Stories

Since Mawlana Hazar Imam's Golden Jubilee, Ismaili institutions around the world have prioritised Poverty Elimination as one of the long-term objectives of the global Jamat. Through identifying and addressing the root causes of poverty, dedicated volunteers are engaging in a holistic initiative that supports vulnerable families to achieve continued economic and social stability, and self-reliance.

Pakistan ranks among the top ten countries affected by climate-induced disasters in the last two decades.
Pakistan ranks among the top ten countries affected by climate-induced disasters in the last two decades.
Improving quality of life in remote communities
Improving quality of life in remote communities
27 September 2021

In Pakistan, the Ismaili community is scattered all over the country, with a substantial number residing in the mountainous valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. These valleys are known for their beauty and splendour, but also bear many socio-economic and environmental issues. Jamati and AKDN institutions continue to provide access to basic services in the region.

SEDP 02 - Sharifullah

Transforming Lives: Sharifullah – Saving for Generations to Come
Transforming Lives: Sharifullah – Saving for Generations to Come
12 January 2021

Sharifullah, a resident of Immit, in Ishkoman Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan believes prosperity lies in saving for future generations. While working as a farmer, Sharifullah barely earned enough to feed his family. “Even if I can save 10 or 20 rupees a day, I will save it. I want my children and their children to have a bright future,” says Sharifullah.

Critical Conversations: Social Justice in Islam - Exploring Global Poverty
4 January 2021

ITREB USA presents Critical Conversations, a virtual forum featuring faith-based perspectives on the questions of our time. “Social Justice in Islam: Exploring Global Poverty” features Dr. Fariyal Ross-Sheriff, Fatima Kassam, and Dr. Mehmoona Moosa-Mitha and is moderated by Chair of AKF-USA Sherina Ebrahim.

Transforming Lives - Pursuing dreams on the roof of the world
Transforming Lives - Pursuing dreams on the roof of the world
25 November 2020

After graduation, 13-year-old Sadaqat Shah aspires to become a writer. Although he suffers from an impairment since childhood and the distance from his village to the school is 2km, he does not allow his frailty, or the stretch of road, to hinder the path of achieving his dream.

Reshit, situated in the Hunza District of Gilgit-Baltistan, is the oldest village of Chipurson, and known as the central village of Chipursan Valley.
Reshit, situated in the Hunza District of Gilgit-Baltistan, is the oldest village of Chipurson, and known as the central village of Chipursan Valley.
Offering opportunities and transforming lives
Offering opportunities and transforming lives
25 November 2020

The Ismaili Council for Pakistan's Socio-Economic Development Programme supports access to quality education, so that children like Sadaqat can achieve their dreams and empower their families.

FMFB-P has provided micro loans in the mountainous valley of Chitral called Kalash where this women is making a traditional Kalashi dress in her small shop. Taking a micro loan allows women like this one to send her children to school.
FMFB-P has provided micro loans in the mountainous valley of Chitral called Kalash where this women is making a traditional Kalashi dress in her small shop. Taking a micro loan allows women like this one to send her children to school.
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: Acting Together to Achieve Social and Environmental Justice for All
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: Acting Together to Achieve Social and Environmental Justice for All
15 October 2020

At the Global Philanthropy Forum in Washington DC in April 2009, Mawlana Hazar Imam spoke of the importance of addressing the issue of poverty. “One of the great principles of Islam, in all its interpretations,” he said, “is the elimination of poverty in society, and philanthropy’s centrality in this duty.”

The AKDN strives to bring people out of poverty and enable them to participate in the social and economic mainstream. Instead of simply giving people money or food, which are most certainly needed, the AKDN instead teaches people how to save their own money and provide food for their families themselves. This approach to poverty alleviation gives hope because it retains people’s own dignity and makes them self-reliant.
The AKDN strives to bring people out of poverty and enable them to participate in the social and economic mainstream. Instead of simply giving people money or food, which are most certainly needed, the AKDN instead teaches people how to save their own money and provide food for their families themselves. This approach to poverty alleviation gives hope because it retains people’s own dignity and makes them self-reliant.
Inspirations from the Qur’an | Day 3: Adl (Justice)
Inspirations from the Qur’an | Day 3: Adl (Justice)
6 April 2020

Poverty is often not an issue of individual failing, but one of social justice.

Ismaili youth lead the way in poverty alleviation
Ismaili youth lead the way in poverty alleviation
24 February 2020

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. 

Transforming Life - Story of Sirajuddin, Dubargar Upper Chitral

Publish date: 
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Transforming Lives - Story of Sirajuddin
Transforming Lives - Story of Sirajuddin
11 February 2020

Sirajuddin, a resident of Dubargar, Upper Chitral used to travel to Islamabad in search of work, leaving behind his home for a better future. Despite all his efforts, he could not earn a sustainable wage.  Determined to improve his financial condition, Sirajuddin signed up to receive carpentry training under the Socio-Economic Development Programme (SEDP). He now works independently in his village and supports his family.

Interview with Mawlana Hazar Imam by La Cohorte
5 March 2019

Mawlana Hazar Imam was recently interviewed by Henri Weill, Editor-in-Chief of the French magazine La Cohorte on the occasion of his receiving the Grand-Croix of the Légion d’honneur in September last year. The interview touches on key points including the role of the Imam, the importance of civil society and the necessity of creating strong institutions that can contribute to positive growth. We are pleased to make this interview available in both French and English with the kind permission of La Cohorte.

(Interview on 29 January 2019)

During the Diamond Jubilee year, Khudododova Tursunmo established 60 Community Based Savings Groups for Ismaili women who had dreams of uplifting the quality of life for their families.
During the Diamond Jubilee year, Khudododova Tursunmo established 60 Community Based Savings Groups for Ismaili women who had dreams of uplifting the quality of life for their families.
A gift like no other
A gift like no other
26 February 2019

Seated in a Pamiri home in Khorog, Tajikistan, 73-year-old Khudododova Tursunmo listened intently to a presentation on Nazrana. She learned that Ismailis worldwide would have the opportunity to pledge a Diamond Jubilee gift of time and knowledge to Mawlana Hazar Imam. A retiree and grandmother of five, Khudododova wondered what gift she could give the Imam to show her love.

In the northern province of Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, supporting communities to build inclusive, participatory, transparent and accountable village-level institutions is a cornerstone of AKDN's approach to development.
In the northern province of Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, supporting communities to build inclusive, participatory, transparent and accountable village-level institutions is a cornerstone of AKDN's approach to development.
Education Theme 4 - Part 3: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: The AKDN
Education Theme 4 - Part 3: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: The AKDN
20 February 2018
Did you know that one of the Diamond Jubilee goals is poverty alleviation?
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