Our Stories

See stories from the Ismaili Community around the world.

Vancouver couple plays key role in helping to establish palliative care at Aga Khan University
Vancouver couple plays key role in helping to establish palliative care at Aga Khan University
14 January 2020

Over the last two and a half years, a husband and wife team from Vancouver, Canada, have helped to establish the palliative programme at the Aga Khan University (AKU) Hospital in Karachi. Through onsite visits, numerous remote conferences, and ongoing correspondence with the local team, the couple were able to set up a sustainable, long-term programme, the first of its kind in Pakistan.

Sana and Sumaira Lokhandwala with students of Muhammad Ali Girls Academy after delivering an Education Session.
Sana and Sumaira Lokhandwala with students of Muhammad Ali Girls Academy after delivering an Education Session.
Changing the cycle
Changing the cycle
23 December 2019

Period poverty is a global issue. It is estimated that one in five girls in America have left school early or missed school because of their period. In India, approximately 70% of all reproductive diseases are caused by poor menstrual hygiene. Three young Ismailis are working to increase awareness, change perceptions, and increase access to menstrual hygiene products.

The United Nations is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, achieving international cooperation, and being a centre for harmonising the actions of nations.
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, achieving international cooperation, and being a centre for harmonising the actions of nations.
Inspirational Ismaili women at the United Nations
Inspirational Ismaili women at the United Nations
22 December 2019

The Ismaili had the opportunity to speak with four Ismaili women working at the United Nations (UN) to learn about their careers, their work, and the role of the UN over its 74 year history. 

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.

Current social media practices are creating a generation dissatisfied with their own lifestyle while battling a ‘Fear of Missing Out.’
Current social media practices are creating a generation dissatisfied with their own lifestyle while battling a ‘Fear of Missing Out.’
If it isn’t on Instagram, did it happen?
If it isn’t on Instagram, did it happen?
7 August 2019

In October 2015, Essena O’Neill, a popular Instagram Influencer, deleted 2000 pictures from her profile in what appeared to be a crisis of conscience. Having counted over half a million followers, and living many young peoples’ dream life, she eventually came to realise that the so-called ‘real world’ was a better place to spend her time.

The Melbourne Pipe Band performs at the annual Australia Day breakfast hosted by the Melbourne Lions Club and the White Horse Council.
The Melbourne Pipe Band performs at the annual Australia Day breakfast hosted by the Melbourne Lions Club and the White Horse Council.
Melbourne Pipe Band brings community together
Melbourne Pipe Band brings community together
23 May 2019

Music plays a vital role in culture and society alike, not only for expressing ourselves but also for promoting and uplifting physical and mental wellbeing. Music allows people from all different backgrounds to come together to appreciate and engage with their traditions, while also forming connections with one another.

Young volunteers from Kampala work together to repaint the Kyanja Muslim Nursery School.
Young volunteers from Kampala work together to repaint the Kyanja Muslim Nursery School.
Painting a better tomorrow
Painting a better tomorrow
20 May 2019

In Uganda, volunteer communities have come together in numerous ways to create positive change — a cornerstone of civil society. In a small township in the northern part of Kampala, more than 50 volunteers between the ages of 11 and 15 put their hands to work repainting the Kyanja Muslim Nursery School in late April. 

Seniors in Atlanta’s Matki Band performing at the Diamond Jubilee Opening Ceremonies on July 11, 2017.
Seniors in Atlanta’s Matki Band performing at the Diamond Jubilee Opening Ceremonies on July 11, 2017.
US seniors show their passion for recreational music
US seniors show their passion for recreational music
14 May 2019

Recreation plays a key role in the physical and mental wellbeing of everyone, young and old. For seniors especially, involvement in recreation has a number of benefits in enhancing cognitive and motor skills, and provides an opportunity for socializing and developing new talents. For a group of seniors in the USA, a passion for music has shown that age is no limit to composing and performing for themselves and others.

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