Volunteers In Action
Exemplary service of TKN volunteers on IIS Academic Support Program
23 September 2022
The Academic Skills Support Team in the Department of Graduate Studies at the Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) is tasked with raising the number of high-quality applicants for the Institute’s graduate programmes from priority countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Syria and Tajikistan. In particular, we focus on finding excellent candidates to apply for the Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP). This in itself has not been difficult; year after year, we find people with fantastic teaching potential, motivation and commitment to the Jamat. However, getting their academic skills up to a level where they could undertake the rigours of a dual programme including a Master’s and PGDip is more of a challenge. We work with local providers who teach academic skills in each country, but another important ingredient to achieving our goal has been the use of TKN teachers to shore up local and UK programmes with remotely-based, small-group, targeted online teaching.
TKN Management Consultant Shireen Hirani engaged in Capacity Building at the University of Central Asia (UCA)
10 August 2022
“When moving to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in November 2020 from the United States, I was clueless what I would be doing in a city I had not known before – geographically, culturally, linguistically or any other way…” reminisces Shireen about her move to not only a new city but a new continent, 20 months ago. “However, I had one observation over the past 13 years: although many of my family members (including myself and my husband) and friends had pledged TKN during Golden Jubilee and then again in Diamond Jubilee, several were still anticipating being matched to an assignment. That is what created a spark to create projects and implement ideas through which I could engage international TKN volunteers across to match various needs and assignments at UCA” Shireen remarks.
Pivotal international partnership to enhance cancer care and mental well-being
18 July 2022
In July 2021, Roxana Sultan, an experienced health sector executive, had the opportunity to serve on a remote TKN assignment to support AKU’s Cancer Center and Brain and Mind Institute. The six-month assignment culminated in the establishment of a new partnership to enhance cancer care and mental well-being.
Three Canadian TKN health care professionals make key impact at AKHS Pakistan facilities
9 June 2022
Dilshad Ladhani, Dr Nasir Jaffer and Dr Alim Punja generously contributed their time and expertise recently at the Aga Khan Health Service,Pakistan’s (AKHS,P) health facilities in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Chitral. These dedicated TKN volunteers came at a time when AKHS,P is significantly expanding its footprint in GB and Chitral. New wings recently opened at the medical centres in Gilgit and Booni that include additional specialties and facilities. Diagnostic centers have started services in both regions and construction of a purpose built, modern facility to house the Aga Khan Health Centre,Aliabad, is in process. These are indeed exciting times for AKHS,P.
ELC programme reaches new heights
24 May 2022
Access to consistent and good quality English language learning in Central Asia and the Middle East is variable and, particularly in remote districts, finding qualified English language training is a major challenge. In response, the Jamati institutions launched the English Language Connections (ELC) programme, which is growing fast.
Amplifying the vision of the Aga Khan Academies
28 April 2022
In 2014, the Aga Khan Academies (AKA) needed a writer and editor to help communicate the broad vision of their work and impact in Africa and Asia. They turned to TKN volunteer Perviz Walji. Eight years later, Perviz’s dedicated and enthusiastic service is still helping to amplify the work of AKA.
What A Journey It Was
27 April 2022
Twelve Consultants, Four Continents, A University that serves four Central Asian Countries, and One Mission. In April 2021, recruitment began for a TKN assignment for the University of Central Asia. Twelve Finance Consultants were onboarded to embark on a memorable journey they will never forget. It was a unique initiative whereby within the University’s Finance Department, twelve highly successful professionals from around the world were recruited to serve remotely and fulfill their TKN Niyyah.
Bringing dental health services to Chitral
2 February 2022
Access to quality healthcare remains a major concern in the remote villages of Chitral, where people drive hours to access primary health care services. TKN volunteer Dr Ali Hussain Khan, founder and CEO of Noor Dental Clinic, took on the daunting task of providing for the region’s oral health care needs.
PCR testing and vaccinations come to Gilgit
20 December 2021
Acting swiftly in reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) in Pakistan set up six response centres in the north of the country. For the people in the region, the new medical facilities have played a vital role in keeping them safe and healthy.
Across Borders: Nurse leaders from five countries virtually mentor AKU students
27 October 2021
The Aga Khan University’s School of Nursing enjoys the privilege of being the first nursing school in Pakistan to be affiliated with a University. The School has grown tremendously over the past four decades, and after the launch of its midwifery programme in 2013, it was renamed the School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM).
Dedicated volunteers play vital role in Covid-19 vaccination drive
14 September 2021
As some parts of the world begin to regain a semblance of normality after the Covid-19 outbreak, low and middle-income countries continue to battle against inadequate vaccine supply and vaccine hesitancy. In Pakistan, mass vaccination drives were organised by the Ismaili Council to increase immunity against Covid-19. The inoculation drives were led by a dedicated TKN taskforce comprised of health professionals, data scientists, designers, and volunteer stewards.
Agriculture Expert’s outstanding volunteer service
11 August 2021
Dedicated and committed volunteer Amir Kassam has served AKDN and Jamati institutions for over 40 years. During the late 1970s, Amir assisted the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) UK National Committee in its project evaluation work. More recently, he has focused on sharing his extensive knowledge of agricultural development with AKF Geneva and AKF field units in Mozambique, Syria, India, Tanzania, Madagascar and Tajikistan, and with AKDN rural support programmes in Africa and Asia.
