Community News

Rediscovering heritage in Pakistan
Rediscovering heritage in Pakistan
9 January 2020

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.

All Work, No Words - Official IVC Song

Video: All work, no words - Official IVC100 song
4 December 2019

On the occasion of World Volunteer Day, 5 December 2019, The Ismaili is pleased to release the official song and music video to celebrate the centenary of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps (IVC), featuring participation from 41 countries across the world.

Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah in his IVC Colonel uniform surrounded by members of the IVC in India.
Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah in his IVC Colonel uniform surrounded by members of the IVC in India.
We make a difference: Ismaili Volunteer Corps celebrates 100 years of service
We make a difference: Ismaili Volunteer Corps celebrates 100 years of service
3 December 2019

In 2019, Jamats around the world have been celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps (IVC). Throughout its history, the IVC has aimed to serve the needs of the Jamat. Within the ethic of improving the quality of life of all humanity, the IVC also serves the broader communities of which the Jamat is a part. This service to society is seen as a civic responsibility and has always been an important part of IVC’s work.

On the occasion to commemorate 20 years of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon, the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, joined the Ismaili volunteers and leaders of the Jamat for a group photo.
On the occasion to commemorate 20 years of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon, the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, joined the Ismaili volunteers and leaders of the Jamat for a group photo.
Serving with a smile in Portugal
Serving with a smile in Portugal
28 November 2019

Ever since Ismailis began to settle in Portugal in the 1970s, members of the Jamat have contributed their time and talents on a voluntary basis towards the development of the community and wider society. Here, we share the stories and experiences of Portuguese volunteers across generations, united by a lifetime of service.

Top (left to right): Ali Alhaj, Ari Surani, Anisa Zulfova. Bottom: Arisha Wadani (front right) with her Guides group in Pakistan.
Top (left to right): Ali Alhaj, Ari Surani, Anisa Zulfova. Bottom: Arisha Wadani (front right) with her Guides group in Pakistan.
Young volunteers offering service around the world
Young volunteers offering service around the world
28 November 2019

For much of the history of the Ismaili Volunteers Corps, young volunteers, scouts, and guides have played an important role in supporting the needs of the Jamat in various parts of the world. 

Anam Sherali (center) with other volunteers in Houston. The Ismaili Volunteer Corps in the USA have supported the development of the Jamat for over 40 years.
Anam Sherali (center) with other volunteers in Houston. The Ismaili Volunteer Corps in the USA have supported the development of the Jamat for over 40 years.
Volunteers in the USA continue a tradition of service
Volunteers in the USA continue a tradition of service
27 November 2019

In celebration of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps (IVC) 100th anniversary celebration this year, the USA Jamat reflects on the significance and history of the organization. Thousands of volunteers across the country have served as part of the USA IVC. Here, we highlight a number of individuals - with different paths to their journeys, these volunteers tell a tale of happiness and humility.

Jamat of British Columbia awarded for contributions to world-class healthcare
Jamat of British Columbia awarded for contributions to world-class healthcare
29 October 2019

The VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation recognised the Ismaili community of British Columbia for its support of mental health initiatives and its contribution to the broader provincial community with the 2019 Leadership Award at the Telus Night of a Thousand Stars Gala in Vancouver on 26 October.

Group of counselors in Atlanta with participants during arrival playing Magic Box Activities.
Group of counselors in Atlanta with participants during arrival playing Magic Box Activities.
Camp Mosaic: Building character among the leaders of tomorrow
Camp Mosaic: Building character among the leaders of tomorrow
29 October 2019

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.

So as to help 8th and 9th grade students to make informed decisions about career choices, AKEB organised an event entitled Vocational Guidance.
So as to help 8th and 9th grade students to make informed decisions about career choices, AKEB organised an event entitled Vocational Guidance.
Sharing knowledge across the generations in Portugal
Sharing knowledge across the generations in Portugal
28 October 2019

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.”

ECDC began with a simple concept - working with parents to support their young childrens’ educational and socio-emotional development. The model transitioned from offering parent-only sessions to joint parent and children activities.
ECDC began with a simple concept - working with parents to support their young childrens’ educational and socio-emotional development. The model transitioned from offering parent-only sessions to joint parent and children activities.
ECD Centres secure long-term future for Jamat of Tanzania
ECD Centres secure long-term future for Jamat of Tanzania
24 October 2019

In 2005 the Jamat in Tanzania embarked on an Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiative at Darkhana Jamatkhana in Dar es Salaam. Over time, as interest in community based early learning gained momentum, the Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) has gradually expanded. Today, ECDC activities take place in Zanzibar, Iringa, Mwanza, Arusha, Mbeya, Morogoro, Dodoma, and Zambia.

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.
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.
Ismaili Youth engage with the Knowledge Society
Ismaili Youth engage with the Knowledge Society
24 October 2019

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.

Mental health conditions often go undetected and unreported, as people can be reluctant to seek assistance.
Mental health conditions often go undetected and unreported, as people can be reluctant to seek assistance.
World Mental Health Day: Recognising the importance of sound mind
World Mental Health Day: Recognising the importance of sound mind
9 October 2019

Mental health is similar to physical health — everybody has it and should take care of it. When we reflect about our health in general, it is important to include the health of our minds as well as the health of our bodies in our thinking, plans, and conversations. On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, 10 October, we reflect on the importance of sound mind and a dignified quality of life.

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