Young Ismailis work to find green solutions and preserve environment
Younger generations invariably inherit the earth from those who came before. It is often these youngsters who are leading action to create positive change in their surroundings. Here are some examples of inspiring stories of young members of the Jamat working to introduce sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in their communities.
Mawlana Hazar Imam has often stressed the need to care for the natural environment. “Each generation must leave for its successors an enhanced and sustainable social and physical environment," he said during a speech in India in 2004.
With this goal in mind, Ismaili youth from around the world have been making strides to bring about positive environmental change among the communities in which they live.
Sara Janmohammed, Kenya
Shahin Najak, New Zealand
Alidovar Sodatsairov, Tajikistan
Anaya Chavda, Switzerland
More and photos:
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/young-i ... nvironment
THE YOUTH
Will Gen-Z Save the World?
The revolt against Boomer morality.
Excerpt:
I’ve just finished a four-month tour for my book “The Second Mountain,” talking with thousands of people, and I certainly encountered the disillusioned America described in the Pew survey. But the big thing I encountered was the seismic generation gap. People my age rag on the younger generation for being entitled, and emotionally fragile, etc. But this generation is also seething with moral passion, and rebelling against the privatization of morality so prevalent in the Boomer and Gen-X generations.
They can be totally insufferable about it. In the upscale colleges on the coasts, Wokeness is a religious revival with its own conception of sin (privilege) and its own version of the Salem Witch Trials (online shaming). But the people in this movement have a sense of vocation, moral call, and a rage at injustice that is legitimate rejection of what came before.
I recently met a group of high school kids from around the United States and Africa involved in the Bezos Scholars program. In our conversations they didn’t define their identity by where they were from, or even by their ethnicity and race. They defined themselves by what project they work on — serving Native Americans, working for clean water. Similarly, high school students generally are more likely to define themselves by their political stances and their vocations, rather than whether they are jocks or drama kids.
I’ve also found that college students are eager to talk about a moral project entirely absent from the Pew survey: Doing inner work, growing in holiness. Many seem to have rediscovered the sense, buried for a few decades, that one calling in life is to become a better person. Your current self is not good enough. You have to be transformed through right action.
It’s often uncomfortable and over the top, but we’re lucky to have a rebellion against boomer quietism and moral miniaturization. The young zealots may burn us all in the flames of their auto-da-fe, but it’s better than living in a society marked by loneliness and quiet despair.
More...
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/04/opin ... y_20190705
The revolt against Boomer morality.
Excerpt:
I’ve just finished a four-month tour for my book “The Second Mountain,” talking with thousands of people, and I certainly encountered the disillusioned America described in the Pew survey. But the big thing I encountered was the seismic generation gap. People my age rag on the younger generation for being entitled, and emotionally fragile, etc. But this generation is also seething with moral passion, and rebelling against the privatization of morality so prevalent in the Boomer and Gen-X generations.
They can be totally insufferable about it. In the upscale colleges on the coasts, Wokeness is a religious revival with its own conception of sin (privilege) and its own version of the Salem Witch Trials (online shaming). But the people in this movement have a sense of vocation, moral call, and a rage at injustice that is legitimate rejection of what came before.
I recently met a group of high school kids from around the United States and Africa involved in the Bezos Scholars program. In our conversations they didn’t define their identity by where they were from, or even by their ethnicity and race. They defined themselves by what project they work on — serving Native Americans, working for clean water. Similarly, high school students generally are more likely to define themselves by their political stances and their vocations, rather than whether they are jocks or drama kids.
I’ve also found that college students are eager to talk about a moral project entirely absent from the Pew survey: Doing inner work, growing in holiness. Many seem to have rediscovered the sense, buried for a few decades, that one calling in life is to become a better person. Your current self is not good enough. You have to be transformed through right action.
It’s often uncomfortable and over the top, but we’re lucky to have a rebellion against boomer quietism and moral miniaturization. The young zealots may burn us all in the flames of their auto-da-fe, but it’s better than living in a society marked by loneliness and quiet despair.
More...
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/04/opin ... y_20190705
PM Khan forms 33-member National Youth Council
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – For the first time in the history of the country, the National Youth Council has been established by Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, Dunya News reported on Sunday.
According to a notification issued by cabinet division, PM Khan will be the patron-in-chief and Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar will be the chairman of the 33-member youth council.
Besides, all provincial ministers for youth affairs (from four provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan), cricketer Hassan Ali and female cricketer Sana Mir have been included in the council.
Influential persons in the fields of sports, education, religion, economy, and arts and culture have also been added in it.
PM Youth Programme’s deputy secretary is also a part of the council, whereas Major Tanvir Shafi, the veteran soldier who had fought in the Operation Zarb-e-Azb, is amongst the prominent members of the council.
Artists Hamza Ali Abbasi and Mahira Khan, K-2 climber Samina Beg and differently-abled Muneeba Mazari have been added in the council to play their active role.
Shazia Batool, an artist hailing from Balochistan, national footballer Karishma Ali and first she-male news anchor Marvia Malik have also been selected for membership of the youth council.
In this regard, CM Buzdar said following the instructions of PM Khan he assumed the responsibility of youth welfare eight months ago.
“The council’s agenda will be uplifting youths for development and prosperity…Youths will be added to the decision-making process at the national level,” he said, adding that the council will coordinate and work jointly with provincial governments and the federal government.
https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/498221 ... th-Council
*****
Four members from the Ismaili Muslim community have been named to serve on this council.
Congratulations and best of luck Sonal Dhanani, Samina Baig, Khurram Lalani and Karishma Ali for being named to this council.
Video and more...
/ismailimail.blog/2019/07/05/prime-minister-of-pakistan-imran-khan-forms-national-youth-council/
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – For the first time in the history of the country, the National Youth Council has been established by Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, Dunya News reported on Sunday.
According to a notification issued by cabinet division, PM Khan will be the patron-in-chief and Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar will be the chairman of the 33-member youth council.
Besides, all provincial ministers for youth affairs (from four provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan), cricketer Hassan Ali and female cricketer Sana Mir have been included in the council.
Influential persons in the fields of sports, education, religion, economy, and arts and culture have also been added in it.
PM Youth Programme’s deputy secretary is also a part of the council, whereas Major Tanvir Shafi, the veteran soldier who had fought in the Operation Zarb-e-Azb, is amongst the prominent members of the council.
Artists Hamza Ali Abbasi and Mahira Khan, K-2 climber Samina Beg and differently-abled Muneeba Mazari have been added in the council to play their active role.
Shazia Batool, an artist hailing from Balochistan, national footballer Karishma Ali and first she-male news anchor Marvia Malik have also been selected for membership of the youth council.
In this regard, CM Buzdar said following the instructions of PM Khan he assumed the responsibility of youth welfare eight months ago.
“The council’s agenda will be uplifting youths for development and prosperity…Youths will be added to the decision-making process at the national level,” he said, adding that the council will coordinate and work jointly with provincial governments and the federal government.
https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/498221 ... th-Council
*****
Four members from the Ismaili Muslim community have been named to serve on this council.
Congratulations and best of luck Sonal Dhanani, Samina Baig, Khurram Lalani and Karishma Ali for being named to this council.
Video and more...
/ismailimail.blog/2019/07/05/prime-minister-of-pakistan-imran-khan-forms-national-youth-council/
Shining a spotlight on young Ismaili artists
Young members of the Jamat had the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents through the Jubilee Arts initiative at various regional and national events around the world during the Diamond Jubilee year. Artists as young as 6 years of age submitted entries, and a number of them were selected to represent their Jamats at the International Arts Festival in Lisbon (IAF) last July.
Jubilee Arts, which celebrates our community’s diverse cultures and talents, culminated at the IAF during the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Lisbon, Portugal this time last year. Along with performing in front of the global Jamat, the artists also had an opportunity to attend various networking events, panel discussions and workshops especially for young artists, for them to learn and improve their skills.
Sarah Noorani (India)
Shaiyan Lakhani (United States)
Sara Janmohamed (Tanzania)
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/jubilee-arts/shinin ... ng-artists
Young members of the Jamat had the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents through the Jubilee Arts initiative at various regional and national events around the world during the Diamond Jubilee year. Artists as young as 6 years of age submitted entries, and a number of them were selected to represent their Jamats at the International Arts Festival in Lisbon (IAF) last July.
Jubilee Arts, which celebrates our community’s diverse cultures and talents, culminated at the IAF during the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Lisbon, Portugal this time last year. Along with performing in front of the global Jamat, the artists also had an opportunity to attend various networking events, panel discussions and workshops especially for young artists, for them to learn and improve their skills.
Sarah Noorani (India)
Shaiyan Lakhani (United States)
Sara Janmohamed (Tanzania)
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/jubilee-arts/shinin ... ng-artists
Integrating Fitness for our Daily Well-being and the Parkland Dash
Most of us have thought of running a marathon or a race, but very few of us have actually ran one, let alone finish in top positions among hundreds of other runners.
Yasmin Ali Dharamsi, of Parkland, FL, recently completed a five-kilometer (5K) run, finishing third. There were 500 participants in this Parkland Dash. Yasmin even received accolades from Parkland’s Mayor, Christine Hunschofsky.
Yasmin, born in Karachi, Pakistan, raised in Chicago, is a devoted runner and a true inspiration to many. Even though she has a very busy life, working for UnitedHealth Group in Mergers & Acquisitions, and traveling over 100,000 miles a year, she has made a conscious decision to integrate fitness in her life to enhance her well-being. She musters enough vigor and wakes up at 4:45 a.m. each morning to run. In addition, she uses her running experience to give back to the larger community by coaching a children’s run team on the weekends. This has inspired her eight-year-old daughter, Maya, to run as well, and achieve first place at the Coral Springs September 11 Remembrance 5K run.
Yasmin’s challenge of waking up so early in the morning to run has been overcome by the plethora of benefits gained from running. The first is the physiological benefits of running and exercising. “As much as I travel, I have a lot more energy for the day. My head is clearer,” says Yasmin. She adds that if others take up running, it would help them develop mental fitness, train their minds, and embrace discipline.
The second reason is more profound. Being an active member of the Parkland running team has provided Yasmin with a platform to represent our Ismaili community and network with people of other faiths. By being part of a group, and participating in community events, Yasmin is truly an ambassador for the Jamat, especially women. Her message is simple but powerful, “Don’t limit yourself. Especially young women.” She uses the analogy of “keep going with running” just as we do with anything else in life.
Yasmin teaches all of us something rather important: by being a constructive and motivating member of the community, and focusing on our health, we not only can live healthier, more focused lives but can also be positive role models in the larger community.
https://the.ismaili/usa/integrating-fit ... rce=Direct
Most of us have thought of running a marathon or a race, but very few of us have actually ran one, let alone finish in top positions among hundreds of other runners.
Yasmin Ali Dharamsi, of Parkland, FL, recently completed a five-kilometer (5K) run, finishing third. There were 500 participants in this Parkland Dash. Yasmin even received accolades from Parkland’s Mayor, Christine Hunschofsky.
Yasmin, born in Karachi, Pakistan, raised in Chicago, is a devoted runner and a true inspiration to many. Even though she has a very busy life, working for UnitedHealth Group in Mergers & Acquisitions, and traveling over 100,000 miles a year, she has made a conscious decision to integrate fitness in her life to enhance her well-being. She musters enough vigor and wakes up at 4:45 a.m. each morning to run. In addition, she uses her running experience to give back to the larger community by coaching a children’s run team on the weekends. This has inspired her eight-year-old daughter, Maya, to run as well, and achieve first place at the Coral Springs September 11 Remembrance 5K run.
Yasmin’s challenge of waking up so early in the morning to run has been overcome by the plethora of benefits gained from running. The first is the physiological benefits of running and exercising. “As much as I travel, I have a lot more energy for the day. My head is clearer,” says Yasmin. She adds that if others take up running, it would help them develop mental fitness, train their minds, and embrace discipline.
The second reason is more profound. Being an active member of the Parkland running team has provided Yasmin with a platform to represent our Ismaili community and network with people of other faiths. By being part of a group, and participating in community events, Yasmin is truly an ambassador for the Jamat, especially women. Her message is simple but powerful, “Don’t limit yourself. Especially young women.” She uses the analogy of “keep going with running” just as we do with anything else in life.
Yasmin teaches all of us something rather important: by being a constructive and motivating member of the community, and focusing on our health, we not only can live healthier, more focused lives but can also be positive role models in the larger community.
https://the.ismaili/usa/integrating-fit ... rce=Direct
Hey, College Graduates: Don’t Dismiss Rural America
You don’t have to live in a big city to succeed economically and socially.
When I talk to undergraduate students about their postgraduate plans, they typically tell me about something that involves moving to a large city. They are often sure of the city even before they know what they want to do there. When I ask why they are moving to San Francisco — or Denver, or Nashville or New York — the answer inevitably reveals a common assumption: Big cities are where highly educated people must go to succeed economically and socially.
The conventional wisdom among young college-educated people seems to be that living in a small country town would be a dead end for them — that rural America is a homogeneously conservative, isolated and unpleasant place. But these preconceptions are not only incorrect, they are also unduly limiting the opportunities of new college graduates.
I recently analyzed the data from a nationwide survey on community and society conducted by the American Enterprise Institute. The data show that rural areas are not ideologically monolithic; that college-educated Americans living in rural areas feel they are meaningfully connected to their communities; that these people are quite satisfied with their communities and the available professional opportunities, and are not looking to move away.
More....
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/21/opin ... ogin-email
You don’t have to live in a big city to succeed economically and socially.
When I talk to undergraduate students about their postgraduate plans, they typically tell me about something that involves moving to a large city. They are often sure of the city even before they know what they want to do there. When I ask why they are moving to San Francisco — or Denver, or Nashville or New York — the answer inevitably reveals a common assumption: Big cities are where highly educated people must go to succeed economically and socially.
The conventional wisdom among young college-educated people seems to be that living in a small country town would be a dead end for them — that rural America is a homogeneously conservative, isolated and unpleasant place. But these preconceptions are not only incorrect, they are also unduly limiting the opportunities of new college graduates.
I recently analyzed the data from a nationwide survey on community and society conducted by the American Enterprise Institute. The data show that rural areas are not ideologically monolithic; that college-educated Americans living in rural areas feel they are meaningfully connected to their communities; that these people are quite satisfied with their communities and the available professional opportunities, and are not looking to move away.
More....
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/21/opin ... ogin-email
Students from Gilgit-Baltistan excel in first Tech Fair
The first ever Technology Fair was held in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, established by Alumni of the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School in Gilgit. Tech Fairs, Hackathons, and Boot Camps are events designed to bring technology enthusiasts together to meet and engage in collaborative computer programming.
A series of boot camps were held in three districts of Gilgit-Baltistan including Gilgit, Ghizer and Hunza. More than 140 students, representing 30 schools, participated in the Tech Fair 2019, including young members of the Jamat and others. Twelve projects with innovative ideas were displayed by 37 students, amongst which the top five were awarded contractual prizes by Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan.
Accelerate Prosperity is an initiative providing technical expertise, financing solutions, and market connections for small and growing businesses in the emerging regions of Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, where economic opportunities remain insufficient.
Students from the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School in Gilgit won first and second place prizes for developing applications entitled “EZY” and “Smart Study,” while a group of students from the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School in Hunza won the fourth place prize for developing a “Book Buddies” application.
Professor Attaullah Shah, Vice Chancellor of Karakoram International University, Gilgit, was designated as the Chief Guest of the event. Other prominent industry leaders present included Mr Yusuf Hussain, CEO of Ignite - National Technology Fund, and Mr Imran Shams, Country Manager of Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan.
Dignitaries present at the occasion were astounded to learn about the talent of young students and the process undertaken to pitch their ideas and exhibit their mobile applications and games developed through block programming. They also appreciated the hard work of the students and expressed interest for future collaborations.
Mr Shams commended the efforts of the organising team, and termed the event a stepping stone towards a paradigm shift in the region on the path to digitisation.
Winners of Gilgit-Baltistan Tech Fair 2019:
1st Position
EZY application developed by Syed Najum Ul Hassan and Rashid Jan from the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Gilgit
Rs.100,000 Contractual Award from Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan
2nd Position
Smart Study application developed by Ahad Ali Baig, Hassan Zulfiqar, Rayan Ali, and Mehran Danish from the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Gilgit
Rs.75,000 Contractual Award from Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan
3rd Position
RGS games developed by Shams Tabraiz and Ahsan Raza from the Uswa Public School & College Ganish, Hunza
Rs.50,000 Contractual Award from Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan
4th Position
Book Buddies application developed by Anusha Sadruddin, Maliha Ali, Shabina Shah, and Muskan Nisar from the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Hunza
Rs.50,000 Contractual Award from Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan
5th Position
Get Worker application developed by Maqbool Ali Shah and Salma Ali from Army Public School and College, and Jutial Gilgit and Public Schools and College Jutial Gilgit, respectively.
Rs.50,000 Contractual Award from Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/student ... -tech-fair
The first ever Technology Fair was held in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, established by Alumni of the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School in Gilgit. Tech Fairs, Hackathons, and Boot Camps are events designed to bring technology enthusiasts together to meet and engage in collaborative computer programming.
A series of boot camps were held in three districts of Gilgit-Baltistan including Gilgit, Ghizer and Hunza. More than 140 students, representing 30 schools, participated in the Tech Fair 2019, including young members of the Jamat and others. Twelve projects with innovative ideas were displayed by 37 students, amongst which the top five were awarded contractual prizes by Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan.
Accelerate Prosperity is an initiative providing technical expertise, financing solutions, and market connections for small and growing businesses in the emerging regions of Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, where economic opportunities remain insufficient.
Students from the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School in Gilgit won first and second place prizes for developing applications entitled “EZY” and “Smart Study,” while a group of students from the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School in Hunza won the fourth place prize for developing a “Book Buddies” application.
Professor Attaullah Shah, Vice Chancellor of Karakoram International University, Gilgit, was designated as the Chief Guest of the event. Other prominent industry leaders present included Mr Yusuf Hussain, CEO of Ignite - National Technology Fund, and Mr Imran Shams, Country Manager of Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan.
Dignitaries present at the occasion were astounded to learn about the talent of young students and the process undertaken to pitch their ideas and exhibit their mobile applications and games developed through block programming. They also appreciated the hard work of the students and expressed interest for future collaborations.
Mr Shams commended the efforts of the organising team, and termed the event a stepping stone towards a paradigm shift in the region on the path to digitisation.
Winners of Gilgit-Baltistan Tech Fair 2019:
1st Position
EZY application developed by Syed Najum Ul Hassan and Rashid Jan from the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Gilgit
Rs.100,000 Contractual Award from Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan
2nd Position
Smart Study application developed by Ahad Ali Baig, Hassan Zulfiqar, Rayan Ali, and Mehran Danish from the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Gilgit
Rs.75,000 Contractual Award from Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan
3rd Position
RGS games developed by Shams Tabraiz and Ahsan Raza from the Uswa Public School & College Ganish, Hunza
Rs.50,000 Contractual Award from Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan
4th Position
Book Buddies application developed by Anusha Sadruddin, Maliha Ali, Shabina Shah, and Muskan Nisar from the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Hunza
Rs.50,000 Contractual Award from Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan
5th Position
Get Worker application developed by Maqbool Ali Shah and Salma Ali from Army Public School and College, and Jutial Gilgit and Public Schools and College Jutial Gilgit, respectively.
Rs.50,000 Contractual Award from Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/student ... -tech-fair
#Breaking: Paid Internships to Study Satpanth Ismailism at the University of Toronto, Canada
BY ISMAILIMAIL POSTED ON AUGUST 21, 2019
Are you an undergraduate student curious to learn more about Ismaili heritage and related subjects? Would you like a fully funded international research experience studying fascinating topics such as Ginans and South Asian Ismaili history at one of the world’s premier universities? Are you fluent in Gujarati, Sindhi, or Kachchhi, along with English?
If so, please apply to join the research team of Prof. Shafique Virani, one of the world’s leading scholars of Ismaili Studies, at the University of Toronto in Canada.
Up to fifteen accepted students will be trained by Prof. Virani, given round-trip airfare to Canada from their home country, and receive a stipend to fully cover their necessary expenses, including accommodation, food, and health insurance for the Summer of 2020 (May-August).
Successful applicants will be involved in professional development courses and receive a certificate of completion. In addition, those interested in returning to Canada for graduate studies will be eligible to apply for a graduate fellowship.
The program is open to undergraduate students from India, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Mexico, Tunisia, and Ukraine.
The application deadline is Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at 1pm PT. For more information and to complete the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship 2020 application, please visit the following URL and search for projects using the search term “Virani” under the filter “Professor’s Last Name”:
https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/globa ... internship
About Professor Shafique Virani (University of Toronto, Historical Studies, Study of Religion, Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations)
Professor Shafique Virani is an award-winning author and internationally recognized s200_shafique.viranipublic speaker who has addressed people from over 50 countries and audiences of over 15,000. Describing him as “a visionary,” the United Nations honored him for dedicating his efforts “to the cause of extending the frontiers of knowledge and the welfare of humankind.”
https://utoronto.academia.edu/ShafiqueVirani
Please share this announcement with those who may be interested in this unique opportunity.
https://ismailimail.blog/2019/08/21/bre ... to-canada/
BY ISMAILIMAIL POSTED ON AUGUST 21, 2019
Are you an undergraduate student curious to learn more about Ismaili heritage and related subjects? Would you like a fully funded international research experience studying fascinating topics such as Ginans and South Asian Ismaili history at one of the world’s premier universities? Are you fluent in Gujarati, Sindhi, or Kachchhi, along with English?
If so, please apply to join the research team of Prof. Shafique Virani, one of the world’s leading scholars of Ismaili Studies, at the University of Toronto in Canada.
Up to fifteen accepted students will be trained by Prof. Virani, given round-trip airfare to Canada from their home country, and receive a stipend to fully cover their necessary expenses, including accommodation, food, and health insurance for the Summer of 2020 (May-August).
Successful applicants will be involved in professional development courses and receive a certificate of completion. In addition, those interested in returning to Canada for graduate studies will be eligible to apply for a graduate fellowship.
The program is open to undergraduate students from India, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Mexico, Tunisia, and Ukraine.
The application deadline is Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at 1pm PT. For more information and to complete the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship 2020 application, please visit the following URL and search for projects using the search term “Virani” under the filter “Professor’s Last Name”:
https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/globa ... internship
About Professor Shafique Virani (University of Toronto, Historical Studies, Study of Religion, Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations)
Professor Shafique Virani is an award-winning author and internationally recognized s200_shafique.viranipublic speaker who has addressed people from over 50 countries and audiences of over 15,000. Describing him as “a visionary,” the United Nations honored him for dedicating his efforts “to the cause of extending the frontiers of knowledge and the welfare of humankind.”
https://utoronto.academia.edu/ShafiqueVirani
Please share this announcement with those who may be interested in this unique opportunity.
https://ismailimail.blog/2019/08/21/bre ... to-canada/
The Surprising Path That Some Kids Take to the Ivy League
Meet the resilient strivers who prove that brilliance has no borders.
You’ve read a lot over the past year about kids who end up in the Ivy League because of their parents’ wealth and wiles, kids with obscene advantages. I’d like to introduce you to another kind of kid who landed there. Her name is Wadzanayi Mayiseni. She goes by Wadzi.
Before Wadzi, 19, arrived at Columbia University last month for a summer bridge program to prepare for her first year, she’d never been to the United States. She’d never left Africa. She’s from Zimbabwe, one of the poorest countries in the world, where her mother, who raised her without any help from her father, has been out of a steady job since Wadzi was 9.
When Wadzi was 12, she found out she had bone cancer, which meant not just chemotherapy but the amputation of most of her left leg. I asked her how, psychologically and emotionally, that changed her. She said it made her more determined.
“You’re not defined by the things that hold you back,” she told me. “You’re defined by how you rise above them.” She refused to be placed in classes for disabled children and later figured out how to get a scholarship to one of Zimbabwe’s most esteemed private high schools. Then she figured out how to translate that into the best college education possible.
More...
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/24/opin ... y_20190826
Meet the resilient strivers who prove that brilliance has no borders.
You’ve read a lot over the past year about kids who end up in the Ivy League because of their parents’ wealth and wiles, kids with obscene advantages. I’d like to introduce you to another kind of kid who landed there. Her name is Wadzanayi Mayiseni. She goes by Wadzi.
Before Wadzi, 19, arrived at Columbia University last month for a summer bridge program to prepare for her first year, she’d never been to the United States. She’d never left Africa. She’s from Zimbabwe, one of the poorest countries in the world, where her mother, who raised her without any help from her father, has been out of a steady job since Wadzi was 9.
When Wadzi was 12, she found out she had bone cancer, which meant not just chemotherapy but the amputation of most of her left leg. I asked her how, psychologically and emotionally, that changed her. She said it made her more determined.
“You’re not defined by the things that hold you back,” she told me. “You’re defined by how you rise above them.” She refused to be placed in classes for disabled children and later figured out how to get a scholarship to one of Zimbabwe’s most esteemed private high schools. Then she figured out how to translate that into the best college education possible.
More...
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/24/opin ... y_20190826
Space Camp 2019: Launching into orbit
In an effort to better understand the mysteries of the cosmos, and taking-off into its second year, Space Camp — an initiative of the Aga Khan Education Board (UK) — took 32 young participants from across the UK on an unforgettable space mission.
Building on the success of the inaugural Space Camp in 2018, this year’s adventure was quite literally out of this world. Divided into two overnight residential parts, the programme started in February with a sleepover at the world-renowned Science Museum in London. Participants lived their very own ‘Night at the Museum,’ getting stuck into interactive activities about space, opening up their thinking and curiosity about space, following in the Islamic tradition of scientific inquiry.
The second part, held in May was based in Leicester, where space cadets — boys and girls aged 9–11 years — had a chance to dive deeper into the future of space travel and exploration. Aspiring astronauts visited the National Space Centre, participating in space missions including a rendezvous with a comet, and had an opportunity to experience being based at Mission Control on Earth, as well as being inside a rocket in Space. The magic and excitement of space truly came alive as Space Camp enjoyed a show under the stars at the UK’s largest planetarium, immersing themselves into all the wonders that Space has to offer.
Lights off, projector on, and constellations up, participants learnt all about the unique properties of each planet in the solar system and came away with the skill to identify the North Star at night. A Virtual Reality experience took participants to new galaxies as they got to experience walking and floating in space with the use of technology.
The space camp, designed by Ismaili teachers and scientists, brought together new knowledge about space exploration while also helping the students to extend a growth mindset in their team work, critical thinking, and communication skills. The students were fortunate to have Astrophysicists Dr Farzana Meru and Dr Hassan Chagani sharing their knowledge and helping students think about potential futures in space.
Space Camp is part of the Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB)’s wider effort to promote interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In our ever-changing globalised world, the use of technology is not only on the rise, but is essential to being involved in the knowledge society. The AKEB STEM agenda also enables Ismaili youth to experience, discover and be inspired, to adapt to shifting trends in the world, and put them ahead in years to come.
Throughout the Space Camp the interaction between faith and science was integral to the experience. The team of facilitators, ranging from science professionals, teachers, and graduate students, led various workshops on modern day inventions, the symbolism of light, and traditions of astronomy and more general scientific inquiry in Islamic history.
The facilitators and team demonstrated the impact of role models on younger members of the Jamat, with their dedication and enthusiasm for learning about space rubbing off on participants. Alishba Bandealy, aged 8, described how she found “space camp fascinating, loved all of the hands-on experiments, and most enjoyed making glass planets.”
Over the last two years the Camp has gone from strength to strength, working with partners such as Virgin Galactic, Leicester Space Centre, the Science Museum, and the Royal Observatory. Space Camp 2019 was presented with a CREST award, a nationally recognised honour, accredited by the British Science Association for students participating in a series of specific STEM related activities.
Chair of AKEB (UK), Dr Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj emphasised the importance of Space Camp, saying “these programmes provide a platform for children to become more immersed in understanding the immense opportunities that science, technology, and robotics brings to their world. Rather than remaining passive observers, through education they can take control and become part of the future to influence how technology is developed.”
Space Camp is one of a number of AKEB initiatives to develop children’s STEM capabilities. Other activities include “Tech Jams” – a two-day hackathon, a Science Fair where children can enter their very own invention, and coding clubs. In today’s world, our discovery and understanding of science is evolving at a rapid rate. Activities such as Space Camp open children’s minds to STEM, and ultimately enable children to stay at the forefront of science and technology.
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/space-c ... hing-orbit
In an effort to better understand the mysteries of the cosmos, and taking-off into its second year, Space Camp — an initiative of the Aga Khan Education Board (UK) — took 32 young participants from across the UK on an unforgettable space mission.
Building on the success of the inaugural Space Camp in 2018, this year’s adventure was quite literally out of this world. Divided into two overnight residential parts, the programme started in February with a sleepover at the world-renowned Science Museum in London. Participants lived their very own ‘Night at the Museum,’ getting stuck into interactive activities about space, opening up their thinking and curiosity about space, following in the Islamic tradition of scientific inquiry.
The second part, held in May was based in Leicester, where space cadets — boys and girls aged 9–11 years — had a chance to dive deeper into the future of space travel and exploration. Aspiring astronauts visited the National Space Centre, participating in space missions including a rendezvous with a comet, and had an opportunity to experience being based at Mission Control on Earth, as well as being inside a rocket in Space. The magic and excitement of space truly came alive as Space Camp enjoyed a show under the stars at the UK’s largest planetarium, immersing themselves into all the wonders that Space has to offer.
Lights off, projector on, and constellations up, participants learnt all about the unique properties of each planet in the solar system and came away with the skill to identify the North Star at night. A Virtual Reality experience took participants to new galaxies as they got to experience walking and floating in space with the use of technology.
The space camp, designed by Ismaili teachers and scientists, brought together new knowledge about space exploration while also helping the students to extend a growth mindset in their team work, critical thinking, and communication skills. The students were fortunate to have Astrophysicists Dr Farzana Meru and Dr Hassan Chagani sharing their knowledge and helping students think about potential futures in space.
Space Camp is part of the Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB)’s wider effort to promote interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In our ever-changing globalised world, the use of technology is not only on the rise, but is essential to being involved in the knowledge society. The AKEB STEM agenda also enables Ismaili youth to experience, discover and be inspired, to adapt to shifting trends in the world, and put them ahead in years to come.
Throughout the Space Camp the interaction between faith and science was integral to the experience. The team of facilitators, ranging from science professionals, teachers, and graduate students, led various workshops on modern day inventions, the symbolism of light, and traditions of astronomy and more general scientific inquiry in Islamic history.
The facilitators and team demonstrated the impact of role models on younger members of the Jamat, with their dedication and enthusiasm for learning about space rubbing off on participants. Alishba Bandealy, aged 8, described how she found “space camp fascinating, loved all of the hands-on experiments, and most enjoyed making glass planets.”
Over the last two years the Camp has gone from strength to strength, working with partners such as Virgin Galactic, Leicester Space Centre, the Science Museum, and the Royal Observatory. Space Camp 2019 was presented with a CREST award, a nationally recognised honour, accredited by the British Science Association for students participating in a series of specific STEM related activities.
Chair of AKEB (UK), Dr Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj emphasised the importance of Space Camp, saying “these programmes provide a platform for children to become more immersed in understanding the immense opportunities that science, technology, and robotics brings to their world. Rather than remaining passive observers, through education they can take control and become part of the future to influence how technology is developed.”
Space Camp is one of a number of AKEB initiatives to develop children’s STEM capabilities. Other activities include “Tech Jams” – a two-day hackathon, a Science Fair where children can enter their very own invention, and coding clubs. In today’s world, our discovery and understanding of science is evolving at a rapid rate. Activities such as Space Camp open children’s minds to STEM, and ultimately enable children to stay at the forefront of science and technology.
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/space-c ... hing-orbit
Young Ismailis prepare for a digitised world
With the growth of artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, and social media, young Ismailis around the world are preparing themselves to be at the forefront of newly emerging fields of endeavour.
Azima Dhanjee
Sana Lakdawala
Zain Bhanji
Read more about them at:
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/young-i ... ised-world
With the growth of artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, and social media, young Ismailis around the world are preparing themselves to be at the forefront of newly emerging fields of endeavour.
Azima Dhanjee
Sana Lakdawala
Zain Bhanji
Read more about them at:
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/young-i ... ised-world
Painting our Future: Youth from Pakistan Jamat contributing through Arts
Pakistan celebrated its 73rd Independence Day on the 14th of August 2019. To commemorate this auspicious day, the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Pakistan (AKYSBP) organised a mural painting activity in the city of Karachi. Members of the Ismaili community, known for their community spirit and positive contributions to society, observed the national day with great zeal.
An astounding 1470 members came together to observe the day by painting murals in different parts of the city. Talented artists from the Jamat contributed their artistic flair in preparing the walls by drawing sketches on the them. The majority of the participants were comprised primarily of Girl Guides and Boys Scouts, along with AKYSB committees.
The activity allowed the Jamat, especially the youth, to let their creativity flow and channel their energy towards a community project. The murals encapsulated several themes such as the spirit of independence, environmental protection, water scarcity, and substance abuse.
One participant appreciated the lessons the activity aimed to promote. “It helped me to understand the importance of natural resources and how to preserve them for the future,” he articulated.
Girl Guides leader, Zara Nizar, expressed her appreciation for the event stating, “It was a wonderful initiative and everyone participated with zest and enthusiasm. We must do such activities in the future as well.”
The participants were also pleased with their positive experience from the activity. One such individual expressed, “It was a good initiative. After so long, we worked in teams for a social cause. We also realised that such an initiative can be implemented on a local level.”
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/pakistan/painting-o ... rce=Direct
Pakistan celebrated its 73rd Independence Day on the 14th of August 2019. To commemorate this auspicious day, the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Pakistan (AKYSBP) organised a mural painting activity in the city of Karachi. Members of the Ismaili community, known for their community spirit and positive contributions to society, observed the national day with great zeal.
An astounding 1470 members came together to observe the day by painting murals in different parts of the city. Talented artists from the Jamat contributed their artistic flair in preparing the walls by drawing sketches on the them. The majority of the participants were comprised primarily of Girl Guides and Boys Scouts, along with AKYSB committees.
The activity allowed the Jamat, especially the youth, to let their creativity flow and channel their energy towards a community project. The murals encapsulated several themes such as the spirit of independence, environmental protection, water scarcity, and substance abuse.
One participant appreciated the lessons the activity aimed to promote. “It helped me to understand the importance of natural resources and how to preserve them for the future,” he articulated.
Girl Guides leader, Zara Nizar, expressed her appreciation for the event stating, “It was a wonderful initiative and everyone participated with zest and enthusiasm. We must do such activities in the future as well.”
The participants were also pleased with their positive experience from the activity. One such individual expressed, “It was a good initiative. After so long, we worked in teams for a social cause. We also realised that such an initiative can be implemented on a local level.”
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/pakistan/painting-o ... rce=Direct
Green ticket to global climate action
Young climate activist Dilangez Azizmamadova from Tajikistan, was among 100 Green Ticket winners from across the globe to participate in the United Nations Youth Climate Summit in New York today, 21 September 2019.
For a number of years, Dilangez has been advocating for more attention on the environment, and on the negative effects of climate change. Hoping to eventually change the minds and hearts of people and organisations to better care for nature, she started by influencing the behaviour of her own family.
Her sustained efforts have recently led to her selection by the United Nations as a young climate champion. She is one of only 100 ‘green ticket’ winners who have been offered the prize of a carbon-neutral flight to New York City to join 500 other young leaders to participate in the UN Youth Climate Summit on 21 September 2019.
The 27-year-old activist has stopped using plastic bottles and bags completely, preferring instead to carry with her at all times a refillable glass bottle for water and a textile bag for groceries. Minimising meat consumption has been a difficult challenge, but she has managed that too. In Germany, where she studies, Dilangez also takes part in climate action advocacy, striving for a more caring attitude toward our planet and all aspects of its nature.
Photo and more...
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/green-t ... -173435533
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Protesting Climate Change, Young People Take to Streets in a Global Strike
Anxious about their future on a hotter planet and angry at world leaders for failing to arrest the crisis, masses of young people poured into the streets on every continent on Friday for a day of global climate protests. Organizers estimated the turnout to be around four million in thousands of cities and towns worldwide.
It was the first time that children and young people had demonstrated to demand climate action in so many places and in such numbers around the world.
They turned out in force in Berlin, where the police estimated 100,000 participants, with similar numbers in Melbourne and London. In New York City, the mayor’s office estimated that 60,000 people marched through the narrow streets of Lower Manhattan, while organizers put the total at 250,000. By the dozens in some places, and by the tens of thousands in others, young people demonstrated in cities like Manila, Kampala and Rio de Janeiro. A group of scientists rallied in Antarctica.
“You had a future, and so should we,” demonstrators chanted as they marched through New York City.
Then, “We vote next.”
Photos and more...
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/20/clim ... 3053090921
Young climate activist Dilangez Azizmamadova from Tajikistan, was among 100 Green Ticket winners from across the globe to participate in the United Nations Youth Climate Summit in New York today, 21 September 2019.
For a number of years, Dilangez has been advocating for more attention on the environment, and on the negative effects of climate change. Hoping to eventually change the minds and hearts of people and organisations to better care for nature, she started by influencing the behaviour of her own family.
Her sustained efforts have recently led to her selection by the United Nations as a young climate champion. She is one of only 100 ‘green ticket’ winners who have been offered the prize of a carbon-neutral flight to New York City to join 500 other young leaders to participate in the UN Youth Climate Summit on 21 September 2019.
The 27-year-old activist has stopped using plastic bottles and bags completely, preferring instead to carry with her at all times a refillable glass bottle for water and a textile bag for groceries. Minimising meat consumption has been a difficult challenge, but she has managed that too. In Germany, where she studies, Dilangez also takes part in climate action advocacy, striving for a more caring attitude toward our planet and all aspects of its nature.
Photo and more...
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/green-t ... -173435533
*******
Protesting Climate Change, Young People Take to Streets in a Global Strike
Anxious about their future on a hotter planet and angry at world leaders for failing to arrest the crisis, masses of young people poured into the streets on every continent on Friday for a day of global climate protests. Organizers estimated the turnout to be around four million in thousands of cities and towns worldwide.
It was the first time that children and young people had demonstrated to demand climate action in so many places and in such numbers around the world.
They turned out in force in Berlin, where the police estimated 100,000 participants, with similar numbers in Melbourne and London. In New York City, the mayor’s office estimated that 60,000 people marched through the narrow streets of Lower Manhattan, while organizers put the total at 250,000. By the dozens in some places, and by the tens of thousands in others, young people demonstrated in cities like Manila, Kampala and Rio de Janeiro. A group of scientists rallied in Antarctica.
“You had a future, and so should we,” demonstrators chanted as they marched through New York City.
Then, “We vote next.”
Photos and more...
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/20/clim ... 3053090921
Harnessing the Social Conscience of Jamati Youth through Voluntary Service
The clock strikes ten on a causal Sunday morning as eight Jamati youth members from various parts of Pakistan make their way to Booni Town in Chitral. The picturesque valley of Booni welcomes them with a light-scented summer breeze – for many of these youth, it is their first excursion outside their native city.
As mentors in the BRIDGE Programme, they have dedicated their time and knowledge towards 50 secondary students who reside in lesser-privileged, outlying settlements in Chitral, including Broghil – one of the furthest villages near the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. During the 15-day BRIDGE Programme, the mentors adopted a customised approach to improve life skills and critical analysis of the secondary students, and fill conceptual gaps in their academic competencies in subjects including English, mathematics and science. More importantly, through its mentorship approach, the mentors served as role models and inspired hope among the secondary students aspired for a better future. The BRIDGE Programme presents one of the many ways in which the Jamati youth contribute in the development of the Jamat and Jamati institutions, showcasing the core values of volunteerism, empathy, brotherhood and ethical leadership in our community. Indeed, the youth are torchbearers for growth and sustenance in any community, especially in the context of Pakistan where nearly a third of the population is aged between 15 and 29 years.
Historically, the Ismaili community in Pakistan has been blessed to have volunteers from all age brackets – a true validation of this is during Jamati occasions when it heartening to see children, adolescents, young students, working professionals, as well as senior citizens dressed in the uniforms of their respective institutions with a common aim to serve the Jamat. The engagement of the youth in Jamati institutions, based on the guidance of Mawlana Hazar Imam, is particularly emphasised as they are change agents and can provide effective ways to address Jamati issues. Today, the youth plays a pivotal role not only in planning but also in the execution of community events at the local, regional and national level, whereas many Jamati youth from Pakistan have also served on international assignments. Overall, such active engagement not only instils a much needed innovative lens to Jamati activities, but also gives the young volunteers a sense of communal responsibility while preparing them to take leadership positions in the future.
A classic case study is the recent Rays of Light exhibition which continued for 91 days in Karachi catering to tens of thousand members of the Jamat and was later held in Islamabad. In retrospect, astounding to note that while the exhibition shed a glimpse of light on the glorious work of the Ismaili Imamat, its execution could only be made possible through the strength of volunteers, particularly the youth, who worked closely with international experts to manage various aspects including programme experience, administration, logistics, marketing and registration. In several instances, the youth took leadership roles and dedicated several hours of their busy schedules to create a lifetime experience for the jamat. The execution of an exhibition with the stature of Rays of Lights would have been next to impossible without the voluntary support of our steadfast youth.
Since 2007, the inception, and later the extension, of the Time and Knowledge Nazrana (TKN) by Mawlana Hazar Imam has further institutionalised the ability of the youth to engage productively in serving the community. The TKN initiative reflects Mawlana Hazar Imam’s vision that the notion of voluntary service is not a monolith; it can be manifested in a myriad of ways based on one’s professional and academic expertise, as well as their ability to dedicate time and knowledge for the Imam in serving the community at large. According to Mrs. Yasmeen Merchant, the National TKN Lead for Pakistan, “The zeal and dedication of the Jamati youth in registering for the Time and Knowledge Nazrana offers a ‘talent pool’ for institutions to engage them in meaningful projects. When these projects align with their personal and professional interests it gives them an opportunity to serve the community. Moreover, with their unparalleled energy and refreshing ideas, the youth are also able to fill critical gaps in Jamati institutions through the TKN initiative.”
The engagement of youth in Jamati institutions, however, is not simply about benefitting the community. Another key aspect about the youth’s engagement with the community is its implication on their personal and professional development. The Youth and Sports Board-led Scouting and Guiding camps, for instance, instil important attributes in the youth across Pakistan to engage with, and contribute towards, the community through the best use of limited resources whilst working in diverse teams. The celebrated motto, “Do a good turn everyday” best reflects the values of empathy and generosity inculcated through the Scouting and Guiding movement in the youth via regular activities including plantation and cleanliness drives, traffic control during Jamatkhana time, and other such ventures. The provincial and national events, both within and outside the community, provide hands-on experiences for individuals to work collaboratively in diverse teams and learn critical life skills including first aid. In a globalising world where parents are often strained with the threats of social media and undesirable social habits affecting their children, the institutional framework of the Ismaili community is providing a golden opportunity for its youth to stay engaged in the community environment through voluntary service. There is no denying that a majority of the youth volunteers act as the backbone of the community. Their engagement with the community not only enhances the productivity of Jamati institutions, but also grooms individuals to become future ambassadors of the Ismaili community.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/pakistan/harnessing ... ry-service
The clock strikes ten on a causal Sunday morning as eight Jamati youth members from various parts of Pakistan make their way to Booni Town in Chitral. The picturesque valley of Booni welcomes them with a light-scented summer breeze – for many of these youth, it is their first excursion outside their native city.
As mentors in the BRIDGE Programme, they have dedicated their time and knowledge towards 50 secondary students who reside in lesser-privileged, outlying settlements in Chitral, including Broghil – one of the furthest villages near the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. During the 15-day BRIDGE Programme, the mentors adopted a customised approach to improve life skills and critical analysis of the secondary students, and fill conceptual gaps in their academic competencies in subjects including English, mathematics and science. More importantly, through its mentorship approach, the mentors served as role models and inspired hope among the secondary students aspired for a better future. The BRIDGE Programme presents one of the many ways in which the Jamati youth contribute in the development of the Jamat and Jamati institutions, showcasing the core values of volunteerism, empathy, brotherhood and ethical leadership in our community. Indeed, the youth are torchbearers for growth and sustenance in any community, especially in the context of Pakistan where nearly a third of the population is aged between 15 and 29 years.
Historically, the Ismaili community in Pakistan has been blessed to have volunteers from all age brackets – a true validation of this is during Jamati occasions when it heartening to see children, adolescents, young students, working professionals, as well as senior citizens dressed in the uniforms of their respective institutions with a common aim to serve the Jamat. The engagement of the youth in Jamati institutions, based on the guidance of Mawlana Hazar Imam, is particularly emphasised as they are change agents and can provide effective ways to address Jamati issues. Today, the youth plays a pivotal role not only in planning but also in the execution of community events at the local, regional and national level, whereas many Jamati youth from Pakistan have also served on international assignments. Overall, such active engagement not only instils a much needed innovative lens to Jamati activities, but also gives the young volunteers a sense of communal responsibility while preparing them to take leadership positions in the future.
A classic case study is the recent Rays of Light exhibition which continued for 91 days in Karachi catering to tens of thousand members of the Jamat and was later held in Islamabad. In retrospect, astounding to note that while the exhibition shed a glimpse of light on the glorious work of the Ismaili Imamat, its execution could only be made possible through the strength of volunteers, particularly the youth, who worked closely with international experts to manage various aspects including programme experience, administration, logistics, marketing and registration. In several instances, the youth took leadership roles and dedicated several hours of their busy schedules to create a lifetime experience for the jamat. The execution of an exhibition with the stature of Rays of Lights would have been next to impossible without the voluntary support of our steadfast youth.
Since 2007, the inception, and later the extension, of the Time and Knowledge Nazrana (TKN) by Mawlana Hazar Imam has further institutionalised the ability of the youth to engage productively in serving the community. The TKN initiative reflects Mawlana Hazar Imam’s vision that the notion of voluntary service is not a monolith; it can be manifested in a myriad of ways based on one’s professional and academic expertise, as well as their ability to dedicate time and knowledge for the Imam in serving the community at large. According to Mrs. Yasmeen Merchant, the National TKN Lead for Pakistan, “The zeal and dedication of the Jamati youth in registering for the Time and Knowledge Nazrana offers a ‘talent pool’ for institutions to engage them in meaningful projects. When these projects align with their personal and professional interests it gives them an opportunity to serve the community. Moreover, with their unparalleled energy and refreshing ideas, the youth are also able to fill critical gaps in Jamati institutions through the TKN initiative.”
The engagement of youth in Jamati institutions, however, is not simply about benefitting the community. Another key aspect about the youth’s engagement with the community is its implication on their personal and professional development. The Youth and Sports Board-led Scouting and Guiding camps, for instance, instil important attributes in the youth across Pakistan to engage with, and contribute towards, the community through the best use of limited resources whilst working in diverse teams. The celebrated motto, “Do a good turn everyday” best reflects the values of empathy and generosity inculcated through the Scouting and Guiding movement in the youth via regular activities including plantation and cleanliness drives, traffic control during Jamatkhana time, and other such ventures. The provincial and national events, both within and outside the community, provide hands-on experiences for individuals to work collaboratively in diverse teams and learn critical life skills including first aid. In a globalising world where parents are often strained with the threats of social media and undesirable social habits affecting their children, the institutional framework of the Ismaili community is providing a golden opportunity for its youth to stay engaged in the community environment through voluntary service. There is no denying that a majority of the youth volunteers act as the backbone of the community. Their engagement with the community not only enhances the productivity of Jamati institutions, but also grooms individuals to become future ambassadors of the Ismaili community.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/pakistan/harnessing ... ry-service
CrossFire 2019 Encouraged Interesting Debates
Think. Speak. Listen. All encompassed in CrossFire. Launched by the Education Portfolio, CrossFire is an initiative to showcase talent through articulation and debate of our youth among the UAE Jamat. CrossFire, as the name suggests, was a night of showcasing presentation, public speaking and debate skills. The CrossFire debate competition of 2019 allowed 36 participants in 12 teams, ranging from the ages of 10 to 17 to debate topics applicable to the real world in two age categories (10-13 and 14-17). Some such motions included “violent video games are making people violent.”
“At the start, I was a little hesitant about joining the competition, since it would be my first ever debate - in front of a huge crowd - but eventually I worked up the courage and did it. I got to learn numerous things such as debating skills, presentation, communication styles and working together as a team as well as time management! It was a wonderful experience and I’d love to participate in more opportunities like this in the future” said Sara Bawany who won two awards; the best overall speaker and best introduction for the 14-17 age category.
CrossFire 2019 gave participants the opportunity to research topics such as technology, the environment, and education which are widely discussed today, and present their views on the topic either being affirmative or negative. Not everyone is a debater and this event created a platform for participants to unleash their potential. The debate topics required thorough research, analysis, and critical thinking which then had to be articulated in forms of arguments. One of the challenges for participants was the ability to think on the spot, especially for rebuttals. It was no surprise that the participants rose up to the challenge and not only debated successfully but also provided thought-provoking rebuttals. The 'for' and 'against' arguments gave the spectators a chance to hear two sides of the argument which are sometimes seen to be one-sided.
Another participant, Ishaan Virani, winner of the best arguments in the 10-13 age category said “The debate made me, and I expect most of my peers as well, find a new, more confident part of themselves. Everyone was wishing each other well, and the tension mixed with excitement during the awards ceremony was great. All the participants had a great time, especially me.”
An event such as this will encourage our youth to not only debate but to also research and present on topics that apply to their everyday lives.
It’s not about a one-sided perspective, it’s about CrossFire!
CrossFire 2019 Award Winners
10-13 age group
Best introduction: Alisha Jamal
Best arguments: Ishaan Virani
Best conclusion: Zeba Samnani
Best speaker overall: Alisha Jamal
14-17 age group
Best introduction: Sara Bawany
Best arguments: Sara Firdos
Best conclusion: Amsal Mohammad
Best speaker overall: Sara Bawany
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/uae/crossfire-2019- ... ng-debates
Think. Speak. Listen. All encompassed in CrossFire. Launched by the Education Portfolio, CrossFire is an initiative to showcase talent through articulation and debate of our youth among the UAE Jamat. CrossFire, as the name suggests, was a night of showcasing presentation, public speaking and debate skills. The CrossFire debate competition of 2019 allowed 36 participants in 12 teams, ranging from the ages of 10 to 17 to debate topics applicable to the real world in two age categories (10-13 and 14-17). Some such motions included “violent video games are making people violent.”
“At the start, I was a little hesitant about joining the competition, since it would be my first ever debate - in front of a huge crowd - but eventually I worked up the courage and did it. I got to learn numerous things such as debating skills, presentation, communication styles and working together as a team as well as time management! It was a wonderful experience and I’d love to participate in more opportunities like this in the future” said Sara Bawany who won two awards; the best overall speaker and best introduction for the 14-17 age category.
CrossFire 2019 gave participants the opportunity to research topics such as technology, the environment, and education which are widely discussed today, and present their views on the topic either being affirmative or negative. Not everyone is a debater and this event created a platform for participants to unleash their potential. The debate topics required thorough research, analysis, and critical thinking which then had to be articulated in forms of arguments. One of the challenges for participants was the ability to think on the spot, especially for rebuttals. It was no surprise that the participants rose up to the challenge and not only debated successfully but also provided thought-provoking rebuttals. The 'for' and 'against' arguments gave the spectators a chance to hear two sides of the argument which are sometimes seen to be one-sided.
Another participant, Ishaan Virani, winner of the best arguments in the 10-13 age category said “The debate made me, and I expect most of my peers as well, find a new, more confident part of themselves. Everyone was wishing each other well, and the tension mixed with excitement during the awards ceremony was great. All the participants had a great time, especially me.”
An event such as this will encourage our youth to not only debate but to also research and present on topics that apply to their everyday lives.
It’s not about a one-sided perspective, it’s about CrossFire!
CrossFire 2019 Award Winners
10-13 age group
Best introduction: Alisha Jamal
Best arguments: Ishaan Virani
Best conclusion: Zeba Samnani
Best speaker overall: Alisha Jamal
14-17 age group
Best introduction: Sara Bawany
Best arguments: Sara Firdos
Best conclusion: Amsal Mohammad
Best speaker overall: Sara Bawany
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/uae/crossfire-2019- ... ng-debates
Ismaili Youth engage with the Knowledge Society
According to UNESCO, knowledge societies must build on four pillars: freedom of expression; universal access to information and knowledge; respect for cultural and linguistic diversity; and quality education for all.
In today’s world, knowledge is being discovered and shared at a faster rate than ever before. This has made it possible for more people to become members of the Knowledge Society and work together to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.
In a speech at the Aga Khan University Convocation in Karachi in 2006, Mawlana Hazar Imam said, “We must become full and even leading participants in the Knowledge Society of the 21st Century. That will mean embracing the values of collaboration and coordination, openness and partnership, choice and diversity - which will under-gird the Knowledge Society, learning constantly to review and revise and renew what we think we know - learning how to go on learning.”
From the Bayt al-Hikma’s renowned library in Baghdad to Imam al-Hakim’s establishment of the Dar al-Ilm in Fatimid Cairo, Islamic civilisations have often been the knowledge societies of their age. The collaboration between prominent physicians, thinkers, and astronomers resulted in significant advances in numerous fields, including mathematics, medicine, literature, and philosophy.
Amsal Gilani
Shafaat Khowaja and Iram Khan
Photos and more..
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/youth-e ... -173435533
According to UNESCO, knowledge societies must build on four pillars: freedom of expression; universal access to information and knowledge; respect for cultural and linguistic diversity; and quality education for all.
In today’s world, knowledge is being discovered and shared at a faster rate than ever before. This has made it possible for more people to become members of the Knowledge Society and work together to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.
In a speech at the Aga Khan University Convocation in Karachi in 2006, Mawlana Hazar Imam said, “We must become full and even leading participants in the Knowledge Society of the 21st Century. That will mean embracing the values of collaboration and coordination, openness and partnership, choice and diversity - which will under-gird the Knowledge Society, learning constantly to review and revise and renew what we think we know - learning how to go on learning.”
From the Bayt al-Hikma’s renowned library in Baghdad to Imam al-Hakim’s establishment of the Dar al-Ilm in Fatimid Cairo, Islamic civilisations have often been the knowledge societies of their age. The collaboration between prominent physicians, thinkers, and astronomers resulted in significant advances in numerous fields, including mathematics, medicine, literature, and philosophy.
Amsal Gilani
Shafaat Khowaja and Iram Khan
Photos and more..
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/youth-e ... -173435533
Science Fair inspires youth to push boundaries of possibility
In our rapidly changing world, the use of technology is not only on the rise, but is essential to participation in the knowledge society. On 20 October 2019, over 150 members of the Jamat attended the Ismaili Centre, London, for the inaugural Science Fair – part of the Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB)’s effort in the UK to promote interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The AKEB STEM agenda enables young members of the Jamat to experience, discover, and be inspired to adapt to shifting trends in the world; today, and in years to come.
The science fair was first conceived during a conversation with children at the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Lisbon, about the focus of the different Jubilees. What if the focus during the next Jubilee was on science? But why wait until then? “We should have a Science Fair!” said the children excitedly. And so the idea of an Ismaili Science Fair was born.
Dr Jess Wade, a physicist at Imperial College London, began the day with a talk about what science is, the importance of diversity in science, and what to do if a child wants to be a scientist.
Jill Hodges, the CEO of Fire Tech and one of the Science Fair judges, highlighted how science and technology are important in areas where we historically did not expect them to be. Take agriculture, for instance. One would not traditionally think that science and technology would play a part in this field. Yet modern day agriculture cannot work effectively without it, with farmers using drones, GPS, and tools for data analysis.
The participants then tried their hand at various experiments, and judges observed the experiments, projects, and inventions submitted by children in the Jamat as part of the competition. We went from seeing erupting volcanos to flying balloons to how climate change is affecting the world. The Jamat also learnt about prominent Muslim Scientists and their achievements – teaching us that science has played an important part in Islamic history.
Soon after, attendees heard what it is like to work in science and technology from Mathematician Nahid Walji, Forensic Scientist Farhana Nanji, and Customer Experience Optimiser Shahina Meru. Chaired by Dr Hassan Chagani, the panel discussed how they entered into their respective fields and offered advice on how young members of the Jamat can join STEM fields. They were advised to explore and discover our world, and that science is one way to do it.
Gulzar Kanji, an expert in Early Childhood Education and Development, gave an overview on how parents can support their children to build their science and technology skills even at a very young age. She highlighted the need to develop their curiosity and to ask questions, and gave advice on how this can be done in the home environment.
The day concluded with judges reviewing the science experiments, projects and inventions entered into the competition. All entrants were highly praised and after long deliberation, a number of winners were announced for projects in health, circuits, optics, and coding.
Not only was the quality of all the projects of a high standard – demonstrating just how innovative the ideas really were – but the confidence with which the children described their projects was inspiring.
This is one part of AKEB’s wider agenda to develop the skills needed for our children to succeed in an evolving future, and to open their minds to the range of possible future careers. The Science Fair is one AKEB’s initiatives to develop children’s STEM capabilities. Other activities include “Tech Jams” – a two-day hackathon, a Space Camp, and Coding Clubs.
In today’s world, our discovery and understanding of science is evolving rapidly. Days such as the Science Fair open children’s minds to STEM, ultimately enabling them to stay at the forefront of these fields in this rapidly evolving world. We have already entered an era where science and technology is all around us. The need for the future generation to be familiar, and moving with it has never been more critical.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/united-kingdom/scie ... -173435533
In our rapidly changing world, the use of technology is not only on the rise, but is essential to participation in the knowledge society. On 20 October 2019, over 150 members of the Jamat attended the Ismaili Centre, London, for the inaugural Science Fair – part of the Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB)’s effort in the UK to promote interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The AKEB STEM agenda enables young members of the Jamat to experience, discover, and be inspired to adapt to shifting trends in the world; today, and in years to come.
The science fair was first conceived during a conversation with children at the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Lisbon, about the focus of the different Jubilees. What if the focus during the next Jubilee was on science? But why wait until then? “We should have a Science Fair!” said the children excitedly. And so the idea of an Ismaili Science Fair was born.
Dr Jess Wade, a physicist at Imperial College London, began the day with a talk about what science is, the importance of diversity in science, and what to do if a child wants to be a scientist.
Jill Hodges, the CEO of Fire Tech and one of the Science Fair judges, highlighted how science and technology are important in areas where we historically did not expect them to be. Take agriculture, for instance. One would not traditionally think that science and technology would play a part in this field. Yet modern day agriculture cannot work effectively without it, with farmers using drones, GPS, and tools for data analysis.
The participants then tried their hand at various experiments, and judges observed the experiments, projects, and inventions submitted by children in the Jamat as part of the competition. We went from seeing erupting volcanos to flying balloons to how climate change is affecting the world. The Jamat also learnt about prominent Muslim Scientists and their achievements – teaching us that science has played an important part in Islamic history.
Soon after, attendees heard what it is like to work in science and technology from Mathematician Nahid Walji, Forensic Scientist Farhana Nanji, and Customer Experience Optimiser Shahina Meru. Chaired by Dr Hassan Chagani, the panel discussed how they entered into their respective fields and offered advice on how young members of the Jamat can join STEM fields. They were advised to explore and discover our world, and that science is one way to do it.
Gulzar Kanji, an expert in Early Childhood Education and Development, gave an overview on how parents can support their children to build their science and technology skills even at a very young age. She highlighted the need to develop their curiosity and to ask questions, and gave advice on how this can be done in the home environment.
The day concluded with judges reviewing the science experiments, projects and inventions entered into the competition. All entrants were highly praised and after long deliberation, a number of winners were announced for projects in health, circuits, optics, and coding.
Not only was the quality of all the projects of a high standard – demonstrating just how innovative the ideas really were – but the confidence with which the children described their projects was inspiring.
This is one part of AKEB’s wider agenda to develop the skills needed for our children to succeed in an evolving future, and to open their minds to the range of possible future careers. The Science Fair is one AKEB’s initiatives to develop children’s STEM capabilities. Other activities include “Tech Jams” – a two-day hackathon, a Space Camp, and Coding Clubs.
In today’s world, our discovery and understanding of science is evolving rapidly. Days such as the Science Fair open children’s minds to STEM, ultimately enabling them to stay at the forefront of these fields in this rapidly evolving world. We have already entered an era where science and technology is all around us. The need for the future generation to be familiar, and moving with it has never been more critical.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/united-kingdom/scie ... -173435533
Camp Mosaic: Building character among the leaders of tomorrow
Camp Mosaic is about lifelong relationships, built piece by piece, through meaningful conversations and interactions — a place where Ismaili youth in regions across the USA create bonds with each other and find their calling.
There you are, a 14-year-old Guide waiting with your fellow Counselors, Guides, and Staff (CGS) for the first bus to come around the corner. You’ve never experienced Camp Mosaic before. You have been training hard for the past month — you’ve bonded with the team, learned all the songs, and played every Magic Box activity — but you’re nervous. You ask yourself: Are you prepared to handle the enthusiasm, energy, and excitement of 125 children?
mosaic_5.png
Participants welcoming a guest into their Mosaic Family by using Magic Fingers.
Participants welcoming a guest into their Mosaic Family by using Magic Fingers.
The rumble of the bus approaches. As you see the apprehensive faces of your participants through the windows, a switch suddenly flicks on. Everyone around you begins to sing in unison for the participants’ arrival, and without even knowing how, you realize the loudest voice is coming from you.
You are ready. You have your Mosaic family around you. You believe in them; they believe in you; you believe in yourself. You’re at Camp Mosaic.
Zahra Hakani, a participant in 2011 who has grown into a Coordinator, shares her experience of doing Camp Mosaic for the first time as CGS: “Mosaic has not only taught me many skills that I use everyday, but it's also taught me what I am passionate about and the things I value. Every year I come back it teaches me how to truly work with a team.”
Camp Mosaic is a six-day summer camp for rising 1st to 8th grade Ismaili youth. In one year, it engages 1,500 Participants, 780 Counselors, Guides, and Staff, and 52 Local Project Team Members, through 13 camps across 7 regions in the United States. That amounts to 2,332 people involved each year.
For those who have heard of it, we are likely familiar with the songs, the activities, the energy — but that is just the surface.
What is perhaps most remarkable is that the camp is run entirely by youth. At a time in their lives when young people are used to hearing that they aren’t old enough, mature enough, experienced enough, or empathetic enough to be leaders, Mosaic reassures them that they are. Mosaic empowers youth and, through encouragement, accountability, and a guiding hand, develops future leaders of the Jamat.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/usa/camp-mosaic-bui ... -173435533
*******
Sharing knowledge across the generations in Portugal
Selecting a field of study or a career path is one of the most challenging decisions to make. On 25 October, the Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) for Portugal welcomed various age groups to the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon for two Speed Mentoring events, entitled “New Perspectives, Different Horizons” and “Vocational Guidance.”
Making educational decisions has a huge impact on each of our futures. It is a decision of great responsibility and is essential to get to know our profile and understand how to adapt this into the modern social and economic context that surrounds us today.
At The Peterson Lecture in Atlanta in April 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam said “In a world of rapid change, an agile and adaptable mind, a pragmatic and cooperative temperament, a strong ethical orientation - these are increasingly the keys to effective leadership. And I would add to this list a capacity for intellectual humility which keeps one’s mind constantly open to a variety of viewpoints and which welcomes pluralistic exchange.”
With the goal of bringing Ismaili students and professionals together to promote the exchange of experiences and information, AKEB has developed the programme “Speed Mentoring: New Perspectives, Different Horizons.” Several Ismaili professionals that are currently working in renowned organisations were invited to, in a very dynamic way, share their background and professional experiences, in order to help university students prepare for their own futures.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/portugal/sharing-kn ... rce=Direct
Camp Mosaic is about lifelong relationships, built piece by piece, through meaningful conversations and interactions — a place where Ismaili youth in regions across the USA create bonds with each other and find their calling.
There you are, a 14-year-old Guide waiting with your fellow Counselors, Guides, and Staff (CGS) for the first bus to come around the corner. You’ve never experienced Camp Mosaic before. You have been training hard for the past month — you’ve bonded with the team, learned all the songs, and played every Magic Box activity — but you’re nervous. You ask yourself: Are you prepared to handle the enthusiasm, energy, and excitement of 125 children?
mosaic_5.png
Participants welcoming a guest into their Mosaic Family by using Magic Fingers.
Participants welcoming a guest into their Mosaic Family by using Magic Fingers.
The rumble of the bus approaches. As you see the apprehensive faces of your participants through the windows, a switch suddenly flicks on. Everyone around you begins to sing in unison for the participants’ arrival, and without even knowing how, you realize the loudest voice is coming from you.
You are ready. You have your Mosaic family around you. You believe in them; they believe in you; you believe in yourself. You’re at Camp Mosaic.
Zahra Hakani, a participant in 2011 who has grown into a Coordinator, shares her experience of doing Camp Mosaic for the first time as CGS: “Mosaic has not only taught me many skills that I use everyday, but it's also taught me what I am passionate about and the things I value. Every year I come back it teaches me how to truly work with a team.”
Camp Mosaic is a six-day summer camp for rising 1st to 8th grade Ismaili youth. In one year, it engages 1,500 Participants, 780 Counselors, Guides, and Staff, and 52 Local Project Team Members, through 13 camps across 7 regions in the United States. That amounts to 2,332 people involved each year.
For those who have heard of it, we are likely familiar with the songs, the activities, the energy — but that is just the surface.
What is perhaps most remarkable is that the camp is run entirely by youth. At a time in their lives when young people are used to hearing that they aren’t old enough, mature enough, experienced enough, or empathetic enough to be leaders, Mosaic reassures them that they are. Mosaic empowers youth and, through encouragement, accountability, and a guiding hand, develops future leaders of the Jamat.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/usa/camp-mosaic-bui ... -173435533
*******
Sharing knowledge across the generations in Portugal
Selecting a field of study or a career path is one of the most challenging decisions to make. On 25 October, the Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) for Portugal welcomed various age groups to the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon for two Speed Mentoring events, entitled “New Perspectives, Different Horizons” and “Vocational Guidance.”
Making educational decisions has a huge impact on each of our futures. It is a decision of great responsibility and is essential to get to know our profile and understand how to adapt this into the modern social and economic context that surrounds us today.
At The Peterson Lecture in Atlanta in April 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam said “In a world of rapid change, an agile and adaptable mind, a pragmatic and cooperative temperament, a strong ethical orientation - these are increasingly the keys to effective leadership. And I would add to this list a capacity for intellectual humility which keeps one’s mind constantly open to a variety of viewpoints and which welcomes pluralistic exchange.”
With the goal of bringing Ismaili students and professionals together to promote the exchange of experiences and information, AKEB has developed the programme “Speed Mentoring: New Perspectives, Different Horizons.” Several Ismaili professionals that are currently working in renowned organisations were invited to, in a very dynamic way, share their background and professional experiences, in order to help university students prepare for their own futures.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/portugal/sharing-kn ... rce=Direct
Google Translation of the article in Portuguese:
https://the.ismaili/portugal/visita-%C3 ... n-aga-khan
Visit to the exhibition “The Living Sea: Hussain Aga Khan Photo Essay”
Yesterday Prince Hussain gave a guided tour of his exhibit to STEP students aged 12-17.
This visit, given to about 40 young Ismailis, aimed to arouse interest and, consequently, increase young people's awareness of marine ecosystems and their imminent dangers.
For about an hour and a half, the young people had the opportunity, through the story behind each photograph, each species found and each country visited, to learn a little more about Prince Hussain's passion for marine life and photography. .
While guiding young people through his exposition, Prince Hussain said: “I love animals from a very, very young age (...) and I am really concerned about the possible extinction of some of these species at some point, possibly even in our lifetime. "
The exhibition, which features over 100 underwater photographs of dolphins, sea lions, turtles, sharks, among others, dazzled and piqued the interest of young people, making them aware and wondering about the challenges and risks facing these ecosystems. , addressing some of the main themes of the Talim curriculum: ethics, God's creation, environment, social conscience, humility and generosity.
Alyanna Bhanji, one of the STEP students who had the opportunity to participate in the visit, said: “I was never very interested in this topic, but after this visit I want to know more about marine life and want to know more about everything. This was a spectacular and unique opportunity and I am very grateful to have been part of it. ”
“ (...) it was also possible to touch on themes of enormous importance these days, including the mass extinction of living beings in this case, the marine ones. During the presentation of Prince Hussain it was revealed to us that, under certain circumstances, beings who had already photographed on previous visits today in the same area are almost impossible to find, having in particular mentioned the coral reef ”noted Noor Francisco, student STEP who was also present at the visit.
Prince Hussain created the Focused on Nature Foundation in 2014 to share his personal conservation passion and mission, to raise awareness and to encourage viable initiatives on global issues that have a negative impact on the environment. He has also published two books with his photographs - Animal Voyage and Diving into Wildlife, some of which have recently been used on National Geographic blogs. . Learn more at: http://focusedonnature.org
The exhibition is open to the public and will be on display at the Museum of Natural History and Science until December 29, 2019.
https://the.ismaili/portugal/visita-%C3 ... n-aga-khan
Visit to the exhibition “The Living Sea: Hussain Aga Khan Photo Essay”
Yesterday Prince Hussain gave a guided tour of his exhibit to STEP students aged 12-17.
This visit, given to about 40 young Ismailis, aimed to arouse interest and, consequently, increase young people's awareness of marine ecosystems and their imminent dangers.
For about an hour and a half, the young people had the opportunity, through the story behind each photograph, each species found and each country visited, to learn a little more about Prince Hussain's passion for marine life and photography. .
While guiding young people through his exposition, Prince Hussain said: “I love animals from a very, very young age (...) and I am really concerned about the possible extinction of some of these species at some point, possibly even in our lifetime. "
The exhibition, which features over 100 underwater photographs of dolphins, sea lions, turtles, sharks, among others, dazzled and piqued the interest of young people, making them aware and wondering about the challenges and risks facing these ecosystems. , addressing some of the main themes of the Talim curriculum: ethics, God's creation, environment, social conscience, humility and generosity.
Alyanna Bhanji, one of the STEP students who had the opportunity to participate in the visit, said: “I was never very interested in this topic, but after this visit I want to know more about marine life and want to know more about everything. This was a spectacular and unique opportunity and I am very grateful to have been part of it. ”
“ (...) it was also possible to touch on themes of enormous importance these days, including the mass extinction of living beings in this case, the marine ones. During the presentation of Prince Hussain it was revealed to us that, under certain circumstances, beings who had already photographed on previous visits today in the same area are almost impossible to find, having in particular mentioned the coral reef ”noted Noor Francisco, student STEP who was also present at the visit.
Prince Hussain created the Focused on Nature Foundation in 2014 to share his personal conservation passion and mission, to raise awareness and to encourage viable initiatives on global issues that have a negative impact on the environment. He has also published two books with his photographs - Animal Voyage and Diving into Wildlife, some of which have recently been used on National Geographic blogs. . Learn more at: http://focusedonnature.org
The exhibition is open to the public and will be on display at the Museum of Natural History and Science until December 29, 2019.
GLOBAL ENCOUNTERS
Frequently Asked Questions
APPLICATION PROCESS
When will the camps take place?
Five camps are planned for 2020. Please note that there may be some changes to the dates or locations added.
- Global Encounters Kenya, hosted at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa with an excursion to Nairobi will be from 14th July to 8th August 2020;
- Global Encounters India, hosted at the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad with an excursion to Delhi from 9th July to 3rd August 2020;
- Global Encounters Pakistan, hosted at the Aga Khan University (Karachi) and Aga Khan Higher Secondary School (Hunza) from 25th June to 21st July 2020
- Global Encounters: Expedition Kenya hosted at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa with an excursion to Nairobi will be held in December 2020
- Global Encounters: Expedition India hosted at the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad with an excursion to Gujarat will be held in December 2020
Please note that additional locations may be added and dates may change.
How can I apply to Global Encounters?
What is the application deadline for Participants?
What is the application deadline for Facilitators?
What is the target participant profile?
How many participants will be accepted?
COST AND TRAVEL
What does the cost include?
Is financial aid available?
How are travel arrangements made?
Can participants extend their stay after the camp?
SAFETY AND LOCATION
Are camp locations (Kenya, India, and Pakistan) safe?
Will medical facilities be accessible?
How will living arrangements in the dormitories be set up?
What is the advantage of being located at the Aga Khan Academies and Aga Khan University?
Can my child stay with family and friends in India, Kenya and Pakistan?
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What are the objectives of this programme? How is this programme different from other institutional camps?
What experience do you hope each participant will leave with?
How often will the participants be able to communicate with their families back home?
How are the activities for the programme chosen?
Will participants be going to Jamatkhana every day?
Can participants use these classes to accumulate school credit?
CONTACT THE PROGRAMME
Do you have additional questions?
Jurisdiction Coordinators can answer any additional questions you may have. If you do not know your Jurisdiction Coordinator, you can email the international team at [email protected].
Answers to the questions above at:
https://the.ismaili/global-encounters/f ... rce=Direct
Frequently Asked Questions
APPLICATION PROCESS
When will the camps take place?
Five camps are planned for 2020. Please note that there may be some changes to the dates or locations added.
- Global Encounters Kenya, hosted at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa with an excursion to Nairobi will be from 14th July to 8th August 2020;
- Global Encounters India, hosted at the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad with an excursion to Delhi from 9th July to 3rd August 2020;
- Global Encounters Pakistan, hosted at the Aga Khan University (Karachi) and Aga Khan Higher Secondary School (Hunza) from 25th June to 21st July 2020
- Global Encounters: Expedition Kenya hosted at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa with an excursion to Nairobi will be held in December 2020
- Global Encounters: Expedition India hosted at the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad with an excursion to Gujarat will be held in December 2020
Please note that additional locations may be added and dates may change.
How can I apply to Global Encounters?
What is the application deadline for Participants?
What is the application deadline for Facilitators?
What is the target participant profile?
How many participants will be accepted?
COST AND TRAVEL
What does the cost include?
Is financial aid available?
How are travel arrangements made?
Can participants extend their stay after the camp?
SAFETY AND LOCATION
Are camp locations (Kenya, India, and Pakistan) safe?
Will medical facilities be accessible?
How will living arrangements in the dormitories be set up?
What is the advantage of being located at the Aga Khan Academies and Aga Khan University?
Can my child stay with family and friends in India, Kenya and Pakistan?
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What are the objectives of this programme? How is this programme different from other institutional camps?
What experience do you hope each participant will leave with?
How often will the participants be able to communicate with their families back home?
How are the activities for the programme chosen?
Will participants be going to Jamatkhana every day?
Can participants use these classes to accumulate school credit?
CONTACT THE PROGRAMME
Do you have additional questions?
Jurisdiction Coordinators can answer any additional questions you may have. If you do not know your Jurisdiction Coordinator, you can email the international team at [email protected].
Answers to the questions above at:
https://the.ismaili/global-encounters/f ... rce=Direct
Reshma Praveen: Empowering youth through access to information
Twelve-year-old Reshma Praveen is a resident of the Lal Kothi urban slum in Patna, Bihar. She lives in a one-room hut with her mother, father and four siblings. Life for her family is difficult, as her father is the sole earning member, making ends meet as a rickshaw puller. Most other families in the slum also live in similar conditions. As far as the eye can see, the houses are all dilapidated and extremely small, with no or very limited sunlight coming in.
While the aspiration of most children her age was to start earning an income as soon as possible, often taking up the occupation of the elders in the household, Reshma’s focus was on getting her schoolbooks, uniform and being able to continue her education. Life was never easy for Reshma. Money was always limited as her father struggled to make ends meet, bringing up Reshma and her siblings.
Reshma often worried that given the limited resources at home, she may have had to drop out of school. She knew that her parents could not continue to afford the recurrent expenses for her uniform and school materials. From her school she learnt that the government supports students like her with educational stipends. However, in order to receive the stipend, Reshma would need to open a bank account. She had no idea how to do this and had never visited a bank in her life.
In spite of losing a day’s wage, Reshma’s father, after much persuasion, went with Reshma to the nearest bank. However, her father was unable to manage the minimum balance required to open an account. Having thought that a bank account was going to be the end of all her obstacles to continue her studies, Reshma was shattered that her family could not open a bank account.
In 2015, the Aga Khan Foundation in India had commenced a programme in the urban city councils of Danapur, Khagaul and Phulwarisharief in Patna, working with government-mandated Common Service Centres on facilitating access to government schemes and entitlements and building community knowledge on how to access these schemes. A key project activity was door-to-door campaigns and community meetings providing basic information on how to avail of government entitlements.
Reshma approached the AKF team during one such community meeting. Following a discussion with her, the project team facilitated a camp in Reshma’s school ensuring information about the government’s Jan Dhan Yojana. The Foundation linked the school to the nearest Common Service Centre and a bank-authorised Customer Service Point was introduced to the school to help students with the necessary documentation. Subsequent to that, camps for opening student bank accounts were organised at the school where students registered themselves in batches. Zero balance accounts were opened for the students. Within a couple of working days, they could all operate their own bank accounts. The students are thankful to Reshma, whom they credit for bringing the scheme to their school, while she expresses her gratitude towards the AKF team on the ground.
Recently while interacting with one of our team members she happily shared, “I have received enough money from the government to take care of my school expenses. I have bought my textbooks, a school bag and new slippers too. Even after all this, I have managed a saving of 500 rupees which I will use to buy more books in the future.”
https://www.akdn.org/our-stories/reshma ... nformation
Twelve-year-old Reshma Praveen is a resident of the Lal Kothi urban slum in Patna, Bihar. She lives in a one-room hut with her mother, father and four siblings. Life for her family is difficult, as her father is the sole earning member, making ends meet as a rickshaw puller. Most other families in the slum also live in similar conditions. As far as the eye can see, the houses are all dilapidated and extremely small, with no or very limited sunlight coming in.
While the aspiration of most children her age was to start earning an income as soon as possible, often taking up the occupation of the elders in the household, Reshma’s focus was on getting her schoolbooks, uniform and being able to continue her education. Life was never easy for Reshma. Money was always limited as her father struggled to make ends meet, bringing up Reshma and her siblings.
Reshma often worried that given the limited resources at home, she may have had to drop out of school. She knew that her parents could not continue to afford the recurrent expenses for her uniform and school materials. From her school she learnt that the government supports students like her with educational stipends. However, in order to receive the stipend, Reshma would need to open a bank account. She had no idea how to do this and had never visited a bank in her life.
In spite of losing a day’s wage, Reshma’s father, after much persuasion, went with Reshma to the nearest bank. However, her father was unable to manage the minimum balance required to open an account. Having thought that a bank account was going to be the end of all her obstacles to continue her studies, Reshma was shattered that her family could not open a bank account.
In 2015, the Aga Khan Foundation in India had commenced a programme in the urban city councils of Danapur, Khagaul and Phulwarisharief in Patna, working with government-mandated Common Service Centres on facilitating access to government schemes and entitlements and building community knowledge on how to access these schemes. A key project activity was door-to-door campaigns and community meetings providing basic information on how to avail of government entitlements.
Reshma approached the AKF team during one such community meeting. Following a discussion with her, the project team facilitated a camp in Reshma’s school ensuring information about the government’s Jan Dhan Yojana. The Foundation linked the school to the nearest Common Service Centre and a bank-authorised Customer Service Point was introduced to the school to help students with the necessary documentation. Subsequent to that, camps for opening student bank accounts were organised at the school where students registered themselves in batches. Zero balance accounts were opened for the students. Within a couple of working days, they could all operate their own bank accounts. The students are thankful to Reshma, whom they credit for bringing the scheme to their school, while she expresses her gratitude towards the AKF team on the ground.
Recently while interacting with one of our team members she happily shared, “I have received enough money from the government to take care of my school expenses. I have bought my textbooks, a school bag and new slippers too. Even after all this, I have managed a saving of 500 rupees which I will use to buy more books in the future.”
https://www.akdn.org/our-stories/reshma ... nformation
Google translation of the article in Portuguese
https://the.ismaili/portugal/akepb-prot ... -especiais
AKEPB: Protocol with ISEG - Special Conditions
The Aga Khan Economic Planning Board (AKEPB) is pleased to report that it has signed a collaboration protocol with the Lisbon School of Economic & Management.
The protocol is already in force and has the following conditions:
1) 18% discount on MBA's, postgraduate and executive programs for Ismaili Community members and families. The list of programs is available at www.idefe.pt
2) Executive training targeted at Community entrepreneurs and professionals, regardless of age, educational background or sector of activity. The training schedule will be sent shortly.
About ISEG Executive Education:
ISEG - Lisbon School of Economic & Management is the University of Lisbon School of Business, the largest and best Portuguese University, according to all international rankings. Through ISEG - Executive Education, it offers its training to managers and executives of companies and other organizations, including Executive MBA, postgraduate courses, short programs and customized training in the areas of Strategy, Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Taxation, Real Estate, Marketing, Human Resources, Soft Skills and Information Systems.
Located in the center of Lisbon, between Lapa and Madragoa, with its own student parking, it has the largest and most qualified faculty in Portugal, including executives with valuable professional experience. In recent years, more than 5,000 professionals have invested in enhancing their curriculum through ISEG - Executive Education training courses.
https://the.ismaili/portugal/akepb-prot ... -especiais
AKEPB: Protocol with ISEG - Special Conditions
The Aga Khan Economic Planning Board (AKEPB) is pleased to report that it has signed a collaboration protocol with the Lisbon School of Economic & Management.
The protocol is already in force and has the following conditions:
1) 18% discount on MBA's, postgraduate and executive programs for Ismaili Community members and families. The list of programs is available at www.idefe.pt
2) Executive training targeted at Community entrepreneurs and professionals, regardless of age, educational background or sector of activity. The training schedule will be sent shortly.
About ISEG Executive Education:
ISEG - Lisbon School of Economic & Management is the University of Lisbon School of Business, the largest and best Portuguese University, according to all international rankings. Through ISEG - Executive Education, it offers its training to managers and executives of companies and other organizations, including Executive MBA, postgraduate courses, short programs and customized training in the areas of Strategy, Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Taxation, Real Estate, Marketing, Human Resources, Soft Skills and Information Systems.
Located in the center of Lisbon, between Lapa and Madragoa, with its own student parking, it has the largest and most qualified faculty in Portugal, including executives with valuable professional experience. In recent years, more than 5,000 professionals have invested in enhancing their curriculum through ISEG - Executive Education training courses.
Generation Z is stressed, depressed and exam-obsessed
For most youngsters getting good grades is a bigger worry than drinking or unplanned pregnancies
MOVE OVER, millennials. Young people now belong to “Generation Z”: a cohort which demographers usually define as people born since 1997. Researchers have devoted lots of effort to understanding the attitudes and experiences of people born in the 1980s and early 1990s (that is, millennials or generation Y), who are more educated and poorer than their elders are. But they have collected far fewer data about people who can barely remember a world without social media or smartphones. In America, that generation now makes up about a quarter of the population.
Most of the research so far about generation Z suggests that youngsters today are less hedonistic, better behaved and more lonely than ever before. A recent report by Pew Research Centre, a think-tank, reinforces that finding and sheds more light on this new cohort’s hopes and fears. In late 2018 Pew polled 920 Americans aged 13-17 about the problems that they have seen among their peers. The data show that they are far less concerned about age-old teenage problems like unplanned pregnancy and binge-drinking than they are about mental health. Fully 70% of respondents thought anxiety and depression were a major issue among their peers. Teenagers from poorer households tended to report a wider range of behavioural problems than those from rich households, but concerns about mental health seemed to affect both groups equally.
What is causing such widespread stress and dejection among the young? One answer might be that social media have made teenagers feel more isolated from their friends and tormented by their peers. More than half of those surveyed by Pew cited bullying as a major problem. Another reason might be academic worries. Members of generation Z, even more so than the millennials before them, seem to have less desire to get wasted and more to get top grades. Two-thirds of respondents to Pew’s survey said that they feel no pressure at all to get drunk, whereas nine-tenths feel under the cosh when it comes to doing well at school.
A final explanation might be that people of all ages have become more anxious and depressed (or at least more willing to talk about it). Surveys of American college students show that the proportion who report depressive tendencies has been rising since at least the 1950s. Today nearly a fifth of the country’s adults live with a mental-health condition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
The WHO estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy about $1trn each year. It reckons that investing more in psychiatric treatment would help alleviate some of that burden, since it has calculated that every dollar a government spends on treatment leads to a return of $4 by improving health and productivity. America could certainly devote more than the 0.05% of its health budget that it currently does to such care. That might soothe depressed teenagers. But it is unlikely to help them much with their homework.
Figures at:
https://www.economist.com/graphic-detai ... m-obsessed
For most youngsters getting good grades is a bigger worry than drinking or unplanned pregnancies
MOVE OVER, millennials. Young people now belong to “Generation Z”: a cohort which demographers usually define as people born since 1997. Researchers have devoted lots of effort to understanding the attitudes and experiences of people born in the 1980s and early 1990s (that is, millennials or generation Y), who are more educated and poorer than their elders are. But they have collected far fewer data about people who can barely remember a world without social media or smartphones. In America, that generation now makes up about a quarter of the population.
Most of the research so far about generation Z suggests that youngsters today are less hedonistic, better behaved and more lonely than ever before. A recent report by Pew Research Centre, a think-tank, reinforces that finding and sheds more light on this new cohort’s hopes and fears. In late 2018 Pew polled 920 Americans aged 13-17 about the problems that they have seen among their peers. The data show that they are far less concerned about age-old teenage problems like unplanned pregnancy and binge-drinking than they are about mental health. Fully 70% of respondents thought anxiety and depression were a major issue among their peers. Teenagers from poorer households tended to report a wider range of behavioural problems than those from rich households, but concerns about mental health seemed to affect both groups equally.
What is causing such widespread stress and dejection among the young? One answer might be that social media have made teenagers feel more isolated from their friends and tormented by their peers. More than half of those surveyed by Pew cited bullying as a major problem. Another reason might be academic worries. Members of generation Z, even more so than the millennials before them, seem to have less desire to get wasted and more to get top grades. Two-thirds of respondents to Pew’s survey said that they feel no pressure at all to get drunk, whereas nine-tenths feel under the cosh when it comes to doing well at school.
A final explanation might be that people of all ages have become more anxious and depressed (or at least more willing to talk about it). Surveys of American college students show that the proportion who report depressive tendencies has been rising since at least the 1950s. Today nearly a fifth of the country’s adults live with a mental-health condition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
The WHO estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy about $1trn each year. It reckons that investing more in psychiatric treatment would help alleviate some of that burden, since it has calculated that every dollar a government spends on treatment leads to a return of $4 by improving health and productivity. America could certainly devote more than the 0.05% of its health budget that it currently does to such care. That might soothe depressed teenagers. But it is unlikely to help them much with their homework.
Figures at:
https://www.economist.com/graphic-detai ... m-obsessed
Nurturing Leaders for Tomorrow (Part II)
Seven days, two cities, 62 Ismaili youth from all over Pakistan and a plethora of emotions, memories and lifelong friendships. This sums up the flagship programme, Broadening Horizon Youth Camp (BHYC), of the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Pakistan (AKYSBP) held in Lahore and Islamabad from the 24th of December through the 30th of December, 2019. Continuing its legacy, this year the BHYC used a multidisciplinary approach to ensure that Ismaili youth develop the tenacity and drive to make positive, informed choices in addressing contemporary challenges, take pride in their identity and are able to enhance their leadership skills to become ambassadors of the community.
During the seven-day residential camp, youth participants engaged in critical discussions and case studies related to issues of identity, modernity, environmental sustainability, cultural heritage and globalization. This included an extensive module on social responsibility where participants participated in a ‘Social Impact Challenge.’ This module allowed the youth to use their creative energies to design and pitch a social business idea which remained both socially conscious and economically feasible.
As part of the outdoor learning experience, participants spent a day in the Margalla Hills National Park in Islamabad to understand the importance of environmental stewardship, wildlife conservation and sustainable leadership through the support of World Wildlife Fund for Nature. The participants also acquired first-hand experience of our cultural heritage through a guided tour by the Aga Khan Cultural Service-Pakistan (AKCS-P) of the Walled City of Lahore.
Whether during indoor dialogues or outdoor activities, the BHYC allowed individuals to embrace each other’s diversity and accept one another’s viewpoints. As one participant articulated, “I have always heard about Ismailis from other parts of the world, but today I learned about their cultures, lifestyles and rituals. I am now better able to understand the importance of One Jamat.”
The youth also continuously engaged with Jamati leaders as well as representatives from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). This included speakers from the Institute of Ismaili Studies, the Aga Khan Education Board, the Aga Khan Health Board, ITREB, National Arbitration and Conciliation Board, the Aga Khan Foundation, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat and Accelerate Prosperity. One participant enthusiastically affirmed, “I am in awe at seeing the amazing work our institutions are doing not only for the Jamat but also for our sister communities.” Furthermore, President, Ismaili Council for Pakistan, Hafiz Sherali, shared the guidance and vision of Mawlana Hazar Imam for the youth of today to better prepare them for tomorrow.
Overall, the BHYC was undoubtedly a unique experience for all participants. One individual stated, “We enjoyed the sessions and feel empowered to share our views and express our identities.” For some youth, the camp helped them reconnect with their Ismaili identity and the global Ismaili Jamat. For many, it initiated lifelong friendships with Ismailis from other parts of Pakistan. Yet, for some partakers, it provided exposure to the challenges and opportunities of the modern world and broadened their horizons to dream.
Luckily for all participants, the BHYC ignited a spark within each individual to realize their leadership potential and use it to become positive agents of change. As one youth indicated, “We came here as learners, but we will leave as leaders!” While the camp affected each participant in a different way, the impact it created contributed towards nurturing future ambassadors of the Jamat on their journey.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/pakistan/nurturing- ... ow-part-ii
Seven days, two cities, 62 Ismaili youth from all over Pakistan and a plethora of emotions, memories and lifelong friendships. This sums up the flagship programme, Broadening Horizon Youth Camp (BHYC), of the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Pakistan (AKYSBP) held in Lahore and Islamabad from the 24th of December through the 30th of December, 2019. Continuing its legacy, this year the BHYC used a multidisciplinary approach to ensure that Ismaili youth develop the tenacity and drive to make positive, informed choices in addressing contemporary challenges, take pride in their identity and are able to enhance their leadership skills to become ambassadors of the community.
During the seven-day residential camp, youth participants engaged in critical discussions and case studies related to issues of identity, modernity, environmental sustainability, cultural heritage and globalization. This included an extensive module on social responsibility where participants participated in a ‘Social Impact Challenge.’ This module allowed the youth to use their creative energies to design and pitch a social business idea which remained both socially conscious and economically feasible.
As part of the outdoor learning experience, participants spent a day in the Margalla Hills National Park in Islamabad to understand the importance of environmental stewardship, wildlife conservation and sustainable leadership through the support of World Wildlife Fund for Nature. The participants also acquired first-hand experience of our cultural heritage through a guided tour by the Aga Khan Cultural Service-Pakistan (AKCS-P) of the Walled City of Lahore.
Whether during indoor dialogues or outdoor activities, the BHYC allowed individuals to embrace each other’s diversity and accept one another’s viewpoints. As one participant articulated, “I have always heard about Ismailis from other parts of the world, but today I learned about their cultures, lifestyles and rituals. I am now better able to understand the importance of One Jamat.”
The youth also continuously engaged with Jamati leaders as well as representatives from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). This included speakers from the Institute of Ismaili Studies, the Aga Khan Education Board, the Aga Khan Health Board, ITREB, National Arbitration and Conciliation Board, the Aga Khan Foundation, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat and Accelerate Prosperity. One participant enthusiastically affirmed, “I am in awe at seeing the amazing work our institutions are doing not only for the Jamat but also for our sister communities.” Furthermore, President, Ismaili Council for Pakistan, Hafiz Sherali, shared the guidance and vision of Mawlana Hazar Imam for the youth of today to better prepare them for tomorrow.
Overall, the BHYC was undoubtedly a unique experience for all participants. One individual stated, “We enjoyed the sessions and feel empowered to share our views and express our identities.” For some youth, the camp helped them reconnect with their Ismaili identity and the global Ismaili Jamat. For many, it initiated lifelong friendships with Ismailis from other parts of Pakistan. Yet, for some partakers, it provided exposure to the challenges and opportunities of the modern world and broadened their horizons to dream.
Luckily for all participants, the BHYC ignited a spark within each individual to realize their leadership potential and use it to become positive agents of change. As one youth indicated, “We came here as learners, but we will leave as leaders!” While the camp affected each participant in a different way, the impact it created contributed towards nurturing future ambassadors of the Jamat on their journey.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/pakistan/nurturing- ... ow-part-ii
Rediscovering heritage in Pakistan
Last month, young members of the Jamat in Pakistan had the opportunity to tour interior Sindh and Karachi on a journey to reflect on and understand the importance of cultural heritage. The trip was organised as part of the Heritage Discovery Tour (HDT), a flagship programme of the Arts and Culture portfolio of the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Pakistan.
Photos and the story at:
https://the.ismaili/pakistan/rediscover ... rce=Direct
Last month, young members of the Jamat in Pakistan had the opportunity to tour interior Sindh and Karachi on a journey to reflect on and understand the importance of cultural heritage. The trip was organised as part of the Heritage Discovery Tour (HDT), a flagship programme of the Arts and Culture portfolio of the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Pakistan.
Photos and the story at:
https://the.ismaili/pakistan/rediscover ... rce=Direct
Google translation of the article in Portuguese;
https://the.ismaili/portugal/programa-i ... as-abertas
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program - Open Applications
The application period for the Aga Khan 2020 International Scholarship Program is running until March 28.
The scholarships aim to give higher education students, up to the age of 30, the opportunity to carry out postgraduate studies in highly reputable academic institutions.
We will be available for face-to-face meetings with potential candidates at the Ismaili Center (in Lisbon), or at a distance, on February 26, 2020, between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, by appointment, using the following form: http: // bit. ly / 2Dy0bh1
For more information see:
Portuguese: https://www.akdn.org/pt/agencias/fundaç ... NUawf88zcw
Inglês: https://www.akdn.org/our -agencies / aga-khan-foundation / international-scho ...
https://the.ismaili/portugal/programa-i ... as-abertas
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program - Open Applications
The application period for the Aga Khan 2020 International Scholarship Program is running until March 28.
The scholarships aim to give higher education students, up to the age of 30, the opportunity to carry out postgraduate studies in highly reputable academic institutions.
We will be available for face-to-face meetings with potential candidates at the Ismaili Center (in Lisbon), or at a distance, on February 26, 2020, between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, by appointment, using the following form: http: // bit. ly / 2Dy0bh1
For more information see:
Portuguese: https://www.akdn.org/pt/agencias/fundaç ... NUawf88zcw
Inglês: https://www.akdn.org/our -agencies / aga-khan-foundation / international-scho ...
Girls landing: Reaching for the moon
“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination,” said Mae Jemison, an American engineer, physician, and the first African American woman to travel into space. She orbited the earth in 1992, making history as the first female person of color to journey into space about 30 years after the first man, Yuri Gagarin.
Gender inequality remains an unfortunate reality of our society. Even in 2020, female representation across a variety of professions remains uneven, with certain professions still characterized as traditionally “male” or “female.” Such stereotypes are perhaps most commonly experienced in the fields of science and technology. There is continued emphasis, however, in schools today to encourage girls to study STEM-related subjects and to enter such professions with some positive results. Encouraging girls to learn coding or try robotics are some of the newer opportunities for girls to familiarize themselves with such experimentation.
2_29.jpg
Mishka Nazarani poses next to a display of her music and memory experiment.
PHOTO: THE ISMAILI
Thirteen-year-old Mishka Nazarani of Ontario, Canada, has set out to defy such stereotypes. She is inspired by Mae Jemison and her dad who introduced her to the world of programming and robotics. Mishka has also found a way to integrate her passion for programming and space. She created a video game called “Alien Invasion” for her classmates to play at a school event. She also found a way to integrate her passion for science and music at her school science fair by conducting a study on whether music affects the ability to memorize facts. Her findings indicated that there is indeed a correlation.
img_3960.jpg
Nabeela Talib's 3-D printer in the midst of creating a piece of artwork that Nabeela found in a book.
PHOTO: THE ISMAILI
Much like Mishka, 13-year-old Nabeela Talib of Orange County, CA, has ventured into the world of programming and robotics. Inspired by her dad, Nabeela was given a 3-D printer and started a business. She began marketing her services and printing objects like key chains, phone stands, and custom items like a missing scooter part. Apart from her business, Nabeela also learned how to code for a science fair project in which she configured how to send messages from a phone to print a sticky note. Nabeela gets the most satisfaction from building and fixing things, and hopes in the future to do something in both robotics and entrepreneurship. Her problem-solving nature lends itself to an engineer in the making.
While gender is certainly not a limitation to any profession, neither is age. Five girls in Sugar Land, Texas — Leila, Rida, Sahara, Sanya, and Shaivi — participated in the First Lego League (FLL) Junior program for children as young as nine. These girls were coached robotics for 14 weeks by Amjad-Ali Khoja. The FLL challenge for 2018 was called Mission Moon, which involved four phases modeled after an engineering design process, including building a LEGO rocket ship. The girls won the “Simply Awesome” machine award, but were perhaps most memorable for their gracious professionalism, and efforts to be “helpful, kind, and show respect when we work, play, and share,” said coach Amjad.
These girls are prime examples of the fact that the growing field of robotics can be a passion for anyone. Mishka and these young women truly illustrate that gender is not an impediment to pursue an interest in science, or any other field. All it takes is perseverance. What matters most is a person’s capability to do any job. However, what seems to be lacking is opportunity and representation, which is why Mishka stresses the importance of women going into fields related to science and technology.
Mishka notes that roles traditionally seen as a “man’s job” become uninviting where women end up bypassing these professions, and succumb to an ongoing cycle that never breaks. As a result, women’s issues, whether in the workplace or society at large, end up being ignored. Instead, she urges, “If more women went into science and research, more of these issues could be addressed and represented from a female perspective.”
Mishka hopes to study astrobiology to learn more about extraterrestrial life and how humans can adapt to outer space. She dreams of being an astronaut some day.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/usa/girls-landing-reaching-moon
*****
Dubai girls team wins award for innovative solution at robotics competition
In an effort to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through access to and participation in science, the United Nations recognises 11 February as International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Young girls from the Dubai Jamat have displayed that women and girls can thrive in the field of science by winning an award for their innovative solution at the FIRST Lego League (FLL) competition.
image_-_2.jpg
Saira Gulamani, a human resources manager turned entrepreneur, wanted to give back and make a difference in this area. She switched her professional and personal focus to the field of science through Lego Robotics. Together with her team over the past three years, she has conducted training sessions for youth in the Gulf region in preparation for the UAE’s FLL competition, which took place on 25 January 2020 in Abu Dhabi.
Over 45 teams from across the UAE participated in the event, three of which were from the Dubai Jamat. The theme of the competition was City Shapers with an objective to create solutions for future cities. The girls’ team, Oceans X, won the award for Innovative Solutions, for their proposal of incorporating braille tiles in elevators to assist people with impaired vision. The other two teams, Team Checkmate and Team Rockets, ranked in the overall Top 15.
Lego Robotics is “learning through play while integrating scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical skills,” explained Saira. “When you build a car using robotics and have to measure the speed, you apply many facets of science spontaneously, such as physics, for example.”
In addition to acquiring technical skills, Lego Robotics contributes to developing participants’ analytical thinking, human interaction, and confidence.
When the girls’ team was asked about next steps for their proposed solution, the young ladies expressed a desire to implement this solution into the city’s elevators, as their research confirmed a need and a niche for this service. In keeping with the 2017 goals of Dubai’s inclusivity mandate, the city’s infrastructure is being upgraded to facilitate the ease of movement for the differently-abled.
The girls were very surprised to have won the award.
“In comparison with the other teams, our solution was very simple,” said team member Aliya Bhalwani.
“But it is very impactful and financially possible to implement,” said Saman Alibhai indicating that their pragmatism may have been the winning ingredient.
The enthusiasm and confidence with which the young ladies discussed their project and its implementation confirmed that the youth trained through the Lego Robotics programme will be worthy contributors in the fields of science and technology.
A multitude of studies confirm that only 30% of female students globally select fields related to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) in higher education. Therefore, encouragement and pursuit of improving this statistic can be harnessed through the realm of civil society. While remnants of biases and gender stereotyping still exist, the emphasis on STEAM skills awareness and implementation for the female demographic continues to rise in learning centres, workplaces, and industry in general. Parenting has also taken a turn towards providing a fertile foundation for STEAM skills including toys and books which promote problem solving and critical thinking skills.
As a part of this mandate, the Ismaili Centre Dubai continues to foster awareness and education in the field of science, through training sessions, speaker seminars and educational programmes.
Last year the Centre was visited by Dr Maryam Matar, founder and chairperson of UAEGDA, named one of the 20 most influential women in science in the Muslim world, and heard from the astronaut, Namira Salim, one of the earliest founders of Virgin Galactic.
To date, the Lego Robotics programme has positively impacted 175 students ages 8-17. Future plans include training for the 6-10-year old age group, as well as the senior members of the community.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/uae/dubai-girls-tea ... ompetition
“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination,” said Mae Jemison, an American engineer, physician, and the first African American woman to travel into space. She orbited the earth in 1992, making history as the first female person of color to journey into space about 30 years after the first man, Yuri Gagarin.
Gender inequality remains an unfortunate reality of our society. Even in 2020, female representation across a variety of professions remains uneven, with certain professions still characterized as traditionally “male” or “female.” Such stereotypes are perhaps most commonly experienced in the fields of science and technology. There is continued emphasis, however, in schools today to encourage girls to study STEM-related subjects and to enter such professions with some positive results. Encouraging girls to learn coding or try robotics are some of the newer opportunities for girls to familiarize themselves with such experimentation.
2_29.jpg
Mishka Nazarani poses next to a display of her music and memory experiment.
PHOTO: THE ISMAILI
Thirteen-year-old Mishka Nazarani of Ontario, Canada, has set out to defy such stereotypes. She is inspired by Mae Jemison and her dad who introduced her to the world of programming and robotics. Mishka has also found a way to integrate her passion for programming and space. She created a video game called “Alien Invasion” for her classmates to play at a school event. She also found a way to integrate her passion for science and music at her school science fair by conducting a study on whether music affects the ability to memorize facts. Her findings indicated that there is indeed a correlation.
img_3960.jpg
Nabeela Talib's 3-D printer in the midst of creating a piece of artwork that Nabeela found in a book.
PHOTO: THE ISMAILI
Much like Mishka, 13-year-old Nabeela Talib of Orange County, CA, has ventured into the world of programming and robotics. Inspired by her dad, Nabeela was given a 3-D printer and started a business. She began marketing her services and printing objects like key chains, phone stands, and custom items like a missing scooter part. Apart from her business, Nabeela also learned how to code for a science fair project in which she configured how to send messages from a phone to print a sticky note. Nabeela gets the most satisfaction from building and fixing things, and hopes in the future to do something in both robotics and entrepreneurship. Her problem-solving nature lends itself to an engineer in the making.
While gender is certainly not a limitation to any profession, neither is age. Five girls in Sugar Land, Texas — Leila, Rida, Sahara, Sanya, and Shaivi — participated in the First Lego League (FLL) Junior program for children as young as nine. These girls were coached robotics for 14 weeks by Amjad-Ali Khoja. The FLL challenge for 2018 was called Mission Moon, which involved four phases modeled after an engineering design process, including building a LEGO rocket ship. The girls won the “Simply Awesome” machine award, but were perhaps most memorable for their gracious professionalism, and efforts to be “helpful, kind, and show respect when we work, play, and share,” said coach Amjad.
These girls are prime examples of the fact that the growing field of robotics can be a passion for anyone. Mishka and these young women truly illustrate that gender is not an impediment to pursue an interest in science, or any other field. All it takes is perseverance. What matters most is a person’s capability to do any job. However, what seems to be lacking is opportunity and representation, which is why Mishka stresses the importance of women going into fields related to science and technology.
Mishka notes that roles traditionally seen as a “man’s job” become uninviting where women end up bypassing these professions, and succumb to an ongoing cycle that never breaks. As a result, women’s issues, whether in the workplace or society at large, end up being ignored. Instead, she urges, “If more women went into science and research, more of these issues could be addressed and represented from a female perspective.”
Mishka hopes to study astrobiology to learn more about extraterrestrial life and how humans can adapt to outer space. She dreams of being an astronaut some day.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/usa/girls-landing-reaching-moon
*****
Dubai girls team wins award for innovative solution at robotics competition
In an effort to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through access to and participation in science, the United Nations recognises 11 February as International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Young girls from the Dubai Jamat have displayed that women and girls can thrive in the field of science by winning an award for their innovative solution at the FIRST Lego League (FLL) competition.
image_-_2.jpg
Saira Gulamani, a human resources manager turned entrepreneur, wanted to give back and make a difference in this area. She switched her professional and personal focus to the field of science through Lego Robotics. Together with her team over the past three years, she has conducted training sessions for youth in the Gulf region in preparation for the UAE’s FLL competition, which took place on 25 January 2020 in Abu Dhabi.
Over 45 teams from across the UAE participated in the event, three of which were from the Dubai Jamat. The theme of the competition was City Shapers with an objective to create solutions for future cities. The girls’ team, Oceans X, won the award for Innovative Solutions, for their proposal of incorporating braille tiles in elevators to assist people with impaired vision. The other two teams, Team Checkmate and Team Rockets, ranked in the overall Top 15.
Lego Robotics is “learning through play while integrating scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical skills,” explained Saira. “When you build a car using robotics and have to measure the speed, you apply many facets of science spontaneously, such as physics, for example.”
In addition to acquiring technical skills, Lego Robotics contributes to developing participants’ analytical thinking, human interaction, and confidence.
When the girls’ team was asked about next steps for their proposed solution, the young ladies expressed a desire to implement this solution into the city’s elevators, as their research confirmed a need and a niche for this service. In keeping with the 2017 goals of Dubai’s inclusivity mandate, the city’s infrastructure is being upgraded to facilitate the ease of movement for the differently-abled.
The girls were very surprised to have won the award.
“In comparison with the other teams, our solution was very simple,” said team member Aliya Bhalwani.
“But it is very impactful and financially possible to implement,” said Saman Alibhai indicating that their pragmatism may have been the winning ingredient.
The enthusiasm and confidence with which the young ladies discussed their project and its implementation confirmed that the youth trained through the Lego Robotics programme will be worthy contributors in the fields of science and technology.
A multitude of studies confirm that only 30% of female students globally select fields related to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) in higher education. Therefore, encouragement and pursuit of improving this statistic can be harnessed through the realm of civil society. While remnants of biases and gender stereotyping still exist, the emphasis on STEAM skills awareness and implementation for the female demographic continues to rise in learning centres, workplaces, and industry in general. Parenting has also taken a turn towards providing a fertile foundation for STEAM skills including toys and books which promote problem solving and critical thinking skills.
As a part of this mandate, the Ismaili Centre Dubai continues to foster awareness and education in the field of science, through training sessions, speaker seminars and educational programmes.
Last year the Centre was visited by Dr Maryam Matar, founder and chairperson of UAEGDA, named one of the 20 most influential women in science in the Muslim world, and heard from the astronaut, Namira Salim, one of the earliest founders of Virgin Galactic.
To date, the Lego Robotics programme has positively impacted 175 students ages 8-17. Future plans include training for the 6-10-year old age group, as well as the senior members of the community.
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/uae/dubai-girls-tea ... ompetition
Ivy League Connect Inspires Students to Reach for Excellence
“As a student, when choosing the right school, you have to ask yourself if this institution will prepare me for the future,” advised distinguished scientist, Dr. George P “Bud” Peterson, President Emeritus and Regents Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He was addressing middle and high school students in particular, at a program entitled “Ivy League Connect,” organized by the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States to provide the community with information on how to select a quality higher education institution.
Dr. Peterson had been selected by President George W. Bush, and again by President Barack Obama, to serve on the National Science Board. He has played a key role in establishing the national research and education agenda. He commenced his keynote speech with his thoughts on knowledge creation, tips on choosing the right university, and the role a university plays in the lives of students.
Looking at an uncertain future, Dr. Peterson emphasized that “a university’s responsibility is to prepare students for jobs that don’t exist, with technology that hasn’t been invented yet, to solve problems we don’t know they’ll face.” Concluding his address, he suggested that the students ask themselves if their chosen university will help them think critically, communicate effectively, act responsibly, and grow continuously.
A moderated panel discussion followed, with students and alumni from four leading US academic institutions. The overarching messages of the program, held at Northeast Jamatkhana in Norcross, Georgia, were those of striving for excellence and to follow one’s passion.
The panelists included Ambreen Delawalla from Columbia, Faiz Jiwani from Brown, Insiya Essani from Princeton, and Tanya Devani from Harvard. They shared their insights about their personal experiences through their Ivy League journey. Danish Dharani moderated the panel discussion.
All panelists shared their opinions on the importance of excellence in education and following one’s passion, with Faiz Jiwani remarking: “Trust and follow your curiosity. School is not a destination, but rather a means to learn how to be part of a solution.”
Speaking of continuous education, Insiya Essani provided a wealth of advice and encouragement to the attendees. “Define your own goals, be in competition with yourself, and contribute to the environment in a positive way,” she said.
When dealing with stress, Tanya Devani suggests leaning on one’s family for support and to maintain continuous contact with them throughout student life. Furthermore, she said with a smile, “I was very fortunate to have a family and community to look back to when I needed support.”
The audience was comprised of students and their parents. In response to a question on how to make a college application stand out, “Aim high and be your best self-advocate,” suggested Ambreen Delawalla encouragingly.
Other topics of discussion included how to choose the right major, navigating the financial aid process and the journey of acquiring higher education. The event concluded with a 30-minute networking session with Dr. Peterson and the panelists.
Anoosha Tejani, a 10th grader, shared why programs like this are meaningful to her. “I recently moved from Kuwait and am looking forward to applying and attending a university in the US. I come from a background where I already have less information, so programs like these are very helpful, and teach me what I need to do to prepare.”
Senait Pirani, another high schooler in the audience, said, “I like coming to events like these because I learn a lot, and the networking opportunity gives me a chance to build connections.”
The program concluded with Salima Jaffer, President of the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States thanking the speakers, panelists, and attendees for sharing their time, knowledge, and experiences. The event was successful in providing a platform for knowledge-sharing on the significance of higher education, and how to navigate the process by learning from others.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/usa/ivy-league-conn ... excellence
“As a student, when choosing the right school, you have to ask yourself if this institution will prepare me for the future,” advised distinguished scientist, Dr. George P “Bud” Peterson, President Emeritus and Regents Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He was addressing middle and high school students in particular, at a program entitled “Ivy League Connect,” organized by the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States to provide the community with information on how to select a quality higher education institution.
Dr. Peterson had been selected by President George W. Bush, and again by President Barack Obama, to serve on the National Science Board. He has played a key role in establishing the national research and education agenda. He commenced his keynote speech with his thoughts on knowledge creation, tips on choosing the right university, and the role a university plays in the lives of students.
Looking at an uncertain future, Dr. Peterson emphasized that “a university’s responsibility is to prepare students for jobs that don’t exist, with technology that hasn’t been invented yet, to solve problems we don’t know they’ll face.” Concluding his address, he suggested that the students ask themselves if their chosen university will help them think critically, communicate effectively, act responsibly, and grow continuously.
A moderated panel discussion followed, with students and alumni from four leading US academic institutions. The overarching messages of the program, held at Northeast Jamatkhana in Norcross, Georgia, were those of striving for excellence and to follow one’s passion.
The panelists included Ambreen Delawalla from Columbia, Faiz Jiwani from Brown, Insiya Essani from Princeton, and Tanya Devani from Harvard. They shared their insights about their personal experiences through their Ivy League journey. Danish Dharani moderated the panel discussion.
All panelists shared their opinions on the importance of excellence in education and following one’s passion, with Faiz Jiwani remarking: “Trust and follow your curiosity. School is not a destination, but rather a means to learn how to be part of a solution.”
Speaking of continuous education, Insiya Essani provided a wealth of advice and encouragement to the attendees. “Define your own goals, be in competition with yourself, and contribute to the environment in a positive way,” she said.
When dealing with stress, Tanya Devani suggests leaning on one’s family for support and to maintain continuous contact with them throughout student life. Furthermore, she said with a smile, “I was very fortunate to have a family and community to look back to when I needed support.”
The audience was comprised of students and their parents. In response to a question on how to make a college application stand out, “Aim high and be your best self-advocate,” suggested Ambreen Delawalla encouragingly.
Other topics of discussion included how to choose the right major, navigating the financial aid process and the journey of acquiring higher education. The event concluded with a 30-minute networking session with Dr. Peterson and the panelists.
Anoosha Tejani, a 10th grader, shared why programs like this are meaningful to her. “I recently moved from Kuwait and am looking forward to applying and attending a university in the US. I come from a background where I already have less information, so programs like these are very helpful, and teach me what I need to do to prepare.”
Senait Pirani, another high schooler in the audience, said, “I like coming to events like these because I learn a lot, and the networking opportunity gives me a chance to build connections.”
The program concluded with Salima Jaffer, President of the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States thanking the speakers, panelists, and attendees for sharing their time, knowledge, and experiences. The event was successful in providing a platform for knowledge-sharing on the significance of higher education, and how to navigate the process by learning from others.
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/usa/ivy-league-conn ... excellence
Global Encounters Expedition: Into the heart of India
In December 2019, Global Encounters (GE) Expedition brought together young Ismailis from 13 countries to the rural areas of Southern Saurashtra in Gujarat to engage with the local Jamat and study the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The impact of Expedition on its participants is well known, but the impact that Expedition has on the Jamat in Southern Saurashtra is equally profound.
“It felt like home!” exclaimed Ayaan, an Indian-born Congolese participant of the recently concluded Global Encounters Expedition in Southern Saurashtra, India. Like many other Ismailis of South Asian heritage, Ayaan traces his ancestry back to the agrarian communities of rural Gujarat.
Located in the Junagadh district, the villages of Malia Hatina and Chitravad are more than just pinpoints on a map. Historically, AKDN agencies have had a long-standing presence in the area. The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) water conservation, irrigation, and sanitation initiatives have been instrumental in community development. The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat has been working in these areas to improve the built environment and increase resilience to natural disasters. The Aga Khan School in Chitravad is the premier English-medium school in the district, and the Aga Khan Hostel in Malia Hatina has provided education and direction to children in the region for many years.
The Ismaili community has strong roots in this part of the world. Some of our parents and grandparents once called these remote but close-knit communities home, before eventually migrating to urban areas in India, Pakistan, and across the world. As such, for these young Ismailis, participation in GE Expedition was a unique opportunity to rediscover their family roots.
Established in 2012, the GE programme has drawn hundreds of Ismaili high school students from around the world to participate in an intensive four-week residential programme in India, Kenya, or Pakistan. In India, the GE summer programme focuses on a service-learning programme based at the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad and includes opportunities to see the Aga Khan Trust for Culture’s flagship projects in Delhi and Hyderabad.
GE Expedition was conceptualised to provide youth with exposure to AKDN’s vast portfolio of work in rural India. Set in the winter, the Expedition programme brings participants to Saurashtra and encourages them to build relationships with the local Jamat, volunteer in local communities, and learn about AKDN’s work in rural development. It aims to provide participants with a strong grounding in service, leadership, and culture, and build within them a social consciousness that might reflect in their lives and future career aspirations. The participants interact with the Jamati Institutions and AKDN’s national leadership as well as stakeholders at the grassroots level and are given exposure to best practice in local and regional development.
As part of the camp, participants have the opportunity to visit Kotda in rural Amreli, which is home to a number of programmes run by AKRSP. Other than participating in an extremely popular Rotla-making workshop, they study AKRSP’s work in environmental sustainability, including the use of biogas, rainwater harvesting, and garbage segregation. They also have the chance to interact with women from the local community to understand prevalent stigmas around menstrual hygiene and their impact on the lives of rural women.
But why Saurashtra, one might ask? Saurashtra certainly has a lot of heart. During their visit, students were welcomed with an outpouring of love and affection that was heart-warming.
“I have never felt so special!” said Muqqadas, a participant from Tajikistan, as she recalled their arrival into Chitravad. “The entire Jamat showed up to welcome us with a Mamera. They showered us with rice and rose petals, they were playing the dhol and everyone was dancing and taking pictures.”
The warm welcome kicked off a well-planned itinerary that was designed to give participants a feel of rural life. During Expedition, participants engaged in agricultural activities with local farmers. From riding tractors, ploughing fields, and sowing seeds to working hand pumps and carrying pots of water, they did everything that a farmer would do on a typical day.
Karmali Kanji Padaniya, a local farmer, highlighted the importance of such activities.
“The children now understand where their food really comes from. They can see the efforts that farmers take and yet, the minimal role that they play in negotiating produce prices. They will now really be able to appreciate the food they eat,” he said.
Indeed, while Expedition can be transformative for the participants, it also has a profound impact on the Jamat. The rural Jamat’s interaction with the wider international community is limited and their interaction with Ismaili youth from other countries would be non-existent, if not for programmes like GE.
The simple realisation that the young Jamat, from across the world, sees value in learning from the lives of these rural communities, the challenges they face, and the aspirations they have for their future can be a very empowering experience.
Mihir, a young resident of the Aga Khan Hostel in Malia Hatina, believes that the participants learned a great deal from their interaction with the hostel students. Perched on colourfully decorated bullock-carts, the GE participants celebrated a Kathiyawadi-style New Year’s Eve at the hostel in Malia Hatina. Dressed in local traditional attire, they played Raas and enjoyed traditional Kathiyawadi food.
“We spoke to them about our traditions, our lifestyles, and how close we are as a community,” said Mihir. “We taught them our language, our cooking techniques, kite-flying, clay-work and rangoli art!”
Local children like Mihir, who are fluent in English, act as translators when GE participants visit local families in their homes. These youth realise the importance of learning English and being able to communicate with other participants.
“Now, I know that I can interact with anyone in the world!” said Mihir.
In return, GE participants play a vital role in seeding aspirations for wider horizons for rural youth. Many GE participants are at the threshold of applying to universities and they provide local students with valuable perspectives on their future aspirations.
Simran, another resident of the hostel, said, “They told me about programmes I could apply to, including Global Encounters. I would like to attend such programmes too someday.”
While the popularity of the programme grows, the India team isn’t resting on its laurels.
“The international Global Encounters team has allowed us a lot of freedom to design Expedition with exposure to a lot of AKDN initiatives in Saurashtra,” said AKYSB Chairperson Zeenat Lakhani. “There is a large AKDN footprint in India that we would like to share with others in the future.”
Whatever shape Expedition takes in the future, the ties that bind it will remain unchanged.
“The way that the Jamat opened up their homes to us was incredible,” said Jahan, a Canadian participant. “They made us feel like we are a part of the community. We come from different countries, different backgrounds, different cultures, but the brotherhood in our hearts always keeps us connected.”
Similar sentiments echo in Malia Hatina and Chitravad. Chairperson Zeenat recalled a heart-felt experience she had during the farming activity. Instead of being apprehensive about the inexperienced participants wreaking havoc on their fields, farmers were lining up to volunteer their land. An old farmer, with tears in his eyes, approached her and said, “Thank you for bringing these kids here! My fields will now yield gold.”
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/india/global-encoun ... -173435533
In December 2019, Global Encounters (GE) Expedition brought together young Ismailis from 13 countries to the rural areas of Southern Saurashtra in Gujarat to engage with the local Jamat and study the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The impact of Expedition on its participants is well known, but the impact that Expedition has on the Jamat in Southern Saurashtra is equally profound.
“It felt like home!” exclaimed Ayaan, an Indian-born Congolese participant of the recently concluded Global Encounters Expedition in Southern Saurashtra, India. Like many other Ismailis of South Asian heritage, Ayaan traces his ancestry back to the agrarian communities of rural Gujarat.
Located in the Junagadh district, the villages of Malia Hatina and Chitravad are more than just pinpoints on a map. Historically, AKDN agencies have had a long-standing presence in the area. The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) water conservation, irrigation, and sanitation initiatives have been instrumental in community development. The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat has been working in these areas to improve the built environment and increase resilience to natural disasters. The Aga Khan School in Chitravad is the premier English-medium school in the district, and the Aga Khan Hostel in Malia Hatina has provided education and direction to children in the region for many years.
The Ismaili community has strong roots in this part of the world. Some of our parents and grandparents once called these remote but close-knit communities home, before eventually migrating to urban areas in India, Pakistan, and across the world. As such, for these young Ismailis, participation in GE Expedition was a unique opportunity to rediscover their family roots.
Established in 2012, the GE programme has drawn hundreds of Ismaili high school students from around the world to participate in an intensive four-week residential programme in India, Kenya, or Pakistan. In India, the GE summer programme focuses on a service-learning programme based at the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad and includes opportunities to see the Aga Khan Trust for Culture’s flagship projects in Delhi and Hyderabad.
GE Expedition was conceptualised to provide youth with exposure to AKDN’s vast portfolio of work in rural India. Set in the winter, the Expedition programme brings participants to Saurashtra and encourages them to build relationships with the local Jamat, volunteer in local communities, and learn about AKDN’s work in rural development. It aims to provide participants with a strong grounding in service, leadership, and culture, and build within them a social consciousness that might reflect in their lives and future career aspirations. The participants interact with the Jamati Institutions and AKDN’s national leadership as well as stakeholders at the grassroots level and are given exposure to best practice in local and regional development.
As part of the camp, participants have the opportunity to visit Kotda in rural Amreli, which is home to a number of programmes run by AKRSP. Other than participating in an extremely popular Rotla-making workshop, they study AKRSP’s work in environmental sustainability, including the use of biogas, rainwater harvesting, and garbage segregation. They also have the chance to interact with women from the local community to understand prevalent stigmas around menstrual hygiene and their impact on the lives of rural women.
But why Saurashtra, one might ask? Saurashtra certainly has a lot of heart. During their visit, students were welcomed with an outpouring of love and affection that was heart-warming.
“I have never felt so special!” said Muqqadas, a participant from Tajikistan, as she recalled their arrival into Chitravad. “The entire Jamat showed up to welcome us with a Mamera. They showered us with rice and rose petals, they were playing the dhol and everyone was dancing and taking pictures.”
The warm welcome kicked off a well-planned itinerary that was designed to give participants a feel of rural life. During Expedition, participants engaged in agricultural activities with local farmers. From riding tractors, ploughing fields, and sowing seeds to working hand pumps and carrying pots of water, they did everything that a farmer would do on a typical day.
Karmali Kanji Padaniya, a local farmer, highlighted the importance of such activities.
“The children now understand where their food really comes from. They can see the efforts that farmers take and yet, the minimal role that they play in negotiating produce prices. They will now really be able to appreciate the food they eat,” he said.
Indeed, while Expedition can be transformative for the participants, it also has a profound impact on the Jamat. The rural Jamat’s interaction with the wider international community is limited and their interaction with Ismaili youth from other countries would be non-existent, if not for programmes like GE.
The simple realisation that the young Jamat, from across the world, sees value in learning from the lives of these rural communities, the challenges they face, and the aspirations they have for their future can be a very empowering experience.
Mihir, a young resident of the Aga Khan Hostel in Malia Hatina, believes that the participants learned a great deal from their interaction with the hostel students. Perched on colourfully decorated bullock-carts, the GE participants celebrated a Kathiyawadi-style New Year’s Eve at the hostel in Malia Hatina. Dressed in local traditional attire, they played Raas and enjoyed traditional Kathiyawadi food.
“We spoke to them about our traditions, our lifestyles, and how close we are as a community,” said Mihir. “We taught them our language, our cooking techniques, kite-flying, clay-work and rangoli art!”
Local children like Mihir, who are fluent in English, act as translators when GE participants visit local families in their homes. These youth realise the importance of learning English and being able to communicate with other participants.
“Now, I know that I can interact with anyone in the world!” said Mihir.
In return, GE participants play a vital role in seeding aspirations for wider horizons for rural youth. Many GE participants are at the threshold of applying to universities and they provide local students with valuable perspectives on their future aspirations.
Simran, another resident of the hostel, said, “They told me about programmes I could apply to, including Global Encounters. I would like to attend such programmes too someday.”
While the popularity of the programme grows, the India team isn’t resting on its laurels.
“The international Global Encounters team has allowed us a lot of freedom to design Expedition with exposure to a lot of AKDN initiatives in Saurashtra,” said AKYSB Chairperson Zeenat Lakhani. “There is a large AKDN footprint in India that we would like to share with others in the future.”
Whatever shape Expedition takes in the future, the ties that bind it will remain unchanged.
“The way that the Jamat opened up their homes to us was incredible,” said Jahan, a Canadian participant. “They made us feel like we are a part of the community. We come from different countries, different backgrounds, different cultures, but the brotherhood in our hearts always keeps us connected.”
Similar sentiments echo in Malia Hatina and Chitravad. Chairperson Zeenat recalled a heart-felt experience she had during the farming activity. Instead of being apprehensive about the inexperienced participants wreaking havoc on their fields, farmers were lining up to volunteer their land. An old farmer, with tears in his eyes, approached her and said, “Thank you for bringing these kids here! My fields will now yield gold.”
Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/india/global-encoun ... -173435533
Ismaili youth lead the way in poverty alleviation
From organising skills enhancement camps to leading school fundraising teams, Ismaili youth from around the world have taken on leadership roles in the movement to alleviate poverty, through economic empowerment and other measures.
Goal One of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere.” With nearly half of the world’s population living in poverty, there is still work to do in developing and implementing sustainable solutions which target poverty’s root causes.
Imaara Keshwani (Canada)
Shanil Khowaja (Pakistan)
Haya Panjwani (USA)
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/youth-l ... -173435533
From organising skills enhancement camps to leading school fundraising teams, Ismaili youth from around the world have taken on leadership roles in the movement to alleviate poverty, through economic empowerment and other measures.
Goal One of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere.” With nearly half of the world’s population living in poverty, there is still work to do in developing and implementing sustainable solutions which target poverty’s root causes.
Imaara Keshwani (Canada)
Shanil Khowaja (Pakistan)
Haya Panjwani (USA)
Photos and more...
https://the.ismaili/our-stories/youth-l ... -173435533