Our Stories
See stories from the Ismaili Community around the world.
International Literacy Day: New library in Gulshan-e-Noor celebrates joy of reading
8 September 2018
The very first revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) was a command to read. Thus, from the very beginning, learning and education has held a special place in Islam. For all communities and societies today, learning and education rests on literacy, or, the ability to read and write. The recently-established Gulshan-e-Noor Library and Reading Room in Pakistan aims to enhance the literacy of its visitors by providing them with access to knowledge, a space to hold educational programming, and a team of well-trained staff to facilitate learning.
Teachers from California State University, Northridge, visit Aga Khan Academy Mombasa
11 June 2018
"The Academies have a dual mission: to provide an outstanding education to exceptional students from diverse backgrounds, and to provide world-class training for a growing corps of inspiring teachers." Mawlana Hazar Imam, Peterson Lecture, Meeting of the International Baccalaureate, Atlanta, 18 April, 2008.
Canadian Jamat celebrates major milestones with over one million hours of service
11 May 2018
While commemorating Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee, the Canadian Jamat also celebrated Canada’s 150th anniversary. To honour these milestones, the Jamat participated in Ismaili CIVIC 150, an initiative that pledged one million hours of service to improving quality of life for communities across Canada.
Being the change: A lens on the beauty of northern Pakistan
23 April 2018
Often referred to as the roof of the world, the remote regions of Gilgit-Baltistan feature some of the world’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty. Lush green valleys surrounded by snow-capped mountains provide a home to 1.8 million people in the northernmost areas of Pakistan.
The glow of Tolerance continues to light Houston
23 March 2018
Buffalo Bayou Park in downtown Houston is home to seven glowing 10-foot sculptures, dedicated to tolerance. The sculptures, themselves named Tolerance, are open-weave, metal structures that depict kneeling human forms, with characters and symbols from nine different languages, created by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. The sculptures represent the seven continents.
Seeking knowledge at all ages
20 March 2018
Through a Skills Development Initiative, the Ismaili Council for the USA provides a support system for members of the Jamat seeking income enhancement and financial sustainability in an increasingly competitive economy.
Sharing knowledge to improve quality of life
19 March 2018
"I have always thought that the Jamat in this country would play a special role in the future of the Jamat world-wide, because this country is the leader in the knowledge society. I think that, there probably isn’t an area of human endeavor in which we do not have today, a murid who is exceptional in his own or her own field."
Mawlana Hazar Imam, Institutional Dinner, Atlanta, March 18, 2008
Educating women, developing society
7 February 2018
Over a century ago, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah had an unprecedented vision for the region of South Asia: to provide exceptional, educational opportunities to students, particularly girls, to help spur development.
Generations programme expansion brings families closer together
8 November 2017
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of the Generations: Multi-Generational Housing and Community Centre campus on 3 November 2017.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledges million-hour pledge from Canadian Jamat
19 September 2017
In 2017, the Canadian Jamat is celebrating both the Diamond Jubilee as well as the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation. In honour of these special occasions, the Jamat has pledged one million hours of service to improving quality of life in Canada as part of the Ismaili CIVIC 150 initiative.
Helping Hands reach out to assist in Texas
3 September 2017
Hurricane Harvey has been referred to as a "1,000-year flood," with its 50 inches of rainfall exceeding all records for the continental USA. It is estimated that damage from the storm will surpass that of hurricanes Sandy (New Jersey 2012) and Katrina (Louisiana 2005) combined. Volunteers have worked to reach Jamati members and others affected by the flooding, and to provide assistance with the recovery process.
Pakistan boosts golf, ice skating and ice hockey
31 March 2017
A little over a year ago, the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Pakistan launched a sports training programme, which proved to be popular and successful ahead of the 2016 Jubilee Games. This winter, the Youth and Sports Board expanded the programme to include golf, ice skating and ice hockey.
