Volunteers In Action
Improving access to education through technology and TKN
26 August 2019
Being part of the knowledge society and sharing knowledge in multiple ways is an ethic and tradition that Ismailis have inherited from history. It is a responsibility that contributes to a better quality of life for ourselves and others, and ensures a better future for generations to come. Following in this tradition, The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) has partnered with TKN volunteers to help prepare students for graduate-level studies.
TKN Mentors build global bridges of knowledge
18 June 2019
Since 2016, dozens of volunteers have collaborated with the Aga Khan Education Board in India on the design and delivery of its flagship mentoring programme, Reach for the Stars (RFS). Launched in collaboration with the Ismaili Council for India, RFS was designed as a long-term programme for high-potential students between the ages of 18 to 25 years.
Serving on TKN Assignments in some of the world’s most difficult regions
27 May 2019
It had long been Nashir Karmali’s desire to offer voluntary service in a developing country. In 2007, he received a call that changed his career and life: He was asked to serve on a TKN assignment with Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) to conduct a strategic review of their operations in Afghanistan, aimed at expanding its mandate from refugee repatriation to include emergency management, disaster preparedness, and response.
UK architect shares her vision for design of new Aswan Community Education Centre
25 April 2019
Yasmin Shariff, a highly accomplished architect, visited Aswan in March this year for a TKN assignment. Aswan, the ancient city of Swenett on the banks of the Nile and frontier town on the southernmost border of Ancient Egypt, is the focus for the work of the Om Habibeh Foundation (OHF) in Egypt.
It takes a village: Volunteers from around the world contribute to the transformation of the Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam
24 April 2019
Basketball clinics in India and Pakistan foster international fellowship
29 March 2019
In response to Mawlana Hazar Imam’s vision to bring together jamats from around the world, several American Ismaili athletes recently traveled to India and Pakistan to demonstrate fellowship through sports.
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.
TKN volunteer helps to build AKU’s dental hygiene programme and clinic
21 February 2019
When Salima Alibhai served on her first Aga Khan University (AKU) TKN assignment in 2015, she could not have anticipated that it would change the course of her future.
Aga Khan Foundation’s TKN volunteer pools making global impact
24 January 2019
How can someone on one side of the world affect an initiative on the other side? Or contribute to making an improvement to a large-scale process? Or share the knowledge they have acquired through years of education and experience? The stories of TKN volunteers Ali Thanawalla, Adam Jutha, and Huma Pabani are all examples of short-term, remote assignments with the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), which have made a significant impact on the agency's work.
Breast surgery experts undertake assessment at AKU Pakistan
4 December 2018
Dr Anees Chagpar and Dr Farin Amersi served on a TKN assignment with the Aga Khan University (AKU) in Karachi for three weeks in September and October this year, in their first visit to Pakistan, to assess the breast cancer programme at AKU.
Playing a key role in the establishment of the UCA Library
6 November 2018
Karim Marani’s TKN journey with the University of Central Asia (UCA) began in March 2013 when he received a call to determine his interest in contributing to the design of the university’s academic library. This was in preparation for UCA’s inaugural undergraduate programs across three campuses in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. Karim has an undergraduate degree in Library and Information Science from East Africa and a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from the USA. He is currently Director of the Learning Resource Center, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
Denmark TKN volunteer undertakes assessment of AKAH Afghanistan IT infrastructure
24 September 2018
Denmark-based Information Technology (IT) professional, Shaukat Khan, heads global IT infrastructure for Novo Nordisk, a multinational pharmaceutical company. He has extensive experience in leading infrastructure and development teams. Prior to Novo Nordisk, he worked with UNICEF’s HQ IT Centre in Copenhagen.
