25000 plastic bags across ANZ. As part of this initiative, recyclable cups and plates were also introduced in all centers.
The community’s participation in these community service activities has strengthened relationship with St Vincent de Paul in each capital city, the Hills Shire Council (Sydney), Whitehorse City Council (Melbourne), Auckland City Council, Lions Club, Salvation Army, The Australian Red Cross and numerous local Church groups.
The 10K pledge also included the hours contributed by community members in personal community and professional voluntary service such as Board memberships, Rotary clubs, school PTA, office voluntary projects etc
Moving from strength to strength, 2020 has inspired the community to extend the pledge to 15K hours and to work on global initiatives through the Ismail Civic brand, where the Ismaili Community across the globe in over 35 countries will work on community service and volunteering projects. Watch this space !
https://the.ismaili/news/anz-10k-civic-pledge
Charity Event at David Bernardino’s Pediatric Hospital
Charity event held at David Bernardino’s Pediatric Hospital in Luanda brought joy to sick children.
It was early Saturday morning, when some members of the Jamat and volunteers of the Angola Rescue Foundation met at the hospital David Bernardino. It took ´nearly 3 months to prepare everything so this day could be memorable for all the children. Material and emotional efforts were made by everyone involved. The main goal was to give some sparks of happiness to the fragile children.
The MUSA (Mães Unidas e Solidárias em Angola) program took its first steps in 2016, following a public appeal launched to support Pediatric Hospital David Bernardino in Luanda to minimize the difficulties that the hospital was facing due to the crisis the country was experiencing.
​In Providence, United States of America on 10 March 2014, Mowlana Hazar Imam said: “One of the energizing forces that makes a quality civil society possible, of course, is the readiness of its citizens to contribute their talents and energies to the social good. What is required is a profound spirit of voluntary service, a principle cherished in Shia Ismaili culture”.
All members were mesmerized by the smiles of the children. Sadiq NizarJadavji, member for the Youth &Sports Portfolio said that the children’s smile was the best thing and that he hoped to continue the work with Angola Rescue Foundation.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/news/charity-event- ... c-hospital
Charity event held at David Bernardino’s Pediatric Hospital in Luanda brought joy to sick children.
It was early Saturday morning, when some members of the Jamat and volunteers of the Angola Rescue Foundation met at the hospital David Bernardino. It took ´nearly 3 months to prepare everything so this day could be memorable for all the children. Material and emotional efforts were made by everyone involved. The main goal was to give some sparks of happiness to the fragile children.
The MUSA (Mães Unidas e Solidárias em Angola) program took its first steps in 2016, following a public appeal launched to support Pediatric Hospital David Bernardino in Luanda to minimize the difficulties that the hospital was facing due to the crisis the country was experiencing.
​In Providence, United States of America on 10 March 2014, Mowlana Hazar Imam said: “One of the energizing forces that makes a quality civil society possible, of course, is the readiness of its citizens to contribute their talents and energies to the social good. What is required is a profound spirit of voluntary service, a principle cherished in Shia Ismaili culture”.
All members were mesmerized by the smiles of the children. Sadiq NizarJadavji, member for the Youth &Sports Portfolio said that the children’s smile was the best thing and that he hoped to continue the work with Angola Rescue Foundation.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/news/charity-event- ... c-hospital
Ismaili Girl Guides engage with sustainable development goals
The sustainable development goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations (UN) in 2015 are envisioned to make the world a better place by 2030. In order to better understand the goals and their potential, the Ismaili Girl Guides in Pakistan attended a four-day summit at the Guides’ Association headquarters in Islamabad.
The UN believes a sustainable future can only be achieved if countries work together on the outlined objectives mentioned in the SDGs. However, in order to do so, each member country must invoke a civic responsibility among their citizens, so as to encourage change from within.
To familiarise young Ismailis with the SDGs, the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board in Pakistan arranged a visit to the four-day summit for Girl Guides at the Pakistan Girl Guides Association (PGGA) headquarters in Islamabad. The objectives of the event were to enlighten Girl Guides on how to become a leader, to understand the leadership model of the World Association for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, to explore models on advocacy, social entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and finally, to create a conceivable action plan to implement in the future.
Thanks to a team-building activity conducted by Ms Mariyam Nawaz, media and communications specialist at the UN, participants began to understand the connections between personal and local issues in relation to global issues, and acquired the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes to better promote sustainable development.
Also at the event, Ms Saba Faisal focused on the Girl Guides leadership model, based on the “Five Minds of a Manager” developed by Henry Mintzberg and Jonathan Gosling. This suggests five qualities a leader must incorporate for conscious, effective change. This session not only provided an opportunity to understand those mindsets but also helped participants practice them in their daily lives.
Subsequently, Mr Hassan Khan Sipra, scientific officer for climate research and development at COMSAT University in Islamabad, stressed the risks of climate change and how this has been a priority from the Paris Agreement amongst SDG stakeholders. As each individual’s carbon footprint increases, Sipra motivated attendees to commit themselves to adapting small changes at an individual level, such as a shifting towards renewable energy and less consumption of meat products, both of which could create significant impacts in the long term.
With a unique assessment of issues in Hunza, Anila Shah said, “Today, we have learned about the sustainable development goals and will implement them in our jurisdiction. I would like to work particularly on one goal: climate change. Global warming is an international issue, yet by starting a plantation drive in Hunza we will be able to decrease the effects worldwide. An individual can generate change.”
Ms Shamsa Kashif led a session in which the Girl Guides learned to use advocacy as a tool to influence change and amend policy. Ms Uzma Shahid led the next session on social entrepreneurship where examples of social enterprise projects operating in Pakistan were presented as a guide to participants.
Mrs Quratulain Faheem, an associate professor at University College London teaching urban development, based her session upon community mapping and project development. As a culmination, participants, guided by their ‘Global Goals Passport’ — knowledge obtained relative to each SDG — designed projects for their region and shared the desired impact as well as activities to develop a self-sustaining enterprise, advocacy methods, key partners and resources required, and the strategy to ensure community participation. Experts then helped the Girl Guides improve the projects before execution in their respective regions.
On the final day of the SDGs Summit, senior institutional leaders shared the role of AKDN as an implementing partner for SDGs. Participants were awarded certificates and leaders expressed their appreciation to the PGGA for arranging the informative summit.
Senator Nuzhat Amir Sadiq, national commissioner of the PGGA, said, “This is one of the very first summits on SDGs organised for Girl Guides across Pakistan. We, at PGGA, have a clear vision that all girls are valued and must act to change the world. For more than 100 years, Girl Guides have been acting in their respective communities and standing up for the issues that matter to them. They also conduct different advocacy campaigns to speak up and take action about issues affecting them and their communities.”
Ismaili Council President Hafiz Sherali said, “It was hoped that the Summit would create a ripple effect of learning and education regarding SDGs.”
The Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board and the Girl Guides have internalised the responsibility to leave behind a better world for upcoming generations.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/girl-gu ... ment-goals
The sustainable development goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations (UN) in 2015 are envisioned to make the world a better place by 2030. In order to better understand the goals and their potential, the Ismaili Girl Guides in Pakistan attended a four-day summit at the Guides’ Association headquarters in Islamabad.
The UN believes a sustainable future can only be achieved if countries work together on the outlined objectives mentioned in the SDGs. However, in order to do so, each member country must invoke a civic responsibility among their citizens, so as to encourage change from within.
To familiarise young Ismailis with the SDGs, the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board in Pakistan arranged a visit to the four-day summit for Girl Guides at the Pakistan Girl Guides Association (PGGA) headquarters in Islamabad. The objectives of the event were to enlighten Girl Guides on how to become a leader, to understand the leadership model of the World Association for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, to explore models on advocacy, social entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and finally, to create a conceivable action plan to implement in the future.
Thanks to a team-building activity conducted by Ms Mariyam Nawaz, media and communications specialist at the UN, participants began to understand the connections between personal and local issues in relation to global issues, and acquired the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes to better promote sustainable development.
Also at the event, Ms Saba Faisal focused on the Girl Guides leadership model, based on the “Five Minds of a Manager” developed by Henry Mintzberg and Jonathan Gosling. This suggests five qualities a leader must incorporate for conscious, effective change. This session not only provided an opportunity to understand those mindsets but also helped participants practice them in their daily lives.
Subsequently, Mr Hassan Khan Sipra, scientific officer for climate research and development at COMSAT University in Islamabad, stressed the risks of climate change and how this has been a priority from the Paris Agreement amongst SDG stakeholders. As each individual’s carbon footprint increases, Sipra motivated attendees to commit themselves to adapting small changes at an individual level, such as a shifting towards renewable energy and less consumption of meat products, both of which could create significant impacts in the long term.
With a unique assessment of issues in Hunza, Anila Shah said, “Today, we have learned about the sustainable development goals and will implement them in our jurisdiction. I would like to work particularly on one goal: climate change. Global warming is an international issue, yet by starting a plantation drive in Hunza we will be able to decrease the effects worldwide. An individual can generate change.”
Ms Shamsa Kashif led a session in which the Girl Guides learned to use advocacy as a tool to influence change and amend policy. Ms Uzma Shahid led the next session on social entrepreneurship where examples of social enterprise projects operating in Pakistan were presented as a guide to participants.
Mrs Quratulain Faheem, an associate professor at University College London teaching urban development, based her session upon community mapping and project development. As a culmination, participants, guided by their ‘Global Goals Passport’ — knowledge obtained relative to each SDG — designed projects for their region and shared the desired impact as well as activities to develop a self-sustaining enterprise, advocacy methods, key partners and resources required, and the strategy to ensure community participation. Experts then helped the Girl Guides improve the projects before execution in their respective regions.
On the final day of the SDGs Summit, senior institutional leaders shared the role of AKDN as an implementing partner for SDGs. Participants were awarded certificates and leaders expressed their appreciation to the PGGA for arranging the informative summit.
Senator Nuzhat Amir Sadiq, national commissioner of the PGGA, said, “This is one of the very first summits on SDGs organised for Girl Guides across Pakistan. We, at PGGA, have a clear vision that all girls are valued and must act to change the world. For more than 100 years, Girl Guides have been acting in their respective communities and standing up for the issues that matter to them. They also conduct different advocacy campaigns to speak up and take action about issues affecting them and their communities.”
Ismaili Council President Hafiz Sherali said, “It was hoped that the Summit would create a ripple effect of learning and education regarding SDGs.”
The Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board and the Girl Guides have internalised the responsibility to leave behind a better world for upcoming generations.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/girl-gu ... ment-goals
South London Jamatkhana Serving the Local Community Through Coronavirus
Voluntary service has been one of the guiding ethics of our faith for over 1000 years. As well as serving the Jamat, this service extends to the communities in which we live. This ethic of good citizenship and civil society has been exemplified by a team from South London Jamatkhana (SLJK).
Led by Azim Jetha, the SLJK taskforce has been actively involved in serving the Jamat and local community. With their team of 16 people, they are quick to respond to those requiring support.
With the emergence of coronavirus, and the lockdown measures imposed, the team have jumped into action to help assist the most vulnerable in the Jamat and the local community.
Through conference calls, the team planned a strategy of how to support vulnerable people around them. Starting by identifying those unable to leave their homes, they then set to work to collect and distribute food packages and medicines to those affected. Through all of their work, their primary concern was the safety of those who they were assisting. “We made sure to wash our hands regularly, leave all packages at doors and remain two meters away when delivering packages” said Karim Virji, a member of the taskforce.
They then reached out to the local community to see who else could utilise their support. They were put in touch with the Croydon Voluntary Action Group (CVA), who were looking to assist the homeless through this crisis. Hostels have been opening their doors to safely house people who are homeless during this crisis. Along side this, groups including CVA have been assisting in providing clothes and other resources to the homeless. CVA appealed for help in the collection of these materials.
Within 24 hours of receiving this call to action, the SLJK team were able to rally their 16 person taskforce to respond. Thirty bags of clothes were donated, and a team of three people, Rahim Abib, Shakil Ukani and Karim Virji collected and delivered these bags to the CVA. This incredibly quick response was greatly appreciated by the CVA team and the local community whom they have helped. “Any act of kindness, no matter how big or how small, as long as you do it with good intentions, it is more than satisfactory “ said Karim Virji of the SLJK team.
The team have signed up to other community projects including Good Sam and NHS services to continue to offer their time. They also continue to deliver food packages to the vulnerable individuals in their local area.
We applaud this generosity of time and resource in providing an excellent service to the Jamat and the wider community in which they live.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/uk/south-london-jam ... oronavirus
Voluntary service has been one of the guiding ethics of our faith for over 1000 years. As well as serving the Jamat, this service extends to the communities in which we live. This ethic of good citizenship and civil society has been exemplified by a team from South London Jamatkhana (SLJK).
Led by Azim Jetha, the SLJK taskforce has been actively involved in serving the Jamat and local community. With their team of 16 people, they are quick to respond to those requiring support.
With the emergence of coronavirus, and the lockdown measures imposed, the team have jumped into action to help assist the most vulnerable in the Jamat and the local community.
Through conference calls, the team planned a strategy of how to support vulnerable people around them. Starting by identifying those unable to leave their homes, they then set to work to collect and distribute food packages and medicines to those affected. Through all of their work, their primary concern was the safety of those who they were assisting. “We made sure to wash our hands regularly, leave all packages at doors and remain two meters away when delivering packages” said Karim Virji, a member of the taskforce.
They then reached out to the local community to see who else could utilise their support. They were put in touch with the Croydon Voluntary Action Group (CVA), who were looking to assist the homeless through this crisis. Hostels have been opening their doors to safely house people who are homeless during this crisis. Along side this, groups including CVA have been assisting in providing clothes and other resources to the homeless. CVA appealed for help in the collection of these materials.
Within 24 hours of receiving this call to action, the SLJK team were able to rally their 16 person taskforce to respond. Thirty bags of clothes were donated, and a team of three people, Rahim Abib, Shakil Ukani and Karim Virji collected and delivered these bags to the CVA. This incredibly quick response was greatly appreciated by the CVA team and the local community whom they have helped. “Any act of kindness, no matter how big or how small, as long as you do it with good intentions, it is more than satisfactory “ said Karim Virji of the SLJK team.
The team have signed up to other community projects including Good Sam and NHS services to continue to offer their time. They also continue to deliver food packages to the vulnerable individuals in their local area.
We applaud this generosity of time and resource in providing an excellent service to the Jamat and the wider community in which they live.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/uk/south-london-jam ... oronavirus
Ismaili community in Malaysia works with local organisation to support families
Sixty Kuala Lumpur families in need were recently provided with much-needed care packages thanks to the Ismaili community in Malaysia working in partnership with Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK), a 24-hour crisis and drop-in centre.
The provisions, which included rice, oil, eggs, sugar, and other sundry items were provided to YCK over two days during the current Nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO) imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The undertaking was part of the Ismaili CIVIC initiative and aimed to assist families during this time of economic difficulty.
The beneficiaries supported by YCK are primarily families of vulnerable young people who are unemployed or at risk of exclusion. YCK provides support services ranging from education, counselling, and employment as well as shelter or foster care. In coordination with local market provider Pak Grocer, provisions were packed and delivered to the families.
“There are those who give with joy and that joy is their reward. Our heartfelt gratitude to Ismaili CIVIC for their generosity and always providing for our children and families in need during these difficult times,” said Dato Dr Hartini Zainudin, founder of Yayasan Chow Kit.
“I am grateful for this contribution as our current supplies would have run out by tomorrow. It is such a relief for us,” said Faridah, a recipient at YCK. Another recipient, Salmah Achmad, added, “I want to express my thanks to our donors. This lightens our burden especially in this current difficult condition.”
The global Covid-19 health situation has impacted multiple sectors of society in numerous ways; collectively these two institutions are working to support susceptible families and provide hope to many. Malaysia announced an MCO on 18 March in response to the increased number of Covid-19 cases. The MCO has since been extended until 28 April.
“This is part of our Muslim ethic. We are honoured to contribute to the wider Malaysian society by working with our long-term partner, Yayasan Chow Kit. We have high regard for their efforts, and look forward to many additional opportunities to support this initiative and many others,” said Azmin Saduruddin, Vice President of the Ismaili Council for the Far East. “The youth being supported by YCK are the future of Malaysia,” he said.
https://the.ismaili/global/news/communi ... t-families
Sixty Kuala Lumpur families in need were recently provided with much-needed care packages thanks to the Ismaili community in Malaysia working in partnership with Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK), a 24-hour crisis and drop-in centre.
The provisions, which included rice, oil, eggs, sugar, and other sundry items were provided to YCK over two days during the current Nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO) imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The undertaking was part of the Ismaili CIVIC initiative and aimed to assist families during this time of economic difficulty.
The beneficiaries supported by YCK are primarily families of vulnerable young people who are unemployed or at risk of exclusion. YCK provides support services ranging from education, counselling, and employment as well as shelter or foster care. In coordination with local market provider Pak Grocer, provisions were packed and delivered to the families.
“There are those who give with joy and that joy is their reward. Our heartfelt gratitude to Ismaili CIVIC for their generosity and always providing for our children and families in need during these difficult times,” said Dato Dr Hartini Zainudin, founder of Yayasan Chow Kit.
“I am grateful for this contribution as our current supplies would have run out by tomorrow. It is such a relief for us,” said Faridah, a recipient at YCK. Another recipient, Salmah Achmad, added, “I want to express my thanks to our donors. This lightens our burden especially in this current difficult condition.”
The global Covid-19 health situation has impacted multiple sectors of society in numerous ways; collectively these two institutions are working to support susceptible families and provide hope to many. Malaysia announced an MCO on 18 March in response to the increased number of Covid-19 cases. The MCO has since been extended until 28 April.
“This is part of our Muslim ethic. We are honoured to contribute to the wider Malaysian society by working with our long-term partner, Yayasan Chow Kit. We have high regard for their efforts, and look forward to many additional opportunities to support this initiative and many others,” said Azmin Saduruddin, Vice President of the Ismaili Council for the Far East. “The youth being supported by YCK are the future of Malaysia,” he said.
https://the.ismaili/global/news/communi ... t-families
Food Deliveries to Health Care Teams During COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our health care workers put their health and lives at risk everyday to serve the communities around them. This remarkable service was appreciated by the nation. The Ismaili community recognised this service by offering multiple food deliveries to various hospitals around the UK.
Two notable deliveries included the making and delivery of 60 pizza’s to the Royal London Hospital in East London on 19th April 2020. Toppings included margherita, mushroom, BBQ chicken and even a vegan option! The donation, made by a non-Ismaili spouse, is part of a co-ordinated effort to continue feeding the doctors regularly until this crisis is over! He tells us ‘it’s the least he can do and is in keeping with the ethics of giving in Islam’
Photos at;
https://the.ismaili/uk/food-deliveries- ... g-covid-19
******
Supporting Health Care Professionals Through COVID-19
Voluntary service has always been a guiding ethic for us as a community. The emergence of coronavirus and the self-isolation era provoked this sense of service in many members of the Jamat. Not only did we come to serve our communities, but also to contribute to the wider communities in which we live.
This included assisting the vulnerable, who were unable to leave their homes, but also supporting the health care providers who cared for the wider community.
The Hounslow and Richmond Heath Care Centres in West London were one of the numerous health care providers who continued their services during this pandemic. With their 10 centres around West London, they required food parcels to be delivered for their staff.
The need in the local community was answered by a team from West London Jamatkhana(WLJK). The WLJK support team were able to mobilise a group of people to deliver food within 24 hours of getting the call to action. On the first day, they delivered over 200 food packages to the very grateful teams. The deliveries started over Easter weekend, 2020, and continued for many weeks on a daily basis.
In addition to this, the WLJK team of over 30 people co-ordinated the daily needs of the local community, answering calls from people in need of assistance during this crisis. This ranged from delivery of groceries and medication and helping with home schooling by signposting families to resources. Whilst there were multiple resources online, many families without computers in the house struggled to access good quality education resources to assist with home schooling. Some teachers within this group of volunteers, put together reading packs and educational material to help tackle this problem.
The work of this dedicated team continued throughout the ‘lockdown’ period, and provided indispensable support to those in the most need. The work exemplifies the ethics of good citizenship we as a community strive to achieve, and we applaud this excellent contribution to civil society.
https://the.ismaili/uk/supporting-healt ... h-covid-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our health care workers put their health and lives at risk everyday to serve the communities around them. This remarkable service was appreciated by the nation. The Ismaili community recognised this service by offering multiple food deliveries to various hospitals around the UK.
Two notable deliveries included the making and delivery of 60 pizza’s to the Royal London Hospital in East London on 19th April 2020. Toppings included margherita, mushroom, BBQ chicken and even a vegan option! The donation, made by a non-Ismaili spouse, is part of a co-ordinated effort to continue feeding the doctors regularly until this crisis is over! He tells us ‘it’s the least he can do and is in keeping with the ethics of giving in Islam’
Photos at;
https://the.ismaili/uk/food-deliveries- ... g-covid-19
******
Supporting Health Care Professionals Through COVID-19
Voluntary service has always been a guiding ethic for us as a community. The emergence of coronavirus and the self-isolation era provoked this sense of service in many members of the Jamat. Not only did we come to serve our communities, but also to contribute to the wider communities in which we live.
This included assisting the vulnerable, who were unable to leave their homes, but also supporting the health care providers who cared for the wider community.
The Hounslow and Richmond Heath Care Centres in West London were one of the numerous health care providers who continued their services during this pandemic. With their 10 centres around West London, they required food parcels to be delivered for their staff.
The need in the local community was answered by a team from West London Jamatkhana(WLJK). The WLJK support team were able to mobilise a group of people to deliver food within 24 hours of getting the call to action. On the first day, they delivered over 200 food packages to the very grateful teams. The deliveries started over Easter weekend, 2020, and continued for many weeks on a daily basis.
In addition to this, the WLJK team of over 30 people co-ordinated the daily needs of the local community, answering calls from people in need of assistance during this crisis. This ranged from delivery of groceries and medication and helping with home schooling by signposting families to resources. Whilst there were multiple resources online, many families without computers in the house struggled to access good quality education resources to assist with home schooling. Some teachers within this group of volunteers, put together reading packs and educational material to help tackle this problem.
The work of this dedicated team continued throughout the ‘lockdown’ period, and provided indispensable support to those in the most need. The work exemplifies the ethics of good citizenship we as a community strive to achieve, and we applaud this excellent contribution to civil society.
https://the.ismaili/uk/supporting-healt ... h-covid-19
Ismaili CIVIC - COVID-19 Response
The National Council is pleased to inform the Jamat of a new national community support initiative, under the Ismaili CIVIC umbrella, to support our local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We warmly invite all interested members of the Jamat to volunteer with various projects to support the needy during this challenging period.
Ways you can volunteer through the COVID-19 pandemic
Ismaili CIVIC has identified the following ways that we can support our local communities in the UK:
Human and professional resources
Including, but not limited to, packaging of food and other essential goods, assembly and pickup/drop-off e.g. patient transport, deliveries etc.
Mentoring
Offer time and knowledge to mentor individuals and groups on a host of topics
Provision of food, PPE and other items
Donation, collection and delivery of food, PPE, etc.
Check-in and chat
Offer conversation and support to people via the phone or through virtual means
Translation services
Provision of translation services from English to South Asian languages (including Gujarati, Urdu, Kutchi and Hindi), Farsi and Arabic, or vice-versa, as appropriate
All activities will be co-ordinated centrally. If you are involved with a project with your local community, or would like to suggest a volunteering opportunity, please do get in touch at [email protected]
Whilst some opportunities may be undertaken from home, others, subject to appropriate health & safety measures and following government guidelines, may require leaving the house. Please see our guidelines for volunteers suitable for these projects by clicking here.
To sign up as a volunteer, please complete the volunteer registration form by clicking here and registering through your IIUK account.
For more information, please contact the Ismaili CIVIC team at [email protected]
What is Ismaili CIVIC?
Ismaili CIVIC is a global initiative under which Ismaili Muslim communities internationally, unite around a common mission to serve humanity, by rendering voluntary service to improve the quality of life of the communities in which they live.This service reflects the community’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship, exemplifying Islam’s core values of service, peace, compassion and care for the vulnerable. Worldwide, this involves service to the environment, health services, education and vulnerable persons.
https://the.ismaili/uk/ismaili-civic-covid-19-response
The National Council is pleased to inform the Jamat of a new national community support initiative, under the Ismaili CIVIC umbrella, to support our local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We warmly invite all interested members of the Jamat to volunteer with various projects to support the needy during this challenging period.
Ways you can volunteer through the COVID-19 pandemic
Ismaili CIVIC has identified the following ways that we can support our local communities in the UK:
Human and professional resources
Including, but not limited to, packaging of food and other essential goods, assembly and pickup/drop-off e.g. patient transport, deliveries etc.
Mentoring
Offer time and knowledge to mentor individuals and groups on a host of topics
Provision of food, PPE and other items
Donation, collection and delivery of food, PPE, etc.
Check-in and chat
Offer conversation and support to people via the phone or through virtual means
Translation services
Provision of translation services from English to South Asian languages (including Gujarati, Urdu, Kutchi and Hindi), Farsi and Arabic, or vice-versa, as appropriate
All activities will be co-ordinated centrally. If you are involved with a project with your local community, or would like to suggest a volunteering opportunity, please do get in touch at [email protected]
Whilst some opportunities may be undertaken from home, others, subject to appropriate health & safety measures and following government guidelines, may require leaving the house. Please see our guidelines for volunteers suitable for these projects by clicking here.
To sign up as a volunteer, please complete the volunteer registration form by clicking here and registering through your IIUK account.
For more information, please contact the Ismaili CIVIC team at [email protected]
What is Ismaili CIVIC?
Ismaili CIVIC is a global initiative under which Ismaili Muslim communities internationally, unite around a common mission to serve humanity, by rendering voluntary service to improve the quality of life of the communities in which they live.This service reflects the community’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship, exemplifying Islam’s core values of service, peace, compassion and care for the vulnerable. Worldwide, this involves service to the environment, health services, education and vulnerable persons.
https://the.ismaili/uk/ismaili-civic-covid-19-response
Kenyan Jamat serves those in need during pandemic
During this time, through its Ismaili CIVIC initiative, the Kenyan Jamat has come together from across the country to volunteer time and resources to help those in need.
Over the past week, Jamati institutions have provided food, personal protective equipment, and other essential provisions to communities across the country. In Kisumu, Western Kenya, the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board, along with other Jamati members and leaders, visited the Shakeel Orphanage Centre that houses 15 orphaned girls to provide food for their iftar. The group also presented the girls with essential items such as soap, masks, sanitiser, hygiene products, and other items.
“We have been supporting this orphanage for over four years now, and it is even more critical that we continue to do so at this time. I hope we are making a difference,” said Imran Kanji, a Youth and Sports Board member for Kisumu.
In Nairobi, the Ismaili Council for Kenya and the Safety and Security Team donated personal protective equipment to the Office of the Inspector General - National Police Service. This donation included medical-grade masks, gloves, sanitiser, and other essentials.
These efforts are part of the broader Ismaili CIVIC initiative in which members of the Jamat around the world unite around a common mission to serve humanity by rendering voluntary service. This service reflects the Ismaili community’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship, and puts into action our ethics of service, peace, compassion, and care.
In addition to Jamati institutions, numerous Jamati members, either individually or through partnerships, have provided support in different ways as well.
The Manji family, through their Foundation, has been feeding children in need every week.
“My family and I come from a long tradition of serving the local community in every way possible,” said Minaz Manji. “Our family made a decision to support the homeless many years ago. In January we provided 250 plates of food that we cooked at home.”
The Manji family is currently providing 350 meals per week and expect this number to increase during the pandemic.
Alisha Popat, Talisa Lanoe, and their families started up the #TasksForMasks campaign to provide masks to those who need them most.
“Our aim is to raise funds from our community to buy and then donate government-approved masks to the most vulnerable. In this initiative, we want to put them first,” said the duo.
Jahazair Sumar, Qaiz Sumar, Illyan Janmohammed, and Shayaan Rajan, young footballers from Nairobi between the ages of 16 and 25 years, gathered their friends and family together to donate basic supplies to informal settlements and childrens’ homes.
Over the past weeks, the pandemic has been made even more difficult by floods that have ravaged farms and homes, causing food shortages, and other crises.
Ismaili Council for Kenya President Shamira Dostmohamed said, “As Kenyans, it is our duty to help our brothers and sisters with basic essentials for their own safety and well-being. This is very much in line with our Muslim ethics and with the Kenyan Swahili notion of Tuko Pamoja (We Are Together).”
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/global/news/communi ... g-pandemic
During this time, through its Ismaili CIVIC initiative, the Kenyan Jamat has come together from across the country to volunteer time and resources to help those in need.
Over the past week, Jamati institutions have provided food, personal protective equipment, and other essential provisions to communities across the country. In Kisumu, Western Kenya, the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board, along with other Jamati members and leaders, visited the Shakeel Orphanage Centre that houses 15 orphaned girls to provide food for their iftar. The group also presented the girls with essential items such as soap, masks, sanitiser, hygiene products, and other items.
“We have been supporting this orphanage for over four years now, and it is even more critical that we continue to do so at this time. I hope we are making a difference,” said Imran Kanji, a Youth and Sports Board member for Kisumu.
In Nairobi, the Ismaili Council for Kenya and the Safety and Security Team donated personal protective equipment to the Office of the Inspector General - National Police Service. This donation included medical-grade masks, gloves, sanitiser, and other essentials.
These efforts are part of the broader Ismaili CIVIC initiative in which members of the Jamat around the world unite around a common mission to serve humanity by rendering voluntary service. This service reflects the Ismaili community’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship, and puts into action our ethics of service, peace, compassion, and care.
In addition to Jamati institutions, numerous Jamati members, either individually or through partnerships, have provided support in different ways as well.
The Manji family, through their Foundation, has been feeding children in need every week.
“My family and I come from a long tradition of serving the local community in every way possible,” said Minaz Manji. “Our family made a decision to support the homeless many years ago. In January we provided 250 plates of food that we cooked at home.”
The Manji family is currently providing 350 meals per week and expect this number to increase during the pandemic.
Alisha Popat, Talisa Lanoe, and their families started up the #TasksForMasks campaign to provide masks to those who need them most.
“Our aim is to raise funds from our community to buy and then donate government-approved masks to the most vulnerable. In this initiative, we want to put them first,” said the duo.
Jahazair Sumar, Qaiz Sumar, Illyan Janmohammed, and Shayaan Rajan, young footballers from Nairobi between the ages of 16 and 25 years, gathered their friends and family together to donate basic supplies to informal settlements and childrens’ homes.
Over the past weeks, the pandemic has been made even more difficult by floods that have ravaged farms and homes, causing food shortages, and other crises.
Ismaili Council for Kenya President Shamira Dostmohamed said, “As Kenyans, it is our duty to help our brothers and sisters with basic essentials for their own safety and well-being. This is very much in line with our Muslim ethics and with the Kenyan Swahili notion of Tuko Pamoja (We Are Together).”
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/global/news/communi ... g-pandemic
SA’s Ismaili community holds massive food drive for residents in need
The group also donated 2,500 masks to Compassionate San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO – “Share your blessings" — that’s the message from San Antonio’s Ismaili community as they, along with the San Antonio Merchant’s Association, held a massive food drive for the San Antonio Food Bank on Saturday.
The drive took place at the San Antonio Ismaili Jamatkhana. Around 15 pallets of food and hygiene products were collected for the food bank.
Watch video at:
https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2020/05 ... s-in-need/
The group also donated 2,500 masks to Compassionate San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO – “Share your blessings" — that’s the message from San Antonio’s Ismaili community as they, along with the San Antonio Merchant’s Association, held a massive food drive for the San Antonio Food Bank on Saturday.
The drive took place at the San Antonio Ismaili Jamatkhana. Around 15 pallets of food and hygiene products were collected for the food bank.
Watch video at:
https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2020/05 ... s-in-need/
Ismaili CIVIC: Blood Drive with Canadian Blood Services
Did you know that each blood donation can help save up to three lives? Or that, in Canada, someone needs blood every 60 seconds? Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person – it is the gift of life. However, only 4% of those eligible to donate in Canada do so and help sustain our national blood system, which is in need even now.
Join Ismaili CIVIC and the Canadian Blood Services in meeting this ongoing need by signing up and donating blood between June 1 and June 15 at a clinic near to you.
Click here for details on eligibility, safety measures, and how to book your appointment.
https://www.iicanada.org/ismailicivic/blood-drive
Did you know that each blood donation can help save up to three lives? Or that, in Canada, someone needs blood every 60 seconds? Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person – it is the gift of life. However, only 4% of those eligible to donate in Canada do so and help sustain our national blood system, which is in need even now.
Join Ismaili CIVIC and the Canadian Blood Services in meeting this ongoing need by signing up and donating blood between June 1 and June 15 at a clinic near to you.
Click here for details on eligibility, safety measures, and how to book your appointment.
https://www.iicanada.org/ismailicivic/blood-drive
Volunteers at Ismaili Kurla Jamat Khana Help Migrants With Water
The pandemic has been an especially disturbing time for those who didn’t have a fixed home or a job. The migrants of the country have had to fight day and night for basic survival, even the most basic essential like clean drinking water was not available to them during the lockdown. In a bid to reduce their pain and help them, an initiative started by the volunteers of Ismaili Kurla Jamat Khana in Mumbai called ‘The Water Distribution Project’ is helping provide migrants clean drinking water.
Watch: The Ismaili Muslim community volunteers from Kurla JK, Mumbai distribute almost 1,800 litres of water everyday to struggling migrant workers as well as #COVID frontline workers in the city. pic.twitter.com/RPF81ZoFOp
Video, photos and more...
https://www.thequint.com/neon/social-bu ... g-migrants
The pandemic has been an especially disturbing time for those who didn’t have a fixed home or a job. The migrants of the country have had to fight day and night for basic survival, even the most basic essential like clean drinking water was not available to them during the lockdown. In a bid to reduce their pain and help them, an initiative started by the volunteers of Ismaili Kurla Jamat Khana in Mumbai called ‘The Water Distribution Project’ is helping provide migrants clean drinking water.
Watch: The Ismaili Muslim community volunteers from Kurla JK, Mumbai distribute almost 1,800 litres of water everyday to struggling migrant workers as well as #COVID frontline workers in the city. pic.twitter.com/RPF81ZoFOp
Video, photos and more...
https://www.thequint.com/neon/social-bu ... g-migrants
Ismaili CIVIC Donate Two Thousand Face Masks to London Search and Rescue and Age UK
In June 2020, Ismaili CIVIC donated two thousand face masks to London Search and Rescue (LSAR) and Age UK as part of the Covid-19 pandemic response.
This essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will support the LSAR team as they set about their work with Southwark Council in supporting elderly and vulnerable individuals. Age UK used the PPE as part of their on going work to support the elderly and vulnerable nationally and internationally.
Speaking on the occasion, Ali Khanbhai, Member for External Relations of the Ismaili National Council for the UK said “We are delighted to donate a large number of face coverings to our partners London Search and Rescue and Age UK, who have both been operating on the front line. They have been instrumental in doing some remarkable work to support vulnerable members of our society during these difficult times and we are humbled to have the opportunity as Ismaili CIVIC to support them in their efforts. Ismaili CIVIC is the umbrella under which we as the Ismaili community serve our wider society through voluntary service. We look forward to continuing to support London Search and Rescue and Age UK going forward, and to developing similar partnerships at a national and local level with many other organisations of this calibre that are working with purpose and having a real impact on our wider communities.”
London Search and Rescue is part of the London Resilience Partnership which coordinates institutions and communities to prevent, handle and recover from disruption, and then to adapt to change. This is completed on behalf of the Mayor of London, Greater London Authority, Local Authorities and London Fire Brigade to ensure London survives and prospers.
More...
https://the.ismaili/uk/ismaili-civic-do ... and-age-uk
In June 2020, Ismaili CIVIC donated two thousand face masks to London Search and Rescue (LSAR) and Age UK as part of the Covid-19 pandemic response.
This essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will support the LSAR team as they set about their work with Southwark Council in supporting elderly and vulnerable individuals. Age UK used the PPE as part of their on going work to support the elderly and vulnerable nationally and internationally.
Speaking on the occasion, Ali Khanbhai, Member for External Relations of the Ismaili National Council for the UK said “We are delighted to donate a large number of face coverings to our partners London Search and Rescue and Age UK, who have both been operating on the front line. They have been instrumental in doing some remarkable work to support vulnerable members of our society during these difficult times and we are humbled to have the opportunity as Ismaili CIVIC to support them in their efforts. Ismaili CIVIC is the umbrella under which we as the Ismaili community serve our wider society through voluntary service. We look forward to continuing to support London Search and Rescue and Age UK going forward, and to developing similar partnerships at a national and local level with many other organisations of this calibre that are working with purpose and having a real impact on our wider communities.”
London Search and Rescue is part of the London Resilience Partnership which coordinates institutions and communities to prevent, handle and recover from disruption, and then to adapt to change. This is completed on behalf of the Mayor of London, Greater London Authority, Local Authorities and London Fire Brigade to ensure London survives and prospers.
More...
https://the.ismaili/uk/ismaili-civic-do ... and-age-uk
I-CERV Volunteers in Western Region respond to pandemic during Ramadan
As many Americans continue to face hardships resulting from the pandemic, communities and Ismaili volunteers across six cities came together and collected donations of 55,000 food items and 14,000 toiletry items over three weekends, for local non-profit organizations.
Donors were able to drive their vehicles and drop off their donations while maintaining social distancing. The events were organized at Milpitas, Los Angeles, Orange County, Seattle, San Fernando Valley, and Torrance Jamatkhanas.
Santa Clara Valley Ismailis partnered with the Milpitas Police Department and donated nearly 15,000 food items to the Milpitas Food Pantry. “I wanted to say thank you for the amazingly beautiful load of food you brought,” said Karen Kolander, Executive Director for the pantry. “You have really blessed the pantry with your thoughtful donations. Thanks so much.”
santa_clara_2.jpg
Milpitas City Councilwoman gives a flower to an I-CERV volunteer.
Milpitas City Councilwoman gives a flower to an I-CERV volunteer.
KARIM MANJI
Councilmember for the city of Milpitas, Karina Dominguez, stopped by to thank the Ismaili community and the volunteers for their generosity and kindness in these difficult times by handing volunteers flowers and personalized note of thanks.
Chief Armando Corpuz of the Milpitas Police Department was one of many officers who assisted in marketing and serving at the event. When I-CERV volunteers expressed their appreciation to the police department, Chief Corpuz reciprocated the appreciation. “Thank you for allowing our officers to join your community in this event. We’re happy to assist the community, but it is our officers who truly benefit – they are able to see the good and humanity present in our community, a welcome change of perspective to the things they otherwise see while protecting the city.”
Orange County volunteers partnered with Families Forward and collected over 7,000 items. The City of Irvine Councilmember, Farrah Khan, attended the event and recognized the volunteers as well as those who donated. “I’m just so proud of the work the community is doing here. I’m so happy to see people come out and drop off food for our needy families.”
Volunteers from Seattle coordinated a successful event despite experiencing rainfall, and community members were eager to deliver their donations that were then hand-delivered to Friends of the Children-Seattle. “I truly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know the volunteers both from the Ismaili community as well as from Friends of the Children,” says Susan Weaver of St. John Vianney Parish. “Their dedication and kindness are inspiring. The generosity of the community in the abundance of food donated was heart-warming.”
The donations collected from the Los Angeles, Torrance, and San Fernando Valley events totaled over 15,600 food items, with 12,000 food items collected in just one weekend. The donations were delivered to the Tiyya Foundation and the Islamic Center of Southern California.
I-CERV volunteers also acquired and provided nearly 6,500 items of personal protective equipment, as well as nutritious snacks to local police departments and healthcare professionals from Phoenix to Sacramento, and from Santa Monica to San Gabriel Valley.
Taking the initiative, some individuals, on their own, in Los Angeles and Orange County also donated funds to purchase snacks and chocolates for the ICU staff at three hospitals on behalf of the Jamat, in appreciation of their efforts.
https://the.ismaili/usa/our-community/i ... ng-ramadan
As many Americans continue to face hardships resulting from the pandemic, communities and Ismaili volunteers across six cities came together and collected donations of 55,000 food items and 14,000 toiletry items over three weekends, for local non-profit organizations.
Donors were able to drive their vehicles and drop off their donations while maintaining social distancing. The events were organized at Milpitas, Los Angeles, Orange County, Seattle, San Fernando Valley, and Torrance Jamatkhanas.
Santa Clara Valley Ismailis partnered with the Milpitas Police Department and donated nearly 15,000 food items to the Milpitas Food Pantry. “I wanted to say thank you for the amazingly beautiful load of food you brought,” said Karen Kolander, Executive Director for the pantry. “You have really blessed the pantry with your thoughtful donations. Thanks so much.”
santa_clara_2.jpg
Milpitas City Councilwoman gives a flower to an I-CERV volunteer.
Milpitas City Councilwoman gives a flower to an I-CERV volunteer.
KARIM MANJI
Councilmember for the city of Milpitas, Karina Dominguez, stopped by to thank the Ismaili community and the volunteers for their generosity and kindness in these difficult times by handing volunteers flowers and personalized note of thanks.
Chief Armando Corpuz of the Milpitas Police Department was one of many officers who assisted in marketing and serving at the event. When I-CERV volunteers expressed their appreciation to the police department, Chief Corpuz reciprocated the appreciation. “Thank you for allowing our officers to join your community in this event. We’re happy to assist the community, but it is our officers who truly benefit – they are able to see the good and humanity present in our community, a welcome change of perspective to the things they otherwise see while protecting the city.”
Orange County volunteers partnered with Families Forward and collected over 7,000 items. The City of Irvine Councilmember, Farrah Khan, attended the event and recognized the volunteers as well as those who donated. “I’m just so proud of the work the community is doing here. I’m so happy to see people come out and drop off food for our needy families.”
Volunteers from Seattle coordinated a successful event despite experiencing rainfall, and community members were eager to deliver their donations that were then hand-delivered to Friends of the Children-Seattle. “I truly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know the volunteers both from the Ismaili community as well as from Friends of the Children,” says Susan Weaver of St. John Vianney Parish. “Their dedication and kindness are inspiring. The generosity of the community in the abundance of food donated was heart-warming.”
The donations collected from the Los Angeles, Torrance, and San Fernando Valley events totaled over 15,600 food items, with 12,000 food items collected in just one weekend. The donations were delivered to the Tiyya Foundation and the Islamic Center of Southern California.
I-CERV volunteers also acquired and provided nearly 6,500 items of personal protective equipment, as well as nutritious snacks to local police departments and healthcare professionals from Phoenix to Sacramento, and from Santa Monica to San Gabriel Valley.
Taking the initiative, some individuals, on their own, in Los Angeles and Orange County also donated funds to purchase snacks and chocolates for the ICU staff at three hospitals on behalf of the Jamat, in appreciation of their efforts.
https://the.ismaili/usa/our-community/i ... ng-ramadan
Aga Khan National Council partners up with Mission Save Bangladesh to help people in need during Eid
The Aga Khan National Council for Bangladesh, under the Ismaili CIVIC umbrella, partnered up with Mission Save Bangladesh, an initiative launched by Sheba.xyz, to provide emergency support to underprivileged communities.
In keeping with its longstanding tradition of helping those in need, on July 30, Ismaili CIVIC has donated to Mission Save Bangladesh to support underprivileged people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic during the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha.
Mission Save Bangladesh will be distributing meat, rice and vegetables to those most in need.
"Members of the Ismaili community in Bangladesh were provided with an opportunity to contribute to this worthwhile cause, as we unite in our efforts to fulfil our civic responsibility to our community," a press release from the organisation says.
Ismaili CIVIC is a global initiative under which Ismaili Muslim communities internationally unite around a common mission to serve humanity, by rendering voluntary service to improve the quality of life of the communities in which they live.
This service reflects the community's ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship, exemplifying Islam's core values of service, peace, compassion and care for the vulnerable.
https://tbsnews.net/bangladesh/aga-khan ... during-eid
The Aga Khan National Council for Bangladesh, under the Ismaili CIVIC umbrella, partnered up with Mission Save Bangladesh, an initiative launched by Sheba.xyz, to provide emergency support to underprivileged communities.
In keeping with its longstanding tradition of helping those in need, on July 30, Ismaili CIVIC has donated to Mission Save Bangladesh to support underprivileged people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic during the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha.
Mission Save Bangladesh will be distributing meat, rice and vegetables to those most in need.
"Members of the Ismaili community in Bangladesh were provided with an opportunity to contribute to this worthwhile cause, as we unite in our efforts to fulfil our civic responsibility to our community," a press release from the organisation says.
Ismaili CIVIC is a global initiative under which Ismaili Muslim communities internationally unite around a common mission to serve humanity, by rendering voluntary service to improve the quality of life of the communities in which they live.
This service reflects the community's ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship, exemplifying Islam's core values of service, peace, compassion and care for the vulnerable.
https://tbsnews.net/bangladesh/aga-khan ... during-eid
Mozambique Jamat donates PPE to support local hospital
The Jamat of Beira, Mozambique donated personal protective equipment to help the healthcare workers of the Hospital Central da Beira who continue to work on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The donation was made through Ismaili CIVIC, a global initiative which brings Ismaili Muslims together to support their local communities through voluntary service; an expression of the Islamic values of service, compassion and generosity. Through Ismaili CIVIC, Ismailis in numerous countries give back to their communities by assisting the vulnerable, contributing to healthcare institutions, supporting environmental initiatives, and participating in various other civic engagement efforts.
The Beira Jamat donated 3,000 N95 masks and 2,000 pairs of gloves to the Hospital Central da Beira. The donation was commemorated in a ceremony held on 14 August 2020, attended by members of the hospital’s leadership as well as members of the Beira Jamat.
During the ceremony, Hospital Director Dr Nelson Mucopo expressed his gratitude for the donation.
“This support is going to minimise the difficulties which we are facing in regards to the means of fighting this pandemic of Covid-19. It is going to assist a lot,” he said, adding that these supplies in particular will be used by the healthcare workers who are at constant risk.
Vishal Charaniya, a representative of the Beira Jamat, highlighted that the Hospital Central da Beira is the largest medical facility in the area and is relied upon by many for healthcare services.
“Today we are offering masks and gloves because many come to this facility when facing problems,” Charaniya said. “This equipment is for Covid-19 protection and the hospital will know how to make the most of it.”
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/mozambique/mozambiq ... l-hospital
The Jamat of Beira, Mozambique donated personal protective equipment to help the healthcare workers of the Hospital Central da Beira who continue to work on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The donation was made through Ismaili CIVIC, a global initiative which brings Ismaili Muslims together to support their local communities through voluntary service; an expression of the Islamic values of service, compassion and generosity. Through Ismaili CIVIC, Ismailis in numerous countries give back to their communities by assisting the vulnerable, contributing to healthcare institutions, supporting environmental initiatives, and participating in various other civic engagement efforts.
The Beira Jamat donated 3,000 N95 masks and 2,000 pairs of gloves to the Hospital Central da Beira. The donation was commemorated in a ceremony held on 14 August 2020, attended by members of the hospital’s leadership as well as members of the Beira Jamat.
During the ceremony, Hospital Director Dr Nelson Mucopo expressed his gratitude for the donation.
“This support is going to minimise the difficulties which we are facing in regards to the means of fighting this pandemic of Covid-19. It is going to assist a lot,” he said, adding that these supplies in particular will be used by the healthcare workers who are at constant risk.
Vishal Charaniya, a representative of the Beira Jamat, highlighted that the Hospital Central da Beira is the largest medical facility in the area and is relied upon by many for healthcare services.
“Today we are offering masks and gloves because many come to this facility when facing problems,” Charaniya said. “This equipment is for Covid-19 protection and the hospital will know how to make the most of it.”
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/mozambique/mozambiq ... l-hospital