Video:
Jamatkhana Re-Opening Registration Instructions .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCAWAZmQG6Y
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Related Updates
USA Jamatkhana Re-Opening Updates by President Al-Karim Alidina Sunday, September 20, 2020
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC83VMSQNJQ
*******
USA Jamatkhana Re-Opening Updates by VP Celina Charania Shariff (Gujrati )
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14HRxTcLSmE
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC83VMSQNJQ
*******
USA Jamatkhana Re-Opening Updates by VP Celina Charania Shariff (Gujrati )
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14HRxTcLSmE
Welcome Back to Jamatkhana in the USA!
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63eppMlK_aI
This brief video highlights what to expect when your Jamatkhana re-opens. In addition, the Jamat is requested to remain informed of the Jamatkhana re-opening guidelines and the associated precautions, which can be found on https://the.ismaili/usa/reopening.
******
Early Testing Saves Lives
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wy4BgY9hn4
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63eppMlK_aI
This brief video highlights what to expect when your Jamatkhana re-opens. In addition, the Jamat is requested to remain informed of the Jamatkhana re-opening guidelines and the associated precautions, which can be found on https://the.ismaili/usa/reopening.
******
Early Testing Saves Lives
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wy4BgY9hn4
ILTIJA - A Prayer By Imran Keshwani (Devotional Song With Lyrics & Translations)
TopBanner
ILTIJA
A Prayer By Imran Keshwani
Imran Keshwani is a singer, songwriter, composer and performer.
Imran was born in Karachi, Pakistan and has had a passion for singing since the age of 6 years. Imran took part in many school competitions and in his teenage years became a lead singer with the Ismaili Sultanabad Orchestra and other Jamati music groups. Performing on various platforms gave him the self-confidence and inspiration to pursue his singing and music career at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA).
At the Academy, Imran met some of the most refined and influential mentors such as Ustaad Salamat Ali Khan, Ustaad Nafees Ahmed Khan and Sir Zia Mohyeddin, President and CEO of NAPA.
Imran was also fortunate, at that time, to be assisting Nizar Lalani, a highly respected and well-known musician from Ismaili Community. Through that interaction, Imran became well-versed in the production of live and recorded music.
In 2012 Imran moved to Melbourne where he has been singing and performing with Jamati Orchestra and doing various gigs as a solo artist for our Jamat and others.
JollyGul.com presents "ILTIJA" with lyrics and translations. Enjoy!
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeXjzAS ... e=youtu.be
TopBanner
ILTIJA
A Prayer By Imran Keshwani
Imran Keshwani is a singer, songwriter, composer and performer.
Imran was born in Karachi, Pakistan and has had a passion for singing since the age of 6 years. Imran took part in many school competitions and in his teenage years became a lead singer with the Ismaili Sultanabad Orchestra and other Jamati music groups. Performing on various platforms gave him the self-confidence and inspiration to pursue his singing and music career at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA).
At the Academy, Imran met some of the most refined and influential mentors such as Ustaad Salamat Ali Khan, Ustaad Nafees Ahmed Khan and Sir Zia Mohyeddin, President and CEO of NAPA.
Imran was also fortunate, at that time, to be assisting Nizar Lalani, a highly respected and well-known musician from Ismaili Community. Through that interaction, Imran became well-versed in the production of live and recorded music.
In 2012 Imran moved to Melbourne where he has been singing and performing with Jamati Orchestra and doing various gigs as a solo artist for our Jamat and others.
JollyGul.com presents "ILTIJA" with lyrics and translations. Enjoy!
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeXjzAS ... e=youtu.be
https://the.ismaili/global/news/imamat- ... ember-2020
The Ismaili is pleased to share a message from Mawlana Hazar Imam to the worldwide Jamat.
2 November 2020
My beloved spiritual children,
My Jamat is aware that the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic continues to pose challenges to the health and quality of life of societies around the world, including the Jamat. This situation remains of deep concern and, as Imam-of-the-Time, I receive regular updates from the Jamati and AKDN institutions and agencies about the impact on my Jamat, and also the mitigation measures being undertaken.
I am pleased that, in many countries, we have been able to re-open our Jamatkhanas in compliance with government and public health guidelines, but my Jamat should remain aware that there is no room for complacency over the risks posed by the highly contagious coronavirus. The need for wearing masks, observing physical distancing and adhering to all the required hygiene protocols remains paramount, and should be treated as part of normal life for some time to come. Many countries are now seeing a resurgence of Covid-19 cases, which demands that my murids should take personal responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities by carefully following the guidelines of the government and public health authorities.
The work on producing vaccines and other forms of therapies is advancing at a rapid pace and, Insha’Allah, over the coming months, we will see positive results which, in due course, will be beneficial to the Jamat and the population at large.
I send my most affectionate paternal, maternal loving blessings for the good health, happiness, safety and well-being of all my murids, with best loving blessings for mushkil-asan.
Yours affectionately,
Aga Khan
The Ismaili is pleased to share a message from Mawlana Hazar Imam to the worldwide Jamat.
2 November 2020
My beloved spiritual children,
My Jamat is aware that the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic continues to pose challenges to the health and quality of life of societies around the world, including the Jamat. This situation remains of deep concern and, as Imam-of-the-Time, I receive regular updates from the Jamati and AKDN institutions and agencies about the impact on my Jamat, and also the mitigation measures being undertaken.
I am pleased that, in many countries, we have been able to re-open our Jamatkhanas in compliance with government and public health guidelines, but my Jamat should remain aware that there is no room for complacency over the risks posed by the highly contagious coronavirus. The need for wearing masks, observing physical distancing and adhering to all the required hygiene protocols remains paramount, and should be treated as part of normal life for some time to come. Many countries are now seeing a resurgence of Covid-19 cases, which demands that my murids should take personal responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities by carefully following the guidelines of the government and public health authorities.
The work on producing vaccines and other forms of therapies is advancing at a rapid pace and, Insha’Allah, over the coming months, we will see positive results which, in due course, will be beneficial to the Jamat and the population at large.
I send my most affectionate paternal, maternal loving blessings for the good health, happiness, safety and well-being of all my murids, with best loving blessings for mushkil-asan.
Yours affectionately,
Aga Khan
https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/business/20 ... -response/
Aga Khan Hospital Nairobi and Aga Khan Health Services EA receive Sh720mn Grant to Boost COVID-19 Response
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 5 – Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH, N), and the Aga Khan Health Services, East Africa have received a Sh720 million grant from the German Government to boost their COVID-19 response and support the public health system.
The grant offered by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the German Development Bank (KfW) will enable the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi and the Aga Khan Hospitals in Kisumu, Mombasa and Dar es Salaam to increase their COVID-19 preparedness and response and support the public health system with testing kits and personal protective equipment (PPEs) in order to improve diagnostic and safety capacities.
Christoph Tiskens, Director Eastern Africa & Africa Union of KfW Development Bank said the German Government has committed additional funds to its Partners in order to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“KfW has a longstanding partnership with the Aga Khan University in East Africa. We are delighted that, thanks to this cooperation, we have been able to jointly facilitate this project in order to provide quick and effective support to health facilities in the region”, he said
Dr. Shawn Bolouki, Vice President of Health Services at Aga Khan University and the Chief Executive Officer at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi said the grant will ensure that they can increase their support to the government and improve their response to this pandemic by easing the burden on the public health system.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, our Hospitals in Kenya and Tanzania have put in place a robust response strategy that enables us to respond to the pandemic, provide quality care to COVID-19 patients while ensuring that our regular patients continue to receive their normal care safely. This support will enable us expand our response,” added Dr. Bolouki. A part of the grant will go to the COVID-19 Patient Welfare Fund that supports needy patients to receive quality care.
“The Aga Khan University, as part of the Aga Khan Development Network, has a long standing and valued co-operation with the German Government. The Network appreciates the support, encouragement, confidence and trust provided by the German Government. With this support from BMZ/KfW, the Aga Khan Hospitals in the region will expand their COVID-19 preparedness and response and will also support the running of the field hospital at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, said Al-Karim Haji, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer of the Aga Khan University.
Aga Khan Hospital Nairobi and Aga Khan Health Services EA receive Sh720mn Grant to Boost COVID-19 Response
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 5 – Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH, N), and the Aga Khan Health Services, East Africa have received a Sh720 million grant from the German Government to boost their COVID-19 response and support the public health system.
The grant offered by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the German Development Bank (KfW) will enable the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi and the Aga Khan Hospitals in Kisumu, Mombasa and Dar es Salaam to increase their COVID-19 preparedness and response and support the public health system with testing kits and personal protective equipment (PPEs) in order to improve diagnostic and safety capacities.
Christoph Tiskens, Director Eastern Africa & Africa Union of KfW Development Bank said the German Government has committed additional funds to its Partners in order to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“KfW has a longstanding partnership with the Aga Khan University in East Africa. We are delighted that, thanks to this cooperation, we have been able to jointly facilitate this project in order to provide quick and effective support to health facilities in the region”, he said
Dr. Shawn Bolouki, Vice President of Health Services at Aga Khan University and the Chief Executive Officer at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi said the grant will ensure that they can increase their support to the government and improve their response to this pandemic by easing the burden on the public health system.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, our Hospitals in Kenya and Tanzania have put in place a robust response strategy that enables us to respond to the pandemic, provide quality care to COVID-19 patients while ensuring that our regular patients continue to receive their normal care safely. This support will enable us expand our response,” added Dr. Bolouki. A part of the grant will go to the COVID-19 Patient Welfare Fund that supports needy patients to receive quality care.
“The Aga Khan University, as part of the Aga Khan Development Network, has a long standing and valued co-operation with the German Government. The Network appreciates the support, encouragement, confidence and trust provided by the German Government. With this support from BMZ/KfW, the Aga Khan Hospitals in the region will expand their COVID-19 preparedness and response and will also support the running of the field hospital at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, said Al-Karim Haji, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer of the Aga Khan University.
Pakistan all set to produce nasal swabs locally: AKU
AKU successfully develops 3D-printed, low-cost nasal swab for Covid-19 tests
A paramedic wearing protective gear takes a nasal swab of 103 year-old Abdul Alim, to be tested for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at the Aga Khan Health Services Emergency Response Centre in Booni, Chitral. PHOTO: REUTERS
KARACHI:
The Aga Khan University developed 3D printed, low-cost nasal swab for Covid-19 testing in Pakistan, the varsity announced in a press release on Tuesday.
According to the AKU, Pakistan now has the ability to locally produce nasal swabs, the essential tool required to collect samples for Covid-19 tests, after the university successfully completed clinical trials on a 3D printed swab.
The pandemic has led to a global surge in the demand for diagnostic test kits and components, including the cotton bud-shaped nasal swabs. As countries around the world ramped up testing facilities, Pakistan found itself in no different a situation and had to import all nasal swabs to date.
"Supply constraints at the peak of the pandemic in April to May 2020 led to AKU’s Innovation Lab searching for a solution by designing and developing a local alternative," their statement read.
A team of researchers, clinical laboratory experts and biomedical engineers used a specialised 3D printer to develop a prototype. The varsity claimed the clinical trials on the prototype found the 3D printed nasal swab to be as safe, effective and user-friendly as imported swabs.
“Our printer can produce over 1,000 swabs per day at a significantly lower cost than those we import,” said Saleem Sayani, director of AKU’s Technology Innovation Support Centre and Digital Health Resource Centre.
AKU Medical College Dean Dr Adil Haider stated that the swab demonstrated how local innovation can solve local problems even in the midst of a pandemic.
“The 3D printed swab will reduce the need to import swabs for respiratory sampling,” said Professor Zahra Hasan from AKU’s department of pathology and laboratory medicine, the co-principal investigator on the project.
“This can help increase Covid-19 diagnostic capacity across Pakistan,” she added.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2271769/pa ... ocally-aku
AKU successfully develops 3D-printed, low-cost nasal swab for Covid-19 tests
A paramedic wearing protective gear takes a nasal swab of 103 year-old Abdul Alim, to be tested for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at the Aga Khan Health Services Emergency Response Centre in Booni, Chitral. PHOTO: REUTERS
KARACHI:
The Aga Khan University developed 3D printed, low-cost nasal swab for Covid-19 testing in Pakistan, the varsity announced in a press release on Tuesday.
According to the AKU, Pakistan now has the ability to locally produce nasal swabs, the essential tool required to collect samples for Covid-19 tests, after the university successfully completed clinical trials on a 3D printed swab.
The pandemic has led to a global surge in the demand for diagnostic test kits and components, including the cotton bud-shaped nasal swabs. As countries around the world ramped up testing facilities, Pakistan found itself in no different a situation and had to import all nasal swabs to date.
"Supply constraints at the peak of the pandemic in April to May 2020 led to AKU’s Innovation Lab searching for a solution by designing and developing a local alternative," their statement read.
A team of researchers, clinical laboratory experts and biomedical engineers used a specialised 3D printer to develop a prototype. The varsity claimed the clinical trials on the prototype found the 3D printed nasal swab to be as safe, effective and user-friendly as imported swabs.
“Our printer can produce over 1,000 swabs per day at a significantly lower cost than those we import,” said Saleem Sayani, director of AKU’s Technology Innovation Support Centre and Digital Health Resource Centre.
AKU Medical College Dean Dr Adil Haider stated that the swab demonstrated how local innovation can solve local problems even in the midst of a pandemic.
“The 3D printed swab will reduce the need to import swabs for respiratory sampling,” said Professor Zahra Hasan from AKU’s department of pathology and laboratory medicine, the co-principal investigator on the project.
“This can help increase Covid-19 diagnostic capacity across Pakistan,” she added.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2271769/pa ... ocally-aku
How To Ensure That We Breathe Quality Air At Home
Every minute, each of us breathe an average of 12 times, with an average volume of 500 ml per breath. Do you know what is contained within the 6 litres of air around you, that you breathe into your lungs per minute? The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to stay in our home environments for much longer every day – is this something that we should be concerned about?
As an air quality management consultant, I have worked with governments and not-for-profit organisations trying to better understand the ambient, or outdoor, air quality in their jurisdictions. Ambient air priority pollutants from a human health perspective include sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NO2/NOX), ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM). Air pollution is a global issue, with the World Health Organisation estimating that air pollution kills seven million people across the world every year. This includes both ambient air pollution, and indoor or household air pollution.
From a health perspective, indoor air pollution can be just as important as ambient air pollution, if not more important. Even during normal times, we spend around 90% of our times in an indoor environment, including our homes, vehicles, workplaces, and recreational environments. Indoor air pollutants include all of the ambient priority pollutants, in addition to molds and VOC’s, or volatile organic compounds. These VOC’s are found in cleaning agents and scents, and can be generated during cooking as well. Particles less than 2.5 microns, called PM2.5, can infiltrate the lungs, tissues and other organs, causing risk of heart disease, and other systemic health issues. Young children, and those who are older or immunocompromised, are at most risk.
However, the good news is that it is very easy to take steps to manage your household, indoor air quality. Here are some ideas:
- Bringing in fresh air – if the air quality and temperature of the ambient (outdoor) air is good, it is best to ventilate your home for 15 minutes every day. Ventilation can be achieved by opening windows in different areas of your home environment, and running fans in your home to allow for proper air flow and exchange.
- Keep your filters clean – you likely have filters on your furnace, air conditioning units, vacuums and hood fans. It is important to check filters frequently and clean according to instructions that the filter manufacturers provide. And make sure to use your cooking fan whenever you are cooking!
- Clean your home frequently – this can be achieved through normal vacuuming, dusting, and mopping to remove dust, mites, and other pollutants. You may also decide to purchase and use an air purifier – but this must also be cleaned regularly!
- Choose Cleaning Products Wisely – many cleaning products produce a multitude of VOC’s, and may cause irritation in your eyes, nose and throat, in addition to headaches and other reactions. Try to use products that are natural and eco-friendly, including lemon and vinegar.
- Reduce Indoor Burning – Remember that kerosene cooking stoves, incense / bakhoor, smoking / shisha, and candles / fireplaces can cause significant increases in PM2.5. Reducing indoor burning will significantly improve indoor air quality.
- Measure to Manage – there are many portable, low cost air pollution monitors available on the market today. If you are particularly sensitive to poor indoor air quality, you may want to consider one of these monitors, so you can track pollution, and make changes accordingly
Our lives will likely revolve around indoor environments more than ever before, as we live through this unprecedented pandemic. The air that we breathe is important to our health, and we should all take steps to ensure that our families are breathing clean and healthy air.
https://the.ismaili/uae/how-ensure-we-b ... y-air-home
Every minute, each of us breathe an average of 12 times, with an average volume of 500 ml per breath. Do you know what is contained within the 6 litres of air around you, that you breathe into your lungs per minute? The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to stay in our home environments for much longer every day – is this something that we should be concerned about?
As an air quality management consultant, I have worked with governments and not-for-profit organisations trying to better understand the ambient, or outdoor, air quality in their jurisdictions. Ambient air priority pollutants from a human health perspective include sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NO2/NOX), ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM). Air pollution is a global issue, with the World Health Organisation estimating that air pollution kills seven million people across the world every year. This includes both ambient air pollution, and indoor or household air pollution.
From a health perspective, indoor air pollution can be just as important as ambient air pollution, if not more important. Even during normal times, we spend around 90% of our times in an indoor environment, including our homes, vehicles, workplaces, and recreational environments. Indoor air pollutants include all of the ambient priority pollutants, in addition to molds and VOC’s, or volatile organic compounds. These VOC’s are found in cleaning agents and scents, and can be generated during cooking as well. Particles less than 2.5 microns, called PM2.5, can infiltrate the lungs, tissues and other organs, causing risk of heart disease, and other systemic health issues. Young children, and those who are older or immunocompromised, are at most risk.
However, the good news is that it is very easy to take steps to manage your household, indoor air quality. Here are some ideas:
- Bringing in fresh air – if the air quality and temperature of the ambient (outdoor) air is good, it is best to ventilate your home for 15 minutes every day. Ventilation can be achieved by opening windows in different areas of your home environment, and running fans in your home to allow for proper air flow and exchange.
- Keep your filters clean – you likely have filters on your furnace, air conditioning units, vacuums and hood fans. It is important to check filters frequently and clean according to instructions that the filter manufacturers provide. And make sure to use your cooking fan whenever you are cooking!
- Clean your home frequently – this can be achieved through normal vacuuming, dusting, and mopping to remove dust, mites, and other pollutants. You may also decide to purchase and use an air purifier – but this must also be cleaned regularly!
- Choose Cleaning Products Wisely – many cleaning products produce a multitude of VOC’s, and may cause irritation in your eyes, nose and throat, in addition to headaches and other reactions. Try to use products that are natural and eco-friendly, including lemon and vinegar.
- Reduce Indoor Burning – Remember that kerosene cooking stoves, incense / bakhoor, smoking / shisha, and candles / fireplaces can cause significant increases in PM2.5. Reducing indoor burning will significantly improve indoor air quality.
- Measure to Manage – there are many portable, low cost air pollution monitors available on the market today. If you are particularly sensitive to poor indoor air quality, you may want to consider one of these monitors, so you can track pollution, and make changes accordingly
Our lives will likely revolve around indoor environments more than ever before, as we live through this unprecedented pandemic. The air that we breathe is important to our health, and we should all take steps to ensure that our families are breathing clean and healthy air.
https://the.ismaili/uae/how-ensure-we-b ... y-air-home
Thursday November 19, 2020
As a result of new public health regulations announced today by the Government of B.C., all Jamatkhana ceremonies in B.C. will be temporarily suspended after the completion of evening ceremonies on November 19, 2020.
This suspension applies to all morning, evening and weekend ceremonies
Temporary Suspension of all Jamatkhana Ceremonies in Toronto and Peel Regions from Monday 23rd Nov 2020.
.
As a result of new public health regulations announced today by the Government of B.C., all Jamatkhana ceremonies in B.C. will be temporarily suspended after the completion of evening ceremonies on November 19, 2020.
This suspension applies to all morning, evening and weekend ceremonies
Temporary Suspension of all Jamatkhana Ceremonies in Toronto and Peel Regions from Monday 23rd Nov 2020.
.
The Aga Khan Museum is temporarily closed
The Aga Khan Museum is temporarily closed due to provincial COVID-19 guidelines issued on Friday. We will reopen our doors as soon as public health officials deem it safe and appropriate to do so.
Ticket purchases for affected Museum programs and events will be eligible for a refund. We will contact ticketholders shortly with more information.
During our building closure, you can still engage with us from wherever you are. This week’s Duende Festival will bring the transformative power and pluralistic spirit of flamenco to the digital stage. And our online #MuseumWithoutWalls is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We thank you for being part of the Aga Khan Museum community, and we look forward to welcoming you through our doors again in the near future.
https://mailchi.mp/agakhanmuseum.org/th ... b9d5a6fa9e
The Aga Khan Museum is temporarily closed due to provincial COVID-19 guidelines issued on Friday. We will reopen our doors as soon as public health officials deem it safe and appropriate to do so.
Ticket purchases for affected Museum programs and events will be eligible for a refund. We will contact ticketholders shortly with more information.
During our building closure, you can still engage with us from wherever you are. This week’s Duende Festival will bring the transformative power and pluralistic spirit of flamenco to the digital stage. And our online #MuseumWithoutWalls is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We thank you for being part of the Aga Khan Museum community, and we look forward to welcoming you through our doors again in the near future.
https://mailchi.mp/agakhanmuseum.org/th ... b9d5a6fa9e
Building connections through connectivity
The Jamat is embracing virtual programming as an opportunity to connect and interact with each other across frontiers.
Over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, many in the Ismaili community, and indeed, the global community, have collectively strived to achieve a sense of optimism towards the future, propelled by the value we place on human connection.
“The right to hope is the most powerful human motivation I know,” said Mawlana Hazar Imam in a speech at Brown University in 1996. In his address, he eloquently described hope as a motivation — a state of mind we can seek to internalise.
The pandemic has presented a plethora of uncharted territories. According to reports released in 2020 by UNICEF, the UN Economic and Social Council, and the International Labour Organization, the global community has faced major challenges over recent months. These include an immense reliance on technology, a lack of basic human interaction, and a derailed economy. However, in such trying times where loss and destruction pervade our lives, we might instead choose to view adversity as opportunity.
This frame of mind is embodied by many members of our global Jamat, who endeavour to find opportunities, and provide increased access to educational opportunities.
“Our community relations continue to be fostered through virtual connections. Programming on national and international levels such as The Ismaili TV, Camp CONNECT, and educational webinars conducted by scholars from all over the world are receiving global viewership,” said Dr Ali Asani, professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at Harvard University.
“Evidently, the Jamat is embracing these virtual programmes as opportunities to connect and interact with our brothers and sisters across frontiers.”
The way in which our global Jamat is transforming obstacles into opportunities throughout this pandemic is a testament to our resilience. The value we place on human connection has stemmed from the Imam's emphasis on unity which has consistently propelled the Jamat forward. Thus, these past few months have enabled us to develop a deeper sense of empathy, rooted in our genuine care for the wellbeing of our community.
“Perhaps for the first time in human history, we truly feel our connection to people around the world. Our lives have formed a web of interconnectivity, paving the way for challenges that others face to become our own. These difficult times have raised a global consciousness that we are ecologically, biologically, and psychologically connected, and that our actions have real consequences for this fragile planet we live on,” said Amin Tejpar, a Science Education specialist.
This sense of empathy provides insight into how individuals of varying backgrounds, economic situations, and other factors are being impacted by the pandemic. The knowledge that our fellow brothers and sisters in humanity are enduring immense struggle motivates us to act as a source of comfort and furthermore enhances our willingness to engage in acts of pluralism.
“This year, although we were unable to engage in communal celebrations for Navroz, our spirits were lifted by Navroz Mubarak, a music video released on The Ismaili. The song was composed by global Ismaili artists and involved lyrics in several languages, thus representing the diversity within our community,” expressed Dr Shafique Virani, a professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Toronto.
“I can’t think of a more beautiful expression of the strength, vitality, and power of pluralism that has helped carry us through this crisis,”
This enhanced willingness to act as a beacon of support and hope is increasingly being fostered by young people. This pandemic has brought with it a paradigm shift which has overturned every aspect of the lives of our youth, including schooling, practicing one’s faith, and the use of technology. On the other hand, it has also brought opportunity to capitalise on the resources we fortunately have at our fingertips, understand our responsibility to engage in active citizenship, and develop a pluralistic mindset through empathy and service.
As such, although the loss incurred over recent months is deeply felt, we cannot overlook the transformative impact that Covid-19 has had on the perspectives and actions of the global Ismaili youth. We are now, more than ever, unified by our ethical and social mobilisation, which is an important step to achieving a pluralistic mindset: devoting ourselves to, above all, enhancing the quality of lives of others.
https://the.ismaili/global/news/feature ... nnectivity
The Jamat is embracing virtual programming as an opportunity to connect and interact with each other across frontiers.
Over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, many in the Ismaili community, and indeed, the global community, have collectively strived to achieve a sense of optimism towards the future, propelled by the value we place on human connection.
“The right to hope is the most powerful human motivation I know,” said Mawlana Hazar Imam in a speech at Brown University in 1996. In his address, he eloquently described hope as a motivation — a state of mind we can seek to internalise.
The pandemic has presented a plethora of uncharted territories. According to reports released in 2020 by UNICEF, the UN Economic and Social Council, and the International Labour Organization, the global community has faced major challenges over recent months. These include an immense reliance on technology, a lack of basic human interaction, and a derailed economy. However, in such trying times where loss and destruction pervade our lives, we might instead choose to view adversity as opportunity.
This frame of mind is embodied by many members of our global Jamat, who endeavour to find opportunities, and provide increased access to educational opportunities.
“Our community relations continue to be fostered through virtual connections. Programming on national and international levels such as The Ismaili TV, Camp CONNECT, and educational webinars conducted by scholars from all over the world are receiving global viewership,” said Dr Ali Asani, professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at Harvard University.
“Evidently, the Jamat is embracing these virtual programmes as opportunities to connect and interact with our brothers and sisters across frontiers.”
The way in which our global Jamat is transforming obstacles into opportunities throughout this pandemic is a testament to our resilience. The value we place on human connection has stemmed from the Imam's emphasis on unity which has consistently propelled the Jamat forward. Thus, these past few months have enabled us to develop a deeper sense of empathy, rooted in our genuine care for the wellbeing of our community.
“Perhaps for the first time in human history, we truly feel our connection to people around the world. Our lives have formed a web of interconnectivity, paving the way for challenges that others face to become our own. These difficult times have raised a global consciousness that we are ecologically, biologically, and psychologically connected, and that our actions have real consequences for this fragile planet we live on,” said Amin Tejpar, a Science Education specialist.
This sense of empathy provides insight into how individuals of varying backgrounds, economic situations, and other factors are being impacted by the pandemic. The knowledge that our fellow brothers and sisters in humanity are enduring immense struggle motivates us to act as a source of comfort and furthermore enhances our willingness to engage in acts of pluralism.
“This year, although we were unable to engage in communal celebrations for Navroz, our spirits were lifted by Navroz Mubarak, a music video released on The Ismaili. The song was composed by global Ismaili artists and involved lyrics in several languages, thus representing the diversity within our community,” expressed Dr Shafique Virani, a professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Toronto.
“I can’t think of a more beautiful expression of the strength, vitality, and power of pluralism that has helped carry us through this crisis,”
This enhanced willingness to act as a beacon of support and hope is increasingly being fostered by young people. This pandemic has brought with it a paradigm shift which has overturned every aspect of the lives of our youth, including schooling, practicing one’s faith, and the use of technology. On the other hand, it has also brought opportunity to capitalise on the resources we fortunately have at our fingertips, understand our responsibility to engage in active citizenship, and develop a pluralistic mindset through empathy and service.
As such, although the loss incurred over recent months is deeply felt, we cannot overlook the transformative impact that Covid-19 has had on the perspectives and actions of the global Ismaili youth. We are now, more than ever, unified by our ethical and social mobilisation, which is an important step to achieving a pluralistic mindset: devoting ourselves to, above all, enhancing the quality of lives of others.
https://the.ismaili/global/news/feature ... nnectivity
Special Message from the Council for Prairies
Temporary Suspension of all Jamatkhana Ceremonies in Prairies and Edmonton Regions
In response to the extraordinarily high and increasing rates of COVID across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, all Jamatkhana ceremonies in the Edmonton and Prairies regions will be temporarily suspended after completion of morning Jamatkhana ceremonies on Tuesday, December 1. This includes the following Jamatkhanas:
• Edmonton Headquarters
• Belle Rive
• Edmonton West
• Red Deer
• Calgary Headquarters
• Westwinds
• Franklin
• Calgary Northwest
• Calgary South
• Lethbridge
• Saskatoon
• Regina
Winnipeg Jamatkhana will remain closed.
This suspension applies to all morning, evening and weekend ceremonies.
Given the escalating rates of COVID-19, please continue to closely follow all public health guidelines, including:
• No gatherings for social reasons with anyone outside of your immediate household
• Continue frequent handwashing/sanitizing
• Wear a mask when leaving the home or when coming into close proximity with those outside your household
• Maintain a distance of 2 metres from others not in your household
Let’s continue to protect each other and especially the vulnerable members of our families and the Jamat.
Also, please remember:
• If you are feeling unwell, see your doctor or call
• HealthLink Alberta at 8-1-1
• Saskatchewan Healthline at 8-1-1,
• Manitoba Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free
• If you need information or support, call the Jamati Access Line at 1-888-536-3599
We know that this is a challenging time for all of us, and we pray for the health and safety of the Jamat and look forward to the resumption of Jamatkhana ceremonies. We will continue to monitor the situation, and, working closely with our public health professionals, to keep the Jamat informed of any new developments.
For regular and important updates, please continue to check the Al-Akhbar, the iiCanada app, and the regional TheIsmaili Facebook and Instagram pages. Members of the Jamat are reminded only to use official sources for communication and to refrain from circulating messages from private sources.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
Temporary Suspension of all Jamatkhana Ceremonies in Prairies and Edmonton Regions
In response to the extraordinarily high and increasing rates of COVID across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, all Jamatkhana ceremonies in the Edmonton and Prairies regions will be temporarily suspended after completion of morning Jamatkhana ceremonies on Tuesday, December 1. This includes the following Jamatkhanas:
• Edmonton Headquarters
• Belle Rive
• Edmonton West
• Red Deer
• Calgary Headquarters
• Westwinds
• Franklin
• Calgary Northwest
• Calgary South
• Lethbridge
• Saskatoon
• Regina
Winnipeg Jamatkhana will remain closed.
This suspension applies to all morning, evening and weekend ceremonies.
Given the escalating rates of COVID-19, please continue to closely follow all public health guidelines, including:
• No gatherings for social reasons with anyone outside of your immediate household
• Continue frequent handwashing/sanitizing
• Wear a mask when leaving the home or when coming into close proximity with those outside your household
• Maintain a distance of 2 metres from others not in your household
Let’s continue to protect each other and especially the vulnerable members of our families and the Jamat.
Also, please remember:
• If you are feeling unwell, see your doctor or call
• HealthLink Alberta at 8-1-1
• Saskatchewan Healthline at 8-1-1,
• Manitoba Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free
• If you need information or support, call the Jamati Access Line at 1-888-536-3599
We know that this is a challenging time for all of us, and we pray for the health and safety of the Jamat and look forward to the resumption of Jamatkhana ceremonies. We will continue to monitor the situation, and, working closely with our public health professionals, to keep the Jamat informed of any new developments.
For regular and important updates, please continue to check the Al-Akhbar, the iiCanada app, and the regional TheIsmaili Facebook and Instagram pages. Members of the Jamat are reminded only to use official sources for communication and to refrain from circulating messages from private sources.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
November 30, 2020
Dear Generations Calgary Community and Supporters,
I would like to update you on the COVID-19 outbreak at Generations Calgary.
- There have been 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19 – eight staff and four residents have tested positive.
- Two residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away. We are very saddened by this loss and express our deepest condolences.
The health and safety of our residents and staff is our top priority and we are taking every precaution to limit the spread of the virus. In addition to the enhanced health and safety measures that we took with our residents and staff in early March, we have continued to enhance our infection containment steps. We also continue to work very closely with Alberta Health Services to maximize all opportunities to protect the Generations Community.
These are challenging times for all of us. I am grateful for the dedication, care and hard work of our Generations Calgary Team. To the leadership team, all the nurses, healthcare aides, hospitality and maintenance teams – you are the unsung heroes of our community. Thank you for doing what you do so incredibly well and with such integrity and passion. We pray for your good health and safety and for the entire Generations community, and for all those affected by these times.
Mohamud Zaver,
Chair, Multi Generational Housing and Community Centre (Generations Calgary)
Dear Generations Calgary Community and Supporters,
I would like to update you on the COVID-19 outbreak at Generations Calgary.
- There have been 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19 – eight staff and four residents have tested positive.
- Two residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away. We are very saddened by this loss and express our deepest condolences.
The health and safety of our residents and staff is our top priority and we are taking every precaution to limit the spread of the virus. In addition to the enhanced health and safety measures that we took with our residents and staff in early March, we have continued to enhance our infection containment steps. We also continue to work very closely with Alberta Health Services to maximize all opportunities to protect the Generations Community.
These are challenging times for all of us. I am grateful for the dedication, care and hard work of our Generations Calgary Team. To the leadership team, all the nurses, healthcare aides, hospitality and maintenance teams – you are the unsung heroes of our community. Thank you for doing what you do so incredibly well and with such integrity and passion. We pray for your good health and safety and for the entire Generations community, and for all those affected by these times.
Mohamud Zaver,
Chair, Multi Generational Housing and Community Centre (Generations Calgary)
A Leadership Message from the Ismaili Community of United Arab Emirates
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKyW2JrisEk
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKyW2JrisEk
The Covid pandemy does not show any signs of weakening. New pick have been reached after the thanksgiving week-end.
While most Toronto, (Ontario) Jamatkhana were closed, Richmond and Unionville were still open. Starting tomorrow these will also close.
In Quebec province, the situation is not better. Jamatkhanas were restricted to 25 people but from tonight, they have been closed.
While most Toronto, (Ontario) Jamatkhana were closed, Richmond and Unionville were still open. Starting tomorrow these will also close.
In Quebec province, the situation is not better. Jamatkhanas were restricted to 25 people but from tonight, they have been closed.
A Talika has been posted on The.Ismaili main page sent for the Salgirah occasion on 13 December 2020:
https://the.ismaili/global/news/imamat- ... ember-2020
11th December 2020
My beloved spiritual children,
On the occasion of my birthday, the 13th of December 2020, I send my warmest and most affectionate paternal maternal loving blessings to all my beloved spiritual children throughout the world.
I give my best loving blessings for the souls of all my ruhani spiritual children, and I pray for the eternal peace and rest of their souls.
At this time, my Jamat shares with other societies around the world the pain and stresses of the Covid-19 crisis. As Imam-of-the-Time, my attention is focussed on ensuring that the work of the Jamati and AKDN institutions in extending relief and support to those in my Jamat who are vulnerable is effective.
For centuries, one of the core backbones of our Jamat has been our tradition of voluntary service. The global pandemic has challenged our volunteers in many new ways – whether it be in offering care and comfort to my Jamat and others, disseminating important and timely health information, or producing digital communications content to keep the Jamat informed and motivated. I am very pleased with the excellent work of my volunteers throughout the world to support the Jamat and the communities amongst whom they live, and to all my volunteers I convey my greatest admiration and best affectionate loving blessings.
I wish to reiterate that, at all times in your day-to-day lives, my murids should continue to exercise the utmost care and rigour in observing recommended health and safety measures. The reports regarding the development of effective vaccines are encouraging, and I would like my Jamat to be guided by the advice and directives of their health authorities to benefit from the protection these vaccines will provide.
It is a matter of satisfaction that my Jamat continues to draw inspiration from our historic tradition of facing adversity with unity, resolve and resilience, and I am convinced that my Jamat will emerge from the present crisis with enhanced strength and capacities as we plan for the future. I believe my Jamat will find comfort and support from the practice of their faith, whether in Jamatkhanas where these are accessible, or by way of private, personal prayer.
On the occasion of my birthday, I send my best loving blessings to all the spiritual children who have sent messages of congratulations and good wishes.
I send my most affectionate loving blessings for your good health and happiness, spiritual progress, worldly success, strength of faith and unity, with best loving blessings for mushkil-asan. You are all most particularly in my heart, in my thoughts, and in my prayers.
Yours affectionately,
Aga Khan
https://the.ismaili/global/news/imamat- ... ember-2020
11th December 2020
My beloved spiritual children,
On the occasion of my birthday, the 13th of December 2020, I send my warmest and most affectionate paternal maternal loving blessings to all my beloved spiritual children throughout the world.
I give my best loving blessings for the souls of all my ruhani spiritual children, and I pray for the eternal peace and rest of their souls.
At this time, my Jamat shares with other societies around the world the pain and stresses of the Covid-19 crisis. As Imam-of-the-Time, my attention is focussed on ensuring that the work of the Jamati and AKDN institutions in extending relief and support to those in my Jamat who are vulnerable is effective.
For centuries, one of the core backbones of our Jamat has been our tradition of voluntary service. The global pandemic has challenged our volunteers in many new ways – whether it be in offering care and comfort to my Jamat and others, disseminating important and timely health information, or producing digital communications content to keep the Jamat informed and motivated. I am very pleased with the excellent work of my volunteers throughout the world to support the Jamat and the communities amongst whom they live, and to all my volunteers I convey my greatest admiration and best affectionate loving blessings.
I wish to reiterate that, at all times in your day-to-day lives, my murids should continue to exercise the utmost care and rigour in observing recommended health and safety measures. The reports regarding the development of effective vaccines are encouraging, and I would like my Jamat to be guided by the advice and directives of their health authorities to benefit from the protection these vaccines will provide.
It is a matter of satisfaction that my Jamat continues to draw inspiration from our historic tradition of facing adversity with unity, resolve and resilience, and I am convinced that my Jamat will emerge from the present crisis with enhanced strength and capacities as we plan for the future. I believe my Jamat will find comfort and support from the practice of their faith, whether in Jamatkhanas where these are accessible, or by way of private, personal prayer.
On the occasion of my birthday, I send my best loving blessings to all the spiritual children who have sent messages of congratulations and good wishes.
I send my most affectionate loving blessings for your good health and happiness, spiritual progress, worldly success, strength of faith and unity, with best loving blessings for mushkil-asan. You are all most particularly in my heart, in my thoughts, and in my prayers.
Yours affectionately,
Aga Khan
Temporary Suspension of Jamatkhana Ceremonies in Ottawa and Kingston
In response to new regulations announced by public health authorities, Jamatkhana ceremonies will be temporarily suspended at Ottawa and Kingston Jamatkhanas after the completion of evening ceremonies on Friday, December 25, 2020. This suspension applies to all morning, evening, and weekend ceremonies - with no exceptions.
In response to new regulations announced by public health authorities, Jamatkhana ceremonies will be temporarily suspended at Ottawa and Kingston Jamatkhanas after the completion of evening ceremonies on Friday, December 25, 2020. This suspension applies to all morning, evening, and weekend ceremonies - with no exceptions.
COVID-19 Vaccine and You: Important Information in English
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uLhm-1ejKk
*****
COVID-19 Vaccine and You: Important Information in Gujarati
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5Flmr8BG3o
****
COVID-19 Vaccine and You: Important Information in Dari
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN1YLRKK--Y
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uLhm-1ejKk
*****
COVID-19 Vaccine and You: Important Information in Gujarati
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5Flmr8BG3o
****
COVID-19 Vaccine and You: Important Information in Dari
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN1YLRKK--Y
AS RECEIVED
a Ali Madad!
Its with very heavy heart The National Council Informs the Jamat that from Thursday 4th February 2021, all Jamatkhanas of Tanzania & Zambia *WILL BE CLOSED TILL FURTHER NOTICE..*
Council regrets and pray for the good health and Mushkil aasan of the Jamat!!
Stay safe Stay well!!
a Ali Madad!
Its with very heavy heart The National Council Informs the Jamat that from Thursday 4th February 2021, all Jamatkhanas of Tanzania & Zambia *WILL BE CLOSED TILL FURTHER NOTICE..*
Council regrets and pray for the good health and Mushkil aasan of the Jamat!!
Stay safe Stay well!!
Building a knowledge-sharing bridge between the USA and Tajikistan during the pandemic
As the global community faced unforeseen challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, schools and universities were required to quickly implement remote learning in order to maintain social distancing and other Covid-19 safety protocols.
Seven education professionals living in the United States and Tajikistan came together as part of the Tajikistan Entrepreneurship Development team, and initiated a project focused on building a sustainable, knowledge-sharing bridge. Called the University of Central Asia (UCA) Knowledge Share Project, its objective was to equip education professionals with best practices and resources to implement distance learning successfully.
The team is an arm of the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board (AKEPB) for USA and Tajikistan, with the primary goal of sharing knowledge in the fields of entrepreneurship, employment creation, and training.
Project managers Samir Panjwani and Naaila Hossain focused their efforts on creating a platform to share best practices for virtual learning during the pandemic.
“I got inspiration for this project by seeing an opportunity to create a knowledge-sharing bridge as UCA was transitioning to distance learning,” said Samir. “The first step was to clearly identify the needs and build a team that could work together and align with our goals.”
“We are lucky to be in a time when we can use technology to engage with and learn from one another... Every day, our world is changing and with initiatives like this, we are able to continuously learn from each other’s experiences,” remarked Naaila.
The team spent five months collaborating with faculty and staff at UCA while battling the nine-hour time difference.
“The project managers spent so much time talking to the UCA faculty members and us. They truly created a bridge for us and understood and adopted new and creative ideas,” said Naureen Madhani, PhD, Associate Director of Faculty Development at Columbia University, and an education professional on the team. “We are all in the same boat during a pandemic, so the more bridges we can build, the better.”
Minaz Fazal, PhD, Assistant Professor at the College of Arts and Sciences at New York Institute of Technology, also served as an education professional on the team.
“I noticed on the day we were doing this co-creation, not only were UCA faculty members present, but administrators were present as well. Everyone was excited and wanted to be fully engaged — and for me, that was a big moment,” said Minaz.
Dilovar Butabekov, Director of the School of Professional and Continuing Education at UCA shared his perspective: “For our school, this was one of the first experiences in providing online professional development for our instructors from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Following this, we were able to expand our online courses’ design and training portfolio.”
While implementing a virtual workshop to share best practices for virtual learning, the UCA Knowledge Share Project identified and implemented pedagogical best practices.
“We were careful in making sure we do not overstate or impose our contextual practices with the practices of any other country,” Minaz explained. “Culture really plays a big role in education. What works in one context and one culture cannot always be expanded to all cultures.”
The UCA Knowledge Share Project led to the creation of a new course, Dilovar said. Digital Teacher is a course which has proven to be a timely product of this project, and is becoming popular by increasing applications from the public schools due to the ongoing pandemic. It helped the school to populate its newly established Learning Management System, and some instructors received a Certificate of Excellence from UCA.
The UCA Knowledge Share Project has been a positive impact. not only on the education professionals of both countries, but also on the quality of education and learning for current and future students.
https://the.ismaili/global/news/communi ... tan-during
As the global community faced unforeseen challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, schools and universities were required to quickly implement remote learning in order to maintain social distancing and other Covid-19 safety protocols.
Seven education professionals living in the United States and Tajikistan came together as part of the Tajikistan Entrepreneurship Development team, and initiated a project focused on building a sustainable, knowledge-sharing bridge. Called the University of Central Asia (UCA) Knowledge Share Project, its objective was to equip education professionals with best practices and resources to implement distance learning successfully.
The team is an arm of the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board (AKEPB) for USA and Tajikistan, with the primary goal of sharing knowledge in the fields of entrepreneurship, employment creation, and training.
Project managers Samir Panjwani and Naaila Hossain focused their efforts on creating a platform to share best practices for virtual learning during the pandemic.
“I got inspiration for this project by seeing an opportunity to create a knowledge-sharing bridge as UCA was transitioning to distance learning,” said Samir. “The first step was to clearly identify the needs and build a team that could work together and align with our goals.”
“We are lucky to be in a time when we can use technology to engage with and learn from one another... Every day, our world is changing and with initiatives like this, we are able to continuously learn from each other’s experiences,” remarked Naaila.
The team spent five months collaborating with faculty and staff at UCA while battling the nine-hour time difference.
“The project managers spent so much time talking to the UCA faculty members and us. They truly created a bridge for us and understood and adopted new and creative ideas,” said Naureen Madhani, PhD, Associate Director of Faculty Development at Columbia University, and an education professional on the team. “We are all in the same boat during a pandemic, so the more bridges we can build, the better.”
Minaz Fazal, PhD, Assistant Professor at the College of Arts and Sciences at New York Institute of Technology, also served as an education professional on the team.
“I noticed on the day we were doing this co-creation, not only were UCA faculty members present, but administrators were present as well. Everyone was excited and wanted to be fully engaged — and for me, that was a big moment,” said Minaz.
Dilovar Butabekov, Director of the School of Professional and Continuing Education at UCA shared his perspective: “For our school, this was one of the first experiences in providing online professional development for our instructors from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Following this, we were able to expand our online courses’ design and training portfolio.”
While implementing a virtual workshop to share best practices for virtual learning, the UCA Knowledge Share Project identified and implemented pedagogical best practices.
“We were careful in making sure we do not overstate or impose our contextual practices with the practices of any other country,” Minaz explained. “Culture really plays a big role in education. What works in one context and one culture cannot always be expanded to all cultures.”
The UCA Knowledge Share Project led to the creation of a new course, Dilovar said. Digital Teacher is a course which has proven to be a timely product of this project, and is becoming popular by increasing applications from the public schools due to the ongoing pandemic. It helped the school to populate its newly established Learning Management System, and some instructors received a Certificate of Excellence from UCA.
The UCA Knowledge Share Project has been a positive impact. not only on the education professionals of both countries, but also on the quality of education and learning for current and future students.
https://the.ismaili/global/news/communi ... tan-during
Covid Awareness song
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEldR1I_dGk
This song is created for community awareness especially in Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEldR1I_dGk
This song is created for community awareness especially in Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
DAYTIME OPENING OF JAMATKHANAS IN KARACHI DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
• Jamatkhana will be opened seven days a week, starting from Monday 15 Feb,
2021 between 06:30 am and 12:00 pm.
• No registration for day time jamatkhana.
• No Jamati ceremonies or Kirya.
• The Daytime opening is for personal prayers only. Congregational prayers /
tasbeeh will not be allowed.
• Mukhi / Kamadia saheban and Mukhiani/ Kamadiani Sahebat will not be seated at
their paath during the Daytime opening.
• Niyaz will be available on daily basis in disposable bottles.
• Nazrana Offerings can be deposited into lockers placed in the prayer halls.
COUNCIL FOR KARIMABAD
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
• Tasbeehs will not be available. Members are requested to bring their own tasbeehs
• Change will not be available.
• Farman display will be disabled to avoid crowding.
• No age restriction
• To maintain a safe physical distance, a minimum space of 6 feet will have to be
maintained around every Jamati member while they are seated in the prayer hall.
Chairs will also be placed 6 feet apart.
• Shaking hands, hugging and any other form of physical contact while greeting other
Jamati members will be strictly discouraged.
• Entry into Jamat khanas will be allowed only with a facemask.
COUNCIL FOR KARIMABAD
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
• Gloves are compulsory only for the volunteers who are physically handling the
Jamati members (e.g., volunteers at the gate and health desks).
• Jamatkhanas will be used for prayer only. All other gatherings and activities will be
prohibited and the Jamat will be discouraged from socializing in groups for long
periods of time.
• Spraying of individuals with disinfectants is NOT suggested under ANY
circumstances.
• Sanitizers will also be placed at various other places in the Jamatkhana
• Walking sticks, walkers and wheelchairs being brought in from outside will be
disinfected at the Volunteers’ desk.
COUNCIL FOR KARIMABAD
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
• Water counters and the current system of volunteers serving water will be discontinued.
• Wherever possible, separate doorways will be assigned to enter and exit prayer
areas.
• Air conditioners will not be switched on. Wherever possible, windows will be kept open
and fans will be switched on (at low speed) even in winter days to ensure cross
ventilation. Similarly, wherever possible, doors should be kept opened.
• Mukhi Kamadia Saheban will try not to assign duty to volunteers at Shoe Service unless
the numbers of Jamat are high.
• A volunteer will be designated to operate the lift and only he/she will touch the buttons
inside the elevator.
COUNCIL FOR KARIMABAD
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
• All rooms and spaces that are not being used will be locked / cordoned off to
ensure there is no contamination.
• Canteens and Libraries: All canteens and libraries will remain closed until further
notice.
COUNCIL FOR KARIMABAD
THANK YOU
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
• Jamatkhana will be opened seven days a week, starting from Monday 15 Feb,
2021 between 06:30 am and 12:00 pm.
• No registration for day time jamatkhana.
• No Jamati ceremonies or Kirya.
• The Daytime opening is for personal prayers only. Congregational prayers /
tasbeeh will not be allowed.
• Mukhi / Kamadia saheban and Mukhiani/ Kamadiani Sahebat will not be seated at
their paath during the Daytime opening.
• Niyaz will be available on daily basis in disposable bottles.
• Nazrana Offerings can be deposited into lockers placed in the prayer halls.
COUNCIL FOR KARIMABAD
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
• Tasbeehs will not be available. Members are requested to bring their own tasbeehs
• Change will not be available.
• Farman display will be disabled to avoid crowding.
• No age restriction
• To maintain a safe physical distance, a minimum space of 6 feet will have to be
maintained around every Jamati member while they are seated in the prayer hall.
Chairs will also be placed 6 feet apart.
• Shaking hands, hugging and any other form of physical contact while greeting other
Jamati members will be strictly discouraged.
• Entry into Jamat khanas will be allowed only with a facemask.
COUNCIL FOR KARIMABAD
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
• Gloves are compulsory only for the volunteers who are physically handling the
Jamati members (e.g., volunteers at the gate and health desks).
• Jamatkhanas will be used for prayer only. All other gatherings and activities will be
prohibited and the Jamat will be discouraged from socializing in groups for long
periods of time.
• Spraying of individuals with disinfectants is NOT suggested under ANY
circumstances.
• Sanitizers will also be placed at various other places in the Jamatkhana
• Walking sticks, walkers and wheelchairs being brought in from outside will be
disinfected at the Volunteers’ desk.
COUNCIL FOR KARIMABAD
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
• Water counters and the current system of volunteers serving water will be discontinued.
• Wherever possible, separate doorways will be assigned to enter and exit prayer
areas.
• Air conditioners will not be switched on. Wherever possible, windows will be kept open
and fans will be switched on (at low speed) even in winter days to ensure cross
ventilation. Similarly, wherever possible, doors should be kept opened.
• Mukhi Kamadia Saheban will try not to assign duty to volunteers at Shoe Service unless
the numbers of Jamat are high.
• A volunteer will be designated to operate the lift and only he/she will touch the buttons
inside the elevator.
COUNCIL FOR KARIMABAD
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
• All rooms and spaces that are not being used will be locked / cordoned off to
ensure there is no contamination.
• Canteens and Libraries: All canteens and libraries will remain closed until further
notice.
COUNCIL FOR KARIMABAD
THANK YOU
VIDEO: USA Jamatkhana Re-Opening Updates & COVID-19 Vaccines by President Al-Karim Alidina Feb. 12, 2021
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2Mreo9LNDE
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2Mreo9LNDE
Ismailis around the world rise to economic challenges posed by Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has put economies around the world to the test. Unemployment has reached alarming levels, many industries have seen massive declines in revenue, and business models once thought reliable were disrupted. Surviving these circumstances required building new skill sets, adjusting career plans, and revising business strategies at an unprecedented pace. Inspiring stories have emerged of Ismailis who met these challenges with resilience as well as community institutions that stepped up to support the Jamat through times of hardship.
Nafisa Rayani from Kenya is the founder of Honeycomb Jewelry, a business that sells custom-made, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Nafisa began making jewelry as a hobby, but after receiving positive feedback from those around her, she decided to focus on the venture full-time. However, a few months after she resigned from her job, the Covid-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in sales.
Nafisa consulted with people within her network and studied businesses that were doing well during the pandemic to chart a path forward. Before Covid-19, in-person showcases had been a major source of revenue for Honeycomb. However, Nafisa realised she would have to shift her focus to online platforms, which were proving to be crucial for non-essential businesses during the pandemic.
To leverage the potential of social media, Nafisa began expanding her online presence and marketed rigorously through digital platforms. She used her photography and videography skills to post content that showcased the beauty of her pieces and created videos of herself explaining the inspiration behind her jewelry designs. Another impactful step she took was launching an e-commerce portal on her website, allowing customers to purchase her jewelry online.
Reflecting on her journey and the importance of adaptability, Nafisa said, “I’m deeply grateful that my business is doing better than it ever has. I think I can safely attribute that to how much I’ve embraced the digital marketing space.”
In November 2020, UAE-based business Central Ventilation Systems (CVS) received the Qatar Development Bank’s Resilient Award for its response to the pandemic. CVS is a manufacturing business that produces air movement and fire safety products for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They have been collaborators in many of Qatar’s prestigious construction projects including railway infrastructure, urban complexes, shopping malls, hospitals, hotels, and FIFA World Cup 2022 projects.
When the Covid-19 pandemic spread through Qatar, several businesses in the industrial area were forced to halt operations due to outbreaks among staff. Many of Qatar’s factory workers are migrants from other countries who live in company accommodation, which greatly increases the possibility of such outbreaks. When case numbers in Qatar reached high levels, CVS enforced strict policies to keep their staff safe from the virus. Meanwhile, employees not required to be on site began working from home as much as possible.
Abiding by such stringent restrictions was taxing for both employees and management. However, the determination to keep staff members safe from the virus paid off. Not only did CVS avoid outbreaks among staff, but the company was able to keep operations running and fulfill its commitments. By maintaining a steady revenue stream, they were able to avoid layoffs and pay full salaries to all their employees.
Suhail Barkat Badruddin, General Manager at CVS, noted how the pandemic had highlighted the integral role played by the staff, saying: "The challenges of Covid-19 taught us the importance of employee safety and wellbeing. If it wasn't for the contribution of each and every employee and their role towards protecting themselves and others within the organisation, we would not have been able to get through these times without interruptions. It is the collective and united efforts and sacrifices of our team members that ensured the continuity of our business."
Keeping with the Ismaili tradition of service and unity in times of difficulty, Imamat institutions around the world mobilised to help the Jamat overcome this unprecedented crisis. In the Far East, Jamati leadership launched a number of initiatives to guide the Jamat on navigating the challenging economic environment and reorienting their careers or businesses where necessary. One prominent initiative was an introductory English language course organised for semi-skilled migrant workers to help them bolster their future job prospects and give them more confidence in the workplace. The course received unanimously positive feedback and, following its success, another introductory language course in Bahasa Melayu (Malay language) was also arranged. While targeted towards semi-skilled migrant workers, this course garnered the interest of Jamati members from all walks of life, since Bahasa is the most widely spoken language in Malaysia.
The Far East chapter of the Ismaili Professionals Network (IPN) was also launched to give Ismaili professionals a new avenue to pursue career growth and transitions. The platform enables Far East Jamati members to network with Ismaili professionals from around the world, share expertise, and connect with potential mentors or partners.
https://the.ismaili/global/news/communi ... d-covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has put economies around the world to the test. Unemployment has reached alarming levels, many industries have seen massive declines in revenue, and business models once thought reliable were disrupted. Surviving these circumstances required building new skill sets, adjusting career plans, and revising business strategies at an unprecedented pace. Inspiring stories have emerged of Ismailis who met these challenges with resilience as well as community institutions that stepped up to support the Jamat through times of hardship.
Nafisa Rayani from Kenya is the founder of Honeycomb Jewelry, a business that sells custom-made, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Nafisa began making jewelry as a hobby, but after receiving positive feedback from those around her, she decided to focus on the venture full-time. However, a few months after she resigned from her job, the Covid-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in sales.
Nafisa consulted with people within her network and studied businesses that were doing well during the pandemic to chart a path forward. Before Covid-19, in-person showcases had been a major source of revenue for Honeycomb. However, Nafisa realised she would have to shift her focus to online platforms, which were proving to be crucial for non-essential businesses during the pandemic.
To leverage the potential of social media, Nafisa began expanding her online presence and marketed rigorously through digital platforms. She used her photography and videography skills to post content that showcased the beauty of her pieces and created videos of herself explaining the inspiration behind her jewelry designs. Another impactful step she took was launching an e-commerce portal on her website, allowing customers to purchase her jewelry online.
Reflecting on her journey and the importance of adaptability, Nafisa said, “I’m deeply grateful that my business is doing better than it ever has. I think I can safely attribute that to how much I’ve embraced the digital marketing space.”
In November 2020, UAE-based business Central Ventilation Systems (CVS) received the Qatar Development Bank’s Resilient Award for its response to the pandemic. CVS is a manufacturing business that produces air movement and fire safety products for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They have been collaborators in many of Qatar’s prestigious construction projects including railway infrastructure, urban complexes, shopping malls, hospitals, hotels, and FIFA World Cup 2022 projects.
When the Covid-19 pandemic spread through Qatar, several businesses in the industrial area were forced to halt operations due to outbreaks among staff. Many of Qatar’s factory workers are migrants from other countries who live in company accommodation, which greatly increases the possibility of such outbreaks. When case numbers in Qatar reached high levels, CVS enforced strict policies to keep their staff safe from the virus. Meanwhile, employees not required to be on site began working from home as much as possible.
Abiding by such stringent restrictions was taxing for both employees and management. However, the determination to keep staff members safe from the virus paid off. Not only did CVS avoid outbreaks among staff, but the company was able to keep operations running and fulfill its commitments. By maintaining a steady revenue stream, they were able to avoid layoffs and pay full salaries to all their employees.
Suhail Barkat Badruddin, General Manager at CVS, noted how the pandemic had highlighted the integral role played by the staff, saying: "The challenges of Covid-19 taught us the importance of employee safety and wellbeing. If it wasn't for the contribution of each and every employee and their role towards protecting themselves and others within the organisation, we would not have been able to get through these times without interruptions. It is the collective and united efforts and sacrifices of our team members that ensured the continuity of our business."
Keeping with the Ismaili tradition of service and unity in times of difficulty, Imamat institutions around the world mobilised to help the Jamat overcome this unprecedented crisis. In the Far East, Jamati leadership launched a number of initiatives to guide the Jamat on navigating the challenging economic environment and reorienting their careers or businesses where necessary. One prominent initiative was an introductory English language course organised for semi-skilled migrant workers to help them bolster their future job prospects and give them more confidence in the workplace. The course received unanimously positive feedback and, following its success, another introductory language course in Bahasa Melayu (Malay language) was also arranged. While targeted towards semi-skilled migrant workers, this course garnered the interest of Jamati members from all walks of life, since Bahasa is the most widely spoken language in Malaysia.
The Far East chapter of the Ismaili Professionals Network (IPN) was also launched to give Ismaili professionals a new avenue to pursue career growth and transitions. The platform enables Far East Jamati members to network with Ismaili professionals from around the world, share expertise, and connect with potential mentors or partners.
https://the.ismaili/global/news/communi ... d-covid-19
Covid-19’s Impact on the USA Jamat
The USA has been particularly, and surprisingly, affected by the pandemic, due in large measure to political tardiness and an unwillingness to confront it early on, as well as a resistance to preventive measures by some segments of the public. As a result, the infection rate and the economic and social consequences of the virus have been significantly higher than would be expected.
Business owners, professionals, teachers, even those deemed “essential workers,” families, and schoolchildren, have spent most of this year learning to cope with the health crisis, while hospitals and healthcare workers have been overwhelmed in many areas, in valiant attempts to save lives.
The Jamat has not been spared the pandemic’s consequences. The Council recognized the need to address them and has offered continuous advice. It has monitored the health of the Jamat, offered practical suggestions on issues ranging from preventing infections, to dealing with the business and financial impact of the pandemic, and the educational impact on students. Extensive programming was created on a host of issues for the Jamat, including entertainment, to keep the Jamat in touch with issues, each other, and its cultures, as they remained cloistered at home.
The Jamat’s Health
COVID-19 has been more deadly than the flu, and with the health of the Jamat of paramount concern, the Aga Khan Health Board monitored information and guidance from medical journals and public health authorities and began informing the Jamat in January 2020. By March, the Jamati institutions had entered a crisis mode, and a national Task Force was created to assess the situation in every region of the country. Teams considered all aspects of the impact, from the health and financial dimensions, to the impact on students unable to attend school, the closure of Jamatkhanas and alternative ways in which to meet the spiritual needs of the Jamat, and programming for seniors and others who needed information and assistance.
Webinars were presented on raising awareness, cancer care, health access, and returning to work. In coordination with the Disaster Management Team and the Social Welfare Board, hundreds of volunteers called Jamati members, including the elderly and economically and socially disadvantaged groups, to check on their condition and activate help if needed.
Food Delivery
Volunteer delivering food to a family in Houston
Individual case management for all COVID-positive Jamati members and their families was initiated, and the Ismaili health professionals were also available to provide consultation and second opinions to those infected, through a 24/7 ACCESS Hotline. They also served as liaisons between medical personnel treating patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 and the family, and facilitated partnerships with testing sites and community care clinics.
Sonny Sultani from Chicago lost 20 pounds in five days after being infected, and Noor Pirani from New York was sent back from the hospital due to the crisis situation in the city, where hospitals themselves were not the safest locations. Both self- quarantined at home. The Midwest Health Board sent supplies to Sonny and checked on him daily, and “just having that support, or someone to talk to was critical,” he recalls. Noor contacted the Jamati ACCESS helpline, and says “I got a lot of advice from Jamati doctors. Someone called me every day. They would talk to me, try to encourage me, and make me feel better. It was a big support, especially at a time when you feel the hospitals have rejected you. I was very confused, and ACCESS came to my rescue.”
Ismaili health professionals have been on the frontlines at many hospitals as physicians and nurses. Dr. Farzana Lalani, an Emergency Room physician in New York, contracted the virus and had a difficult three-week recovery before returning to work, while others such as pharmacist Shama Sarangi-Virani are certifying new testing sites.
The impact on mental health has been more widespread with the restrictions on movement and gatherings. The young seem to have been especially vulnerable, a majority reporting higher levels of stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression. The positive effect of staying at home has been more people exercising, watching their diets, and improved sleep patterns.
Stress and Disputes
With increased financial difficulties and stress, it was only to be expected that interpersonal relationships would be affected, and there has been an increase in conflict, both commercial and domestic, that required intervention by the Conciliation and Arbitration Board (CAB).
CAB has attempted to mediate disputes through online mediation services, launching a new toll-free number, and by conducting webinars on topics such as interpersonal communication and strengthening relationships to help Jamati members manage conflict. These mediation services have helped Jamati members suffering from emotional and psychological stresses.
Said one mediator, “One positive of virtual mediations is the increased efficiency and time saved traveling to and from the mediation meeting. Online mediation offers more flexibility of geography, time of day, scheduling, and “room” availability, compared to in-person mediation. It has been a silver lining to this challenge.”
Improving Quality of Life
The Quality of Life (QoL’s) Skills Development Initiative (SDI) is a platform that provides Jamati members an opportunity to engage in lifelong learning, teaching them a new skill or enhancing their current skill set which could lead to income enhancement.
SDI programs range from Accounting, Cosmetology, Education, English Language, Health Care, IT, and other non-traditional opportunities. During the pandemic, QoL classes shifted to a virtual learning model and volunteers had to ensure families could connect to online learning opportunities. As examples, after retiring, Mehboob Valliani (aged 72) has taught over 100 people accounting, allowing them to be better prepared for certification programs, while Rahim Jan and Jasmine Masalawala taught Introduction to Microsoft Excel virtually to women, improving their computer skills.
In addition to these courses, SDI partnered with the Ismaili Professionals Network to offer Small Business Initiative/cottage industry classes where individuals are taught handicrafts and other skills such as candle and jewelry-making, mehndi design, etc. Sharifa Adeel says, "I had a little knowledge of making jewelry before I took this class, but I now know all the tools and know-how to use them, and this will help me make better jewelry and I can sell them to make money."
Diloro Ermamaddova remarks, "Applying mehndi will give me a second income and I also plan to have a salon in the future." The team is exploring an e-commerce/e-retail program to allow individuals to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in the digital economy. More than 1,100 Jamati members have participated in SDI programs.
Iftar
Safety volunteers during Iftar food donations, Houston.
Financial Impact
Recognizing the hardships many face, the Economic Planning Board (EPB) has been active in encouraging business owners to remain prudent financially at this time, even as the economy is being affected by unprecedented wildfires, hurricanes, and other effects of climate change. EPB and Disaster Management Teams continue to provide information to the Jamat about how they can best manage these risks.
In addition to encouraging reducing operating expenses, to bringing businesses online, and pivoting into another business, EPB has launched a number of initiatives. The Business Enhancement Strategy Training provides support to improve existing businesses by enhancing online presence and e-commerce capabilities. The American Ismaili Chamber of Commerce has also created an e-commerce platform to bring trade alliance business online. A Business Advisory Team, which consists of subject matter and financial experts, has also been assembled to provide hands-on support for businesses.
Several new business alliances are also being formed, including one for hospitality, dry cleaning, and salons. EPB’s Business Services team is working on establishing a portal to bring all Jamati businesses into one platform that is geared towards expanding business networks to facilitate employment, new business formation, deal-making, and other business enhancement opportunities. A new job app was also created to direct individuals to job openings and to help them with resumes.
The Ismaili Professionals Network (IPN) has assisted over 200 Ismaili professionals to secure jobs, arranged 150 college internships, and provided over 200 IPN certification programs. IPN is also building alliances to bring over 1,200 like-minded professionals together across technology, entrepreneurship, finance, public service, and others. Additionally, over 300 unemployed individuals have been placed into jobs by the Employee Services team identifying opportunities, resume building, and interview skills development.
The Financial Literacy Planning Program presented across the county in physical and virtual workshops has helped many in the Jamat to learn about financial vehicles, to save and invest wisely and to plan for retirement. Conserving assets is critical for difficult times and to provide the next generation with a sound financial base. Remarked one participant, “these sessions help us keep in mind rainy days that we least expect in life.”
Supporting Newly-arrived Members
Partnering with Nizari Credit Union, EPB offers auto loan programs for recent immigrants from Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, and Iran. “This is a critical pain point for Jamati members. "Having access to a car opens up the opportunities for them to expand the scope of their potential employment,” Shenila Babool remarks. She also added that it allows the family to become more involved in Jamati activities by bringing young children to ECD or REC programming, which can impact the family’s overall quality of life, and ensure long term sustainability in the US. During COVID, loan payments for borrowers have been deferred to lessen the financial impact on them.
No one has lived through these past few months without an economic, emotional, or health impact, and it is at times such as these that we truly appreciate the volunteers in the Jamat who provide assistance and support.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/usa/covid-19s-impact-the-usa-jamat
The USA has been particularly, and surprisingly, affected by the pandemic, due in large measure to political tardiness and an unwillingness to confront it early on, as well as a resistance to preventive measures by some segments of the public. As a result, the infection rate and the economic and social consequences of the virus have been significantly higher than would be expected.
Business owners, professionals, teachers, even those deemed “essential workers,” families, and schoolchildren, have spent most of this year learning to cope with the health crisis, while hospitals and healthcare workers have been overwhelmed in many areas, in valiant attempts to save lives.
The Jamat has not been spared the pandemic’s consequences. The Council recognized the need to address them and has offered continuous advice. It has monitored the health of the Jamat, offered practical suggestions on issues ranging from preventing infections, to dealing with the business and financial impact of the pandemic, and the educational impact on students. Extensive programming was created on a host of issues for the Jamat, including entertainment, to keep the Jamat in touch with issues, each other, and its cultures, as they remained cloistered at home.
The Jamat’s Health
COVID-19 has been more deadly than the flu, and with the health of the Jamat of paramount concern, the Aga Khan Health Board monitored information and guidance from medical journals and public health authorities and began informing the Jamat in January 2020. By March, the Jamati institutions had entered a crisis mode, and a national Task Force was created to assess the situation in every region of the country. Teams considered all aspects of the impact, from the health and financial dimensions, to the impact on students unable to attend school, the closure of Jamatkhanas and alternative ways in which to meet the spiritual needs of the Jamat, and programming for seniors and others who needed information and assistance.
Webinars were presented on raising awareness, cancer care, health access, and returning to work. In coordination with the Disaster Management Team and the Social Welfare Board, hundreds of volunteers called Jamati members, including the elderly and economically and socially disadvantaged groups, to check on their condition and activate help if needed.
Food Delivery
Volunteer delivering food to a family in Houston
Individual case management for all COVID-positive Jamati members and their families was initiated, and the Ismaili health professionals were also available to provide consultation and second opinions to those infected, through a 24/7 ACCESS Hotline. They also served as liaisons between medical personnel treating patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 and the family, and facilitated partnerships with testing sites and community care clinics.
Sonny Sultani from Chicago lost 20 pounds in five days after being infected, and Noor Pirani from New York was sent back from the hospital due to the crisis situation in the city, where hospitals themselves were not the safest locations. Both self- quarantined at home. The Midwest Health Board sent supplies to Sonny and checked on him daily, and “just having that support, or someone to talk to was critical,” he recalls. Noor contacted the Jamati ACCESS helpline, and says “I got a lot of advice from Jamati doctors. Someone called me every day. They would talk to me, try to encourage me, and make me feel better. It was a big support, especially at a time when you feel the hospitals have rejected you. I was very confused, and ACCESS came to my rescue.”
Ismaili health professionals have been on the frontlines at many hospitals as physicians and nurses. Dr. Farzana Lalani, an Emergency Room physician in New York, contracted the virus and had a difficult three-week recovery before returning to work, while others such as pharmacist Shama Sarangi-Virani are certifying new testing sites.
The impact on mental health has been more widespread with the restrictions on movement and gatherings. The young seem to have been especially vulnerable, a majority reporting higher levels of stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression. The positive effect of staying at home has been more people exercising, watching their diets, and improved sleep patterns.
Stress and Disputes
With increased financial difficulties and stress, it was only to be expected that interpersonal relationships would be affected, and there has been an increase in conflict, both commercial and domestic, that required intervention by the Conciliation and Arbitration Board (CAB).
CAB has attempted to mediate disputes through online mediation services, launching a new toll-free number, and by conducting webinars on topics such as interpersonal communication and strengthening relationships to help Jamati members manage conflict. These mediation services have helped Jamati members suffering from emotional and psychological stresses.
Said one mediator, “One positive of virtual mediations is the increased efficiency and time saved traveling to and from the mediation meeting. Online mediation offers more flexibility of geography, time of day, scheduling, and “room” availability, compared to in-person mediation. It has been a silver lining to this challenge.”
Improving Quality of Life
The Quality of Life (QoL’s) Skills Development Initiative (SDI) is a platform that provides Jamati members an opportunity to engage in lifelong learning, teaching them a new skill or enhancing their current skill set which could lead to income enhancement.
SDI programs range from Accounting, Cosmetology, Education, English Language, Health Care, IT, and other non-traditional opportunities. During the pandemic, QoL classes shifted to a virtual learning model and volunteers had to ensure families could connect to online learning opportunities. As examples, after retiring, Mehboob Valliani (aged 72) has taught over 100 people accounting, allowing them to be better prepared for certification programs, while Rahim Jan and Jasmine Masalawala taught Introduction to Microsoft Excel virtually to women, improving their computer skills.
In addition to these courses, SDI partnered with the Ismaili Professionals Network to offer Small Business Initiative/cottage industry classes where individuals are taught handicrafts and other skills such as candle and jewelry-making, mehndi design, etc. Sharifa Adeel says, "I had a little knowledge of making jewelry before I took this class, but I now know all the tools and know-how to use them, and this will help me make better jewelry and I can sell them to make money."
Diloro Ermamaddova remarks, "Applying mehndi will give me a second income and I also plan to have a salon in the future." The team is exploring an e-commerce/e-retail program to allow individuals to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in the digital economy. More than 1,100 Jamati members have participated in SDI programs.
Iftar
Safety volunteers during Iftar food donations, Houston.
Financial Impact
Recognizing the hardships many face, the Economic Planning Board (EPB) has been active in encouraging business owners to remain prudent financially at this time, even as the economy is being affected by unprecedented wildfires, hurricanes, and other effects of climate change. EPB and Disaster Management Teams continue to provide information to the Jamat about how they can best manage these risks.
In addition to encouraging reducing operating expenses, to bringing businesses online, and pivoting into another business, EPB has launched a number of initiatives. The Business Enhancement Strategy Training provides support to improve existing businesses by enhancing online presence and e-commerce capabilities. The American Ismaili Chamber of Commerce has also created an e-commerce platform to bring trade alliance business online. A Business Advisory Team, which consists of subject matter and financial experts, has also been assembled to provide hands-on support for businesses.
Several new business alliances are also being formed, including one for hospitality, dry cleaning, and salons. EPB’s Business Services team is working on establishing a portal to bring all Jamati businesses into one platform that is geared towards expanding business networks to facilitate employment, new business formation, deal-making, and other business enhancement opportunities. A new job app was also created to direct individuals to job openings and to help them with resumes.
The Ismaili Professionals Network (IPN) has assisted over 200 Ismaili professionals to secure jobs, arranged 150 college internships, and provided over 200 IPN certification programs. IPN is also building alliances to bring over 1,200 like-minded professionals together across technology, entrepreneurship, finance, public service, and others. Additionally, over 300 unemployed individuals have been placed into jobs by the Employee Services team identifying opportunities, resume building, and interview skills development.
The Financial Literacy Planning Program presented across the county in physical and virtual workshops has helped many in the Jamat to learn about financial vehicles, to save and invest wisely and to plan for retirement. Conserving assets is critical for difficult times and to provide the next generation with a sound financial base. Remarked one participant, “these sessions help us keep in mind rainy days that we least expect in life.”
Supporting Newly-arrived Members
Partnering with Nizari Credit Union, EPB offers auto loan programs for recent immigrants from Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, and Iran. “This is a critical pain point for Jamati members. "Having access to a car opens up the opportunities for them to expand the scope of their potential employment,” Shenila Babool remarks. She also added that it allows the family to become more involved in Jamati activities by bringing young children to ECD or REC programming, which can impact the family’s overall quality of life, and ensure long term sustainability in the US. During COVID, loan payments for borrowers have been deferred to lessen the financial impact on them.
No one has lived through these past few months without an economic, emotional, or health impact, and it is at times such as these that we truly appreciate the volunteers in the Jamat who provide assistance and support.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/usa/covid-19s-impact-the-usa-jamat
Edmonton Jamatkhanas Re-opening February 22nd
February 17, 2021 | Edmonton
The Council for Edmonton is pleased to announce the re-opening of Jamatkhanas as follows:
Headquarters, West, and Belle Rive on Monday, February 22.
Red Deer Jamatkhana opening date is to be determined.
As we continue our phased and careful approach, intensive safety preparations and update volunteer training have been completed for each Jamatkhana prior to re-opening. These measures will ensure that all local health regulations are met or exceeded to protect the health and safety of the Jamat.
Members must register for their spot on the Jamatkhana Registration Site https://www.iicanada.org/togetheragain.
We would like to express our gratitude to all of the volunteers for their exceptional work to ensure we meet and exceed safety standards.
Please consult the Canada Jamatkhana Re-Opening page https://www.iicanada.org/togetheragain for the most current details and information on registration details, safety precautions, Jamatkhana capacity and more.
https://iicanada.org/news/faith-traditi ... ruary-22nd
February 17, 2021 | Edmonton
The Council for Edmonton is pleased to announce the re-opening of Jamatkhanas as follows:
Headquarters, West, and Belle Rive on Monday, February 22.
Red Deer Jamatkhana opening date is to be determined.
As we continue our phased and careful approach, intensive safety preparations and update volunteer training have been completed for each Jamatkhana prior to re-opening. These measures will ensure that all local health regulations are met or exceeded to protect the health and safety of the Jamat.
Members must register for their spot on the Jamatkhana Registration Site https://www.iicanada.org/togetheragain.
We would like to express our gratitude to all of the volunteers for their exceptional work to ensure we meet and exceed safety standards.
Please consult the Canada Jamatkhana Re-Opening page https://www.iicanada.org/togetheragain for the most current details and information on registration details, safety precautions, Jamatkhana capacity and more.
https://iicanada.org/news/faith-traditi ... ruary-22nd
Planned Re-opening of Jamatkhanas in Calgary
February 18, 2021 | Prairies
The Council for Canada is pleased to advise the Jamat of the planned re-opening of Jamatkhanas in Calgary in the upcoming days, using a cautious and deliberate approach.
We continue to closely monitor the evolving public health situation with our health professionals. Preparations and volunteer training are underway to mitigate risk and to safeguard the health of the Jamat.
The dates of re-opening will be communicated in the coming days once re-opening plans have been finalized.
Please check for updates through the Al-Akhbar, the iiCanada app, and the regional TheIsmaili Facebook and Instagram pages. Please only use these official sources for communication and refrain from circulating messages from private sources.
Please visit iicanada.org/covidcorner for FAQS on COVID and vaccines. Please also note the recent recommendations related to 3-layer masks.
Thank you for your understanding and support, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
https://iicanada.org/news/faith-traditi ... as-calgary
February 18, 2021 | Prairies
The Council for Canada is pleased to advise the Jamat of the planned re-opening of Jamatkhanas in Calgary in the upcoming days, using a cautious and deliberate approach.
We continue to closely monitor the evolving public health situation with our health professionals. Preparations and volunteer training are underway to mitigate risk and to safeguard the health of the Jamat.
The dates of re-opening will be communicated in the coming days once re-opening plans have been finalized.
Please check for updates through the Al-Akhbar, the iiCanada app, and the regional TheIsmaili Facebook and Instagram pages. Please only use these official sources for communication and refrain from circulating messages from private sources.
Please visit iicanada.org/covidcorner for FAQS on COVID and vaccines. Please also note the recent recommendations related to 3-layer masks.
Thank you for your understanding and support, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
https://iicanada.org/news/faith-traditi ... as-calgary
Google translation of the original article in Portuguese: https://the.ismaili/portugal/confinamen ... -que-fazer
Family confinement: what to do?
Staying at home with children can be challenging: between reconciling your classes, your free time and, of course, your parents' telework, you need to find ideas and activities to entertain them during the day.
English
On the one hand, we face the new confinement with a challenge, an obstacle, which places a lot of weight on parents who, in addition to their professional responsibilities, have to worry about their children, their education and also with their their leisure activities. On the other hand, we can see this time as a time to cultivate relationships with children, an opportunity to spend quality time with children and slow down the stressful routine of everyday life.
In this sense, the Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) leaves some tips to better organize and enjoy time at home with children:
1. Create routines - routine helps the child's development. You can consider keeping your usual bedtime and morning chores, eating together and at school, and building a schedule to let them know your daily plan. Maintaining consistency can help children to feel regulated, calm and to make a situation that could be frightening predictable.
2. Plan a time together - when creating activities according to the interests and schedules of the children you will find that it will be easier to involve the children and keep their attention. The child will be very pleased to participate in the process and will see that the result will be much better.
3. Stimulating activities - you can create a schedule with varied and engaging activities to promote your child's stimulation, from motor activities and games to artistic moments. Activities can include:
Family games;
Watching films and short films;
Tell stories;
Psychomotor activities and games for closed spaces;
Scientific activities and experiments.
4. Limit the use of screens and exercise - although the use of screens is often unavoidable, it is important to limit the use of screens and explore other, more educational options. For example, watch educational channels instead of other series. It is also important to ensure that children practice physical exercise as much as possible: whether by building a castle of pillows or an obstacle course, the important thing is to get the children to move.
5. Free time - although the home environment is usually seen as the place to have fun and relax, including recess and free play in the schedule can help children understand the structure and routine.
Above all, don't forget that this can be a stressful time for both parents and children. So try to respect your routines, schedules, be patient and maintain optimism.
(rewritten article - initially published in March 2020)
Family confinement: what to do?
Staying at home with children can be challenging: between reconciling your classes, your free time and, of course, your parents' telework, you need to find ideas and activities to entertain them during the day.
English
On the one hand, we face the new confinement with a challenge, an obstacle, which places a lot of weight on parents who, in addition to their professional responsibilities, have to worry about their children, their education and also with their their leisure activities. On the other hand, we can see this time as a time to cultivate relationships with children, an opportunity to spend quality time with children and slow down the stressful routine of everyday life.
In this sense, the Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) leaves some tips to better organize and enjoy time at home with children:
1. Create routines - routine helps the child's development. You can consider keeping your usual bedtime and morning chores, eating together and at school, and building a schedule to let them know your daily plan. Maintaining consistency can help children to feel regulated, calm and to make a situation that could be frightening predictable.
2. Plan a time together - when creating activities according to the interests and schedules of the children you will find that it will be easier to involve the children and keep their attention. The child will be very pleased to participate in the process and will see that the result will be much better.
3. Stimulating activities - you can create a schedule with varied and engaging activities to promote your child's stimulation, from motor activities and games to artistic moments. Activities can include:
Family games;
Watching films and short films;
Tell stories;
Psychomotor activities and games for closed spaces;
Scientific activities and experiments.
4. Limit the use of screens and exercise - although the use of screens is often unavoidable, it is important to limit the use of screens and explore other, more educational options. For example, watch educational channels instead of other series. It is also important to ensure that children practice physical exercise as much as possible: whether by building a castle of pillows or an obstacle course, the important thing is to get the children to move.
5. Free time - although the home environment is usually seen as the place to have fun and relax, including recess and free play in the schedule can help children understand the structure and routine.
Above all, don't forget that this can be a stressful time for both parents and children. So try to respect your routines, schedules, be patient and maintain optimism.
(rewritten article - initially published in March 2020)