Thank you for your interest in Global Encounters! You may have lots of questions about our Institution. We encourage you to learn more by exploring our website or by reading through these FAQs, which are updated regularly. If you don’t find your answer here, feel free to contact us at [email protected]
1. Purpose and Vision
1.1 What is Global Encounters?
1.2 Why was Global Encounters established as a new and separate institution? What is its purpose?
1.3 How will the purpose of Global Encounters be achieved? What are the goals of Global Encounters?
1.4 What will happen to the Global Encounters Youth Camps, Internship and Leadership Programmes?
2.1 How is the NEW Global Encounters institution structured?
2.2 When was Global Encounters established as a NEW institution?
2.3 Is Global Encounters under AKDN?
2.4 Is Global Encounters a Jamati institution?
2.5 How does Global Encounters get funded or who pays for Global Encounters?
2.6 Where is Global Encounters’ headquarters based?
2.7 How is Global Encounters governed?
3. Programmes
3.1 ‘Global Encounters’ is the name for the youth camps; will it change?
3.2 Which programs or activities are included under the NEW Global Encounters institution?
3.3 Who can participate in Global Encounters programmes?
3.4 When and where are Global Encounters, events planned?
3.5 Where can I see the Global Encounters programming schedule?
3.6 Which programmes are currently being offered?
4. Participation
4.1 How do I register for the programmes under Global Encounters?
4.2 How do I volunteer for Global Encounters programmes?
4.3 How do I register for the Global Encounters Youth Camps?
4.4 How much does it cost to participate in the Global Encounters Youth Camps?
4.5 Can my family members of different faiths participate in Global Encounters programmes?
4.6 What if I wish to participate in a programme but cannot afford the travel and registration fees. Is there any financial aid?
5. Contact Global Encounters Institution
5.1 How do I contact the Global Encounters Central Office?
1. Purpose and Vision
1.1 What is Global Encounters?
Mawlana Hazar Imam has established Global Encounters as a new global institution to bring together under one banner the existing international flagship programmes in sports, arts, talent development, cultural heritage, and youth development. This includes programmes such as the Jubilee Games, Jubilee Arts, Heritage Journeys and the Global Encounters Youth Camps as well as new initiatives like the Talent Institute, Internships, and digital programmes.
1.2 Why was Global Encounters established as a new and separate institution? What is its purpose?
The purpose of Global Encounters is to elevate the Jamat’s sense of unity through transformational experiences that leverage and advance Ismailis’ shared identity, global presence, and individual talent and spirit, uplifting the communities in which we live.
1.3 How will the purpose of Global Encounters be achieved? What are the goals of Global Encounters?
This purpose of Global Encounters will be achieved by focusing on four clear goals in the areas of Unity, Identity, Talent, and Institutional Excellence, delivered across the three main domains: youth leadership & development; arts, culture & heritage; and sports & fitness
1.4 What will happen to the Global Encounters Youth Camps, Internship and Leadership Programmes?
The youth camps, internship and leadership programmes will continue as before, but now under the new Global Encounters institution.
2. The NEW Institution
2.1 How is the NEW Global Encounters institution structured?
The new Global Encounters institution is based in Portugal with a virtual central office. The central office is led by an Executive Officer. The central office comprises Administration, HR, Finance, Operations, IT, Fundraising and Marketing and Communications functions as well as the programmatic team leads for youth development, sports, arts, talent development and cultural heritage initiatives. Staff and volunteers representing countries from across the world serve on the various teams. Global Encounters reports to the International Advisory Committee appointed by Mawlana Hazar Imam responsible for oversight.
2.2 When was Global Encounters established as a NEW institution?
Mawlana Hazar Imam established Global Encounters in 2017 during the Diamond Jubilee.
2.3 Is Global Encounters under AKDN?
The new Global Encounters institution does not fall under AKDN. It is a stand-alone institution.
2.4 Is Global Encounters a Jamati institution?
Global Encounters is an independent institution whose programmes primarily serve the global Jamat and have an impact on the wider communities in which we live.
2.5 How does Global Encounters get funded or who pays for Global Encounters?
Global Encounters and the programmes under it are funded through participants, donations, sponsorships and Imamat contributions.
2.6 Where is Global Encounters’ headquarters based?
Global Encounters is headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal.
2.7 How is Global Encounters governed?
Mawlana Hazar Imam has appointed an International Advisory Committee headed by the LIF Chairman which is responsible for advancing the overall purpose. The International Advisory Committee is composed of individuals from various countries across the world with experience in Global Encounters’ areas of work.
3. Programmes
3.1 ‘Global Encounters’ is the name for the youth camps; will it change?
Global Encounters Camps will continue to be known as Global Encounters Camps, but the programme is now under the new Global Encounters institution.
3.2 Which programs or activities are included under the NEW Global Encounters institution?
The new Global Encounters Institution includes initiatives, events and activities in youth development, sports, arts, talent development and cultural heritage. Some of the programmes you will recognise are the Global Encounters Camps, Global Encounters Internships, Jubilee Games, Jubilee Arts, Heritage Journeys, and there are several other new and exciting opportunities being planned.
3.3 Who can participate in Global Encounters programmes?
Global Encounters programmes are open primarily to Ismailis and their family members of different faiths from around the world.
3.4 When and where are Global Encounters, events planned?
Global Encounters events are planned to take place in different countries around the world. More details on upcoming events will be available on The.Ismaili/Global Encounters website.
3.5 Where can I see the Global Encounters programming schedule?
The Global Encounters programme schedule will be published on The.Ismaili/Global Encounters web page and you can stay informed through your local council.
3.6 Which programmes are currently being offered?
The Global Encounters Youth Camps will take place in:
- India: 24 June 2023 - 19 July 2023
- Kenya: 14 July 2023 - 8 August 2023
- Global Encounters Expedition in December in East Africa and South Asia: 18 December 2023 - 4 January 2024
Applications for the 2023 cycle of Global Encounters Camps are closed. Applications for 2024 Global Encounters Camps will open in Q4 of 2023. If you have questions about the Global Encounters Camps, you can email [email protected].
The Global Encounters Internship Programme is for Global Encounters Alumni and youth aged 20-30 and involves a 6-8 week extendible internship with a host organisation. Applications for the 2023 season are closed. Applications for the 2024 season will open in Q4 of 2023.
Other programmes focussed in the areas of sports, arts, talent development and cultural heritage are being planned and will be announced to the Global Jamat in the coming months.
4. Participation
4.1 How do I register for the programmes under Global Encounters?
Depending on the programme, you may register through your local council or on the Global Encounters web page: The.Ismaili/GlobalEncounters.
4.2 How do I volunteer for Global Encounters programmes?
4.3. How do I register for the Global Encounters Youth Camps?
Application for the 2023 Global Encounters Camps are closed. Applications for the 2024 Global Encounters Camps will open in Q4 2023. For more information you can visit The.Ismaili/GlobalEncounters web page.
4.4. How much does it cost to participate in the Global Encounters Youth Camps?
The Global Encounters Camps cost USD 4,075 for Summer camps and USD 2,975 for the Expedition camps. The fee covers accommodation, insurance, in-country ground and air transport, meals, field visits, qualified staff, excursions. Financial Aid is available for those who need it.
4.5 Can my family members of different faiths participate in Global Encounters programmes?
Most Global Encounters programmes are open to the Jamat and their spouses and children of other faiths. Please check the specific programme details on the The.Ismaili/Global Encounters web page.
4.6 What if I wish to participate in a programme but cannot afford the travel and registration fees. Is there any financial aid?
Yes; financial aid is available on a needs-basis for eligible candidates for all programmes. Each Council has a process for assessing the need. Please contact your local council member responsible for the event in your region.
5. Contact Global Encounters Institution
5.1 How do I contact the Global Encounters Central Office?
Please email [email protected]
