2020 A YEAR OF EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE TABLE OF CONTENTS EDITORIAL 4 AFGHANISTAN 8 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND elcome to The Ismaili Magazine 2020: A Year of Extraordinary Service. This digital 16 BANGLADESH magazine provides a whistle-stop tour acrossW continents, highlighting the various programmes, 18 CANADA initiatives, and events organised by AKDN and Jamati institutions around the world over the past 12 months. 20 FAR EAST The year 2020 has been a difficult one for many people, in many ways. Our history tells us that the Ismaili engage with one another via The Ismaili’s digital offerings, 24 FRANCE community has overcome numerous challenges over the and even celebrate our major festivals collectively as One course of time. This year’s global crisis, while grim and Jamat, together at home. 28 INDIA gloomy at times, presented an opportunity for us to come The Ismaili CIVIC initiative also came into its own together and face the challenge with a sense of hope and this year, enabling the Jamat to make significant — and 33 IRAN resolve as One Jamat. much needed — contributions to local communities, The coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic by neighbourhoods, and vulnerable individuals, exemplifying 34 KENYA the World Health Organization on 11 March. In light of the long-standing ethic of service present in the Ismaili this, and under the guidance of Mawlana Hazar Imam, the community. Members of the Jamat made masks, taught 38 MADAGASCAR Imamat and Jamati institutions, and individual volunteers classes, delivered groceries, made phone calls, and much raced into action, to serve the Jamat and the communities more. 40 MOZAMBIQUE in which they live in a rapidly developing new reality. The In every region where the Jamat lives, volunteers urgent focus was on areas of health, education, social extended help and support to those who required it, both PAKISTAN welfare, and economic support, alongside offering virtual within the community and beyond. Their stories are 42 programming in lieu of in-person gatherings. detailed in this magazine. They illustrate the resilience of PORTUGAL While the pandemic spread, we began to witness an the human spirit, and the capacity to hope in times of 46 exponential increase in information — on television, difficulty. SYRIA and online — some reliable and some useful, but much We bring you stories about volunteers caring for 50 untrue, and some even harmful. Global, regional, and cancer patients in Syria, arranging emergency student TAJIKISTAN local Jamati communications teams were tasked with loans in Iran, serving seniors in Australia, addressing faith 52 sifting through the vast amounts of data, and sharing formation in the USA, and even launching a ‘Biryani TANZANIA only that which was beneficial, timely, and accurate. Task Force’ in France. There are also cutting-edge health 56 As part of this effort, a dedicated group of volunteers initiatives in Pakistan, a nationally recognised water UGANDA contributed to a vast expansion of The Ismaili digital distribution drive in India, innovative remote learning 60 platform. The familiar website and social media channels practices in Tanzania, and a very different Ismaili CIVIC UNITED ARAB EMIRATES began publishing more content to help keep the Jamat day in Canada. 62 well-informed, well-connected, and well-looked after, In collaboration with various international agencies, UNITED KINGDOM inspiring positivity and optimism in uncertain times. AKDN institutions have treated Covid patients, tested 64 In April, the global communications team launched suspected cases, and advised national authorities on their UNITED STATES OF AMERICA an online TV channel in order to fill the void in many responses and preparedness. Committees have also been 66 people’s daily lives, caused by the temporary closure of set up to evaluate vaccines and therapeutics. schools, stores, workplaces, and Jamatkhanas. Named This was a year full of firsts, in which routines and 'The Ismaili TV', the channel has supported the Jamat to plans were turned upside down. In spite of this, our enrich their minds and bodies, and strengthen our sense community’s impulse to serve, to reach out and support of belonging and camaraderie. in a time of need remained as strong as ever. As we enter This was soon followed by a smartphone app, a a new year, this gives us the reassurance, the confidence, podcast, and a growing collection of new music releases and belief that we can cope with the challenges and entitled The Ismaili Sounds, in which members of the opportunities that 2021 may bring. Jamat submitted their own music tracks to be shared We hope you enjoy reading this special edition globally. At a time when in-person gatherings became magazine, and we wish all members of the global Jamat a impossible, our community was still able to connect and very happy new year.

2 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 3 Schools are closed but students in the AKF Accelerated Learning Programme are staying on track with their lessons. AFGHANISTAN Photo: AKDN / Kiana Hayeri

LEARNING MUST GO ON PROTECTING GIRLS' EDUCATION IN AFGHANISTAN

or many Afghan girls, accessing quality education In response to the pandemic, AKF staff, community leaders is already wrought with challenges – a situation and teachers put in place a series of measures and interventions complicated further since the pandemic. With the to keep the community safe and raise awareness of the health closureF of schools, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) found out risks and guidelines for avoiding infection. Health and hygiene how girls in one community are continuing to learn against the materials including masks, gloves and soap were distributed to odds. students, teachers and school committees. The latter two were Abbas Dara* is a relatively large village for the Andarab also provided with guidelines on how to distribute these materials district in Baghlan Province. Around 300 families live there and to students. most rely on agriculture for income. With the nearest school a One of the ALP teachers at the forefront of sharing this long distance away, most people are illiterate. Due to concerns information, Miss Gulnoor Din, has also been supporting for their safety when travelling to school, as well as economic students to continue their education at home and engage with and cultural constraints, girls struggle to gain an education. their parents, elders and older siblings to support them with their To provide opportunities for girls, AKF, with funding from daily lessons. Miss Din is in the process of developing home-study UKAID, established an Accelerated Learning Programme lesson plans for the students including regular monitoring and (ALP) in 2019 for the 30 out-of-school adolescent girls in support over the phone, and in-person for emergency situations. Abbas Dara. Classes are designed to fast-track learning so that Remote support for both the teachers and the students is also girls who have been unable to study in the past can undertake being provided through AKF field staff. future education or apply for skills training programmes. ALP Adapting to these new and unfamiliar circumstances has is part of the broader STAGES (Steps Towards Afghan Girls’ been very difficult for many in this community. But thanks to Education Success) II project – funded by the UK’s Foreign, the inspirational work of teachers like Miss Din, AKF’s efforts Commonwealth & Development Office and implemented to support girls to keep learning during this crisis has been made by a consortium of partners led by the Foundation – which possible. Not only have the home lessons provided a sense of works with mullahs, school management committee members continuity for the girls, but they have also ensured that students, and teachers to slowly change attitudes and gain community families and teachers alike know that their well-being will not be support for girls attending secondary education. neglected during these trying times. After successfully completing the first grade, the ALP students *All names of people and places have been changed to protect were on course to start the second grade. Unfortunately, due to the identity of those involved. the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Education announced This text was adapted from a story published on the AKF Shugnan district, Afghanistan in March that all schools were to close. USA website. Photo: AKAH / Andrew Tkach 4 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 5 SHARING REFLECTIONS ABOUT THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

hen the Covid-19 crisis hit Central crowds in public spaces. We decided to halt public Asia, the Ismaili Council for ceremonies like weddings, Eid, and Navroz, and COMBATTING THE TWIN Afghanistan launched a rigorous everyone prayed at home as Jamatkhana was awarenessW campaign for the Jamat. Given that closed for more than six months. We also began DANGERS OF THE PANDEMIC AND much of Afghanistan’s Jamat live in remote areas to quarantine travellers coming from foreign and many lack access to technology, providing countries for two weeks.” them with important information on the Covid- A large number of Jamati members in INFODEMIC 19 virus was crucial. Members of the Afghan Jamat Afghanistan live without access to adequate shared the safety measures they implemented to healthcare. The Council assisted by providing keep their communities safe, and spoke about how medicines, sending healthcare professionals, and the Council’s initiatives enabled them to curb the delivering other forms of medical assistance to spread of the virus. those in need. Many Jamati members noted the widespread Ghaib Ali, a Jamati member from the Bollaq impact of the awareness campaign, saying that it village of Parwan province, commented, “At the helped them understand the importance of physical peak of the Covid-19 crisis, we had many cases of distancing, wearing face masks, washing hands, and infection and were unable to find paracetamol or other safety measures. Some also highlighted that painkillers for the patients. We are grateful to the hen news of the coronavirus regional emergency centres, which mapped having a consistent source of reliable information Council for assisting us and providing medicines, reached Afghanistan, the Jamat target areas. Volunteers then delivered bulletins helped the Jamat avoid myths and misinformation doctors, and other aid to reduce the risk of spread.” began preparing awareness and awareness packages to these areas, often by about Covid-19. Another Jamati member highlighted how the initiativesW as early as January 2020. The Afghan foot. One Council member commented: “Our Council’s efforts enabled the Jamat to fight the Jamat formed a task force whose goals included Panjshabe Sadiqi, who helped distribute volunteers who distributed awareness brochures pandemic and mitigate its impact, saying: “This raising awareness about the pandemic and the bulletins in Badakhshan, said: “traveling found that the community was very glad to receive deadly virus was a new phenomenon to all of us outlining specific practices to prevent the to remote areas which takes couple of days, such papers on precautionary measures. The but we were regularly given information about its spread of Covid-19. lack of resources for special printing, access to impact was greatest on remote communities that being contagious, its spread across the world, how Informational seminars emphasised technology, and security issues were the main do not even have access to media, cell phones, or to protect and keep safe, what to do when we think protective measures such as hand washing challenges, but still we managed to travel and any other communication channels.” we have Covid-19 etc.” and disinfecting commonly used surfaces and provide awareness packages to urban areas too.” The Jamat responded to the Council’s awareness “All the information that we got from the the importance of wearing a mask. The task When delivering the necessary information campaign by taking the virus seriously and made media, Jamatkhana announcements, The Ismaili’s efforts to keep their communities safe and keep national page, Regional Council and Health force took a holistic approach and targeted all to target areas, volunteers practiced social infection rates as low as possible. Committee WhatsApp groups, brochures and members of the Jamat from small children to distancing measures and wore personal protective Nazar Mohammad, a Jamati member from bulletins had a great impact on our awareness. Due elders in the community. equipment. The spread of information and these Kunduz, Thakar province, said, “During Covid- to all this information, we were able to prepare In their efforts to spread awareness about practices were especially critical for rural areas, 19 we decided not to allow people to gather in better and consciously fight this dangerous virus.” the importance of protective measures, the task where access to the Internet and social media is force faced the challenge of misinformation. scarce. In urban areas, volunteers utilised social “We’re not just fighting an epidemic; we’re media platforms such as Facebook to not only fighting an infodemic,” said Tedros Adhanom spread information to their communities but Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World to also communicate outreach efforts. Health Organization. “Fake news spreads faster “We created one Facebook messenger and and more easily than this virus, and is just as when daily we were receiving updates from the dangerous.” Ismaili Council Communications team, we "Due to all this information, we In an effort to halt the spread of were updating on time with the community misinformation and to further persuade groups which had about 50 families on it, ❝were able to prepare better and members of the community who were skeptical, and all were considering that information so announcements were read every night in seriously, and that helped all to safeguard our consciously fight this dangerous virus." Jamatkhanas. The message was affirmed by family members during the peak of Covid-19,” - MEMBER OF AFGHANISTAN JAMAT public health experts and physicians within the one of the volunteers said. Jamat and emphasis was put on the potentially The importance of these early preventive dire impact the disease could have on families efforts became apparent as movement and and members of the community. travel became further restricted. In a country When the lockdown was instituted and where health facilities are scarce and very Jamatkhanas temporarily closed, the Ismaili limited, especially in rural areas, timely Council for Afghanistan, in collaboration with outreach significantly reduced potential AKDN agencies, established an emergency risks to the community and increased the executive platform. The platform created protection rate.

6 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 7 Left: A video showcasing the work of students during the virtual STEAM challenge hosted by the Aga Khan COMING Education Board for Australia & New Zealand.

TOGETHER Bottom: A video showing appreciation to the ECD teachers who very quickly IN SUPPORT pivoted to an online approach when AUSTRALIA & OF YOUTH the pandemic began. NEW ZEALAND ENGAGEMENT esiliency is a vital ingredient and ECD sessions were adapted to go home. The programme presented enhancing positive connection and to handle challenges, online with new and innovative class challenges and competitions on community bonds. The students were improve mental wellbeing, activities. The desire to engage our various scientific engineeringempowered to create communication andR become agile in the face of youth and ensure they were supported concepts, where students were schedules assisting them to adapt to unexpected change. As a result of the through the pandemic motivated invited to work with each other the new teaching environment, and Covid-19 pandemic, the Australia educators to explore and learn and exercise their creativity using teachers noted the increased ease and New Zealand (ANZ) Jamat has alternate ways of delivering content technology. With great enthusiasm, with which feedback could be given had to quickly learn how to cope with to parents and young children. students stepped up to the challenge to students and their families on their uncertainty, complexity, and change. The ECD programme presented and produced remarkable works learning progress. As the pandemic escalated across the biggest challenge in our shift to including sculptures and illustrations. When all activities for youth had ANZ, it soon became apparent that online learning. The curriculum is Overall, the teaching community to be curtailed suddenly due to the the children and youth of our Jamat designed to engage children up to contributed over 9,000 hours of pandemic, the need to ensure our would be facing unprecedented five years of age in highly interactive service rendered by more than 150 youth and their families maintained disruption to their secular and and sensory experiences. To ensure staff members producing quality health and wellbeing drove the religious school schedules. that the teaching quality and impact content for 45 separate classes, teaching community to explore new Recreational and social activities such remained, ECD teachers were ensuring excellence in the new virtual avenues for learning and opened as sports were in flux and parents re-trained and mentored to enhance mode of teaching — a testimony of the door to innovative practices. increasingly needed greater support confidence and competence. Smaller the resilience and commitment so Moreover, this common goal brought in engaging and maintaining the centres were combined with larger needed at this time. the community together through wellbeing of their children. ones to build capacity and ensure The virtual mode of delivery knowledge and engagement, building Rallying the Jamat and continuity of the classes. ECD@ has been successful in strengthening community resilience and expanding institutions together towards this Home virtual classes were promoted student-teacher interaction, inviting our own limits of capability, common and vital goal created a and parental orientation sessions were the teachers into the homes of the innovation, and achievement. compelling purpose and challenged held to increase understanding of students and their families, and us to be agile in our response. Rather virtual classes and to make sure every than halting all our youth-related child could access ECD content at activities such as religious education home. classes, camps, and science education Our efforts had overwhelming initiatives, the Jamat consciously support from parents and members pivoted all 2020 planned activities within the community. ECD children online. Thus began the challenge of and parents put their creative heads learning new technologies, adapting together to make a “thank you teaching styles, re-writing content, video” in recognition of teachers for The recent opening of the new upskilling teachers, and engaging all their commitment, dedication, Jamatkhana facility in Auckland has parents. innovation, and hard work during been a triumph after many months of Demonstrating organisational these difficult, challenging times. tireless effort in preparing the facility, resilience, the Early Childhood Beyond our success with ECD, followed by the additional challenges Development (ECD), Ta’lim and the pivoting of the STEAM (Science, that the Covid-19 lockdown presented. STEP teams of the ANZ Jamat moved Technology, Engineering, Arts, and all the planned religious educational Maths) series to an online format Photo: The Ismaili ANZ programming into virtual classrooms. became an excellent opportunity for The curriculum and lesson plans for younger students to challenge and Religious Education Centres (REC) channel their imagination whilst at

8 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 9 "The programmes and webinars seem ❝to be very carefully developed and are very professional." - SENIOR FROM ANZ JAMAT

esilience has become the mantra of that may not have otherwise been discovered. the post-pandemic world. As we The drama programme created new relationships navigate our way through the chaos and increased engagement at a critical time where of theR coronavirus, businesses and people alike connection was needed for maintaining physical are searching for ways to bounce back mentally, and mental well-being. emotionally, physically, and financially. Knowing Beyond the drama programme, seniors where to start isn’t always easy. However, for engaged in Zoom conversations, music concerts, our Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) Jamat, traditional games of antakhshari, Bingo, ongoing learning and knowledge development karaoke, and laughter therapy from the comfort became the key to building resilience and of their living rooms alongside new and familiar maintaining wellbeing in the wake of Covid-19. friends. The Ismaili TV also allowed seniors to The lockdown period inadvertently connect with the global Jamat. Working across presented the Jamat with an opportunity for the needs of the group, there were also vital new skills to be learned, new routines to be informational webinars on eye health, hearing SENIORS BUILD established, and new goals to be set. Jamati aids, mindfulness, online yoga classes, learning leadership created initiatives focused on learning new food recipes, and programmes on spiritual in order to reduce isolation and loneliness and upliftment. RESILIENCE to positively impact mental well-being. These Moreover, 35 seniors across ANZ Jamat are efforts also strengthened community bonds now embarking on online English conversation DURING and enhanced Jamati engagement across ANZ, classes by a professional English teacher, which was challenging during the pre-Covid boosting their confidence and further building times. Importantly, the ANZ Jamat increasingly their resilience whilst combatting isolation due PANDEMIC focused on providing physical and mental to language limitations. support to seniors within the community. The response from the seniors has been THROUGH SELF- Early on in the pandemic, we recognised that overwhelmingly positive, opening up their most seniors had never before been exposed to world and providing them with a whole new IMPROVEMENT AND technology platforms like Zoom and YouTube perspective on human connection and lifelong as a means to create social connectedness. As a learning, as mentioned by some seniors. LIFELONG LEARNING result, ANZ Golden Club, with the assistance of In the process of coping through the crisis, family members, began producing webinars for the seniors have expanded their knowledge, the seniors on how to navigate online platforms. learned new skills in technology, become highly This presented creative opportunities like a engaged, and adjusted their lives in a manner senior’s drama programme, which saw many of not thought possible pre-Covid. For hundreds the elderly members of the Jamat participating of seniors in the ANZ region, the Internet, in online skits and learning new drama skills online communications, and social media has whilst helping each other learn about being safe now become the “new normal” and the path to and secure online. resilience: conquering loneliness, embracing the The seniors rose to the occasion, creating value of learning, maintaining family connections, engaging content that was humorous, relatable, boosting their mental wellbeing, and overall and showcased the hidden talents of this age group creating a happier, healthier Jamat.

"Absolutely fantastic webinars full ❝of knowledge sharing, education, entertainment, and health information." - WEBINAR ATTENDEE

10 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 11 The Friendship Centre was built as a live-in training centre for community social workers. Inspired by the Buddhist monastic architecture of the North Bengal flood plains, this centre was awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016. HEALTH COMMITTEE PREPARES BANGLADESH JAMAT TO COPE WITH THE PANDEMIC

n 26 March 2020, the and systems were set up to provide food Government of Bangladesh and medical services to patients. Support announced a shutdown due was provided to arrange ambulance to Othe global Covid-19 pandemic. At services and emergency transport the time, very little was known about facilities to the hospital. Volunteers the virus and its effects. Members of the were identified for various tasks, such as Bengali Jamat, like the rest of the world, making and delivering food to affected were afraid of catching the virus and families. These volunteers were provided uncertain about how to cope with the with the requisite personal protective illness that might enter their homes. equipment and trained on how to use it In the midst of this uncertain safely. A number of essential food items, situation, the Ismaili Council for such as lentils, rice, and oil were stocked Bangladesh mobilised to create a Covid- for those who might have run out or 19 Response Team to support the Jamat. were unable to purchase these before the Central to this effort was the Health shutdown. Committee, whose task it was both to At the end of May, the government ensure that the Jamat had all the latest shutdown was lifted, although BANGLADESH information to prevent infection, and to transmission of the virus continued. In put a system in place to support those this context, it was imperative to ensure who might become infected. that Jamati members knew the measures Information about the virus, to take in a post-shutdown context to keep including the latest directives from the themselves and their families safe. To this World Health Organization and the end, the Health Committee arranged a US Centers for Disease Control, was virtual seminar titled, “Post-Lockdown: broadcast through WhatsApp in the How to Keep Safe,” featuring Dr Selina form of special advisories and health and Laiwala from Evercare Hospital and Dr hygiene tips. These included a health Zeenat Sulaiman from the Aga Khan and safety advisory, information on Health Service, Tanzania. home quarantine, a business advisory, an In addition to physical health, the advisory on the use of cleaning products, mental health of members of the Jamat and an advisory on post-lockdown after a prolonged period of shutdown was measures. of paramount importance. Messages on A number of initiatives were also how to cope were sent out to the Jamat and taken to help Jamati members with their a virtual seminar titled “Hamara Parivar, medical needs. A temporary health centre Hamari Zindagi” was organised with and nurses’ station was set up within the Ms Habiba Jetha, a trained counsellor residential colony where the majority and psychotherapist from India. The of Jamati members reside. Supplies, objective of the session was to help create including oxygen concentrators, pulse supportive family environments and oximeters, thermometers, nebulisers, improve family harmony. and medicines were stocked. Nurses and Now, as winter approaches and assistants were hired to manage the centre experts warn of a potential second wave, and provide routine and emergency care the Health Committee continues to around the clock to anyone who required remind people about the importance it. In collaboration with Evercare of health and hygiene measures to Hospital, one of the nurses was trained protect themselves. It also stands ready to collect Covid-19 samples for the to support the Jamat through whatever hospital to test. Fully functional isolation new challenges the virus may bring in apartments were set up within the colony the future.

12 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 13 “It was such a nice feeling to be able to Fahim, one of the teachers, shared, create this sanctuary for them amidst all “I usually find it hard to get involved that is happening. The possibilities are when it comes to attending programmes endless. Some of our instructors were in our Jamat. After participating as a connecting from outside of Dhaka, teacher, and the friendship I made with which made it even more exciting for my 50-year-old student, I would love to our youth. Next time we would love to continue to volunteer my time in other involve and invite other Jamats from programmes offered in our Jamat. My the region into the programme. Virtual student’s life stories were so inspirational makes it possible to be #OneJamat.” and kept me motivated, especially in these times. I looked forward to chatting COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT with him once a week and teaching him PROGRAMME something new, and was amazed by During this time, the youth have also his enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. been engaged in supporting the seniors of Being able to do this virtually, at a time the Jamat to prepare for a digital world and convenient to both our schedules, made improve their English speaking skills. The it possible for me to be a part of the Community Engagement Programme was Community Engagement Programme.” a unique intergenerational initiative geared Amidst the crisis, apart from these towards the learning and development of initiatives, the Ismaili Council for the senior members of the Jamat, where Bangladesh has introduced various the youth had the responsibility of being other virtual programmes to support REIMAGINING EDUCATION IN TIMES their teachers. the Jamat as all of us adapt to the “Now more than ever, we realise rapidly changing social and economic OF COVID-19 AND BEYOND how important it is to be connected. environment. My teacher, a young 25-year-old, helped “We have had an amazing response cross the globe, volunteers was so inspirational! Another one I really improve my spoken English skills. In the from the Jamat and we hope to continue of Jamati and AKDN enjoyed was the session on filmmaking. past I have never shown interest in these to be able to provide some of the virtual institutions are at the forefront Despite being virtual, the camp was programmes but took this opportunity initiatives even in the new normal. The of respondingA to the Covid-19 pandemic extremely interactive and engaging,” during the lockdown. This new form Jamat’s positive outlook has encouraged and using their time and knowledge to reflected Rida, one of the enthusiastic of learning really helped me to build us to get out of our comfort zone and try engage the Jamat in digital platforms. participants of the programme. my confidence to speak in English,” out creative ways to learn and engage,” The Ismaili Council for Bangladesh has Noorain also echoed, “I learnt a lot acknowledged Tajbanu, a 75-year-old reflected Tanveer Ali, Vice-President of curated various creative online initiatives from the camp. However, my favourite student. the Ismaili Council for Bangladesh. to keep the Jamat, especially the youth, was Zumba. Can’t believe we were able motivated and active over recent months. to learn Zumba online and actually become good at it. My friends and I SUMMER SKILL-UP VIRTUAL love to dance and we are continuing to CAMP practice Zumba in online classes offered The Summer Skill-Up Virtual by our Jamat.” Camp, held over the summer school One of the session organisers reflected holidays, encouraged 8 to 15-year-olds on their experience, “We at Scitech to connect, learn, and develop critical Academy facilitated two sessions: ‘A day skills during their time at home. The in the life of an Astronaut’ and ‘Robotics’. four-week programme prompted many The students learned many facts about individuals to focus their attention on astronauts, robotics, and their real world self-development. The camp consisted of application. Some participants were many fun yet educational activities such so inspired that they even shared their as STEM classes on space exploration, desire to become astronauts and robotics arts and crafts, Zumba, cooking, and engineers one day. The sessions were very bullet journaling. interactive and the participants delighted “The Camp was one of the few our educators with their curious minds. things I looked forward to during the We hope to conduct similar sessions in lockdown. It was a way for me to do the future.” something productive. It was enjoyable “The participants were beaming!” and informative at the same time. I said Adiba, a member for education loved the public speaking workshop. It on the Ismaili Council for Bangladesh.

14 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 15 Ayyan Khan, Grade 1 student. Arisha Afrida Islam, Grade 1 student. Fardin Sazzad, Grade 1 student. Photo: AKDN / Fahareen Mosharraf Photo: AKDN / Tanjira Khanom Joti Photo: AKDN / Shehrin Sazzad

ore than a month after the Covid-19 pandemic in Grade 1. “A big round of applause to the school and the forced unexpected shutdowns of schools around teachers for the fantastic initiative to ensure an uninterrupted the world, parents from the Aga Khan School, education!” DhakaM (AKSD) remain grateful to the teachers who have Dr Mizanur Rahman and Rezwana Anwar, parents of made the transition to online school a smooth one. Raida Raha Nameera, nursery class, explained that online Parents acknowledged that their children would not have lessons, “in a home environment have had a profound effect on been able to complete the academic year without hardworking Raida's approach to learning, involving us more in her learning AKSD teachers. They are grateful for access to online tools journey and making her more aware of our supportive role "We can make the such as Zoom, through which the teachers host their classes. in it.” They added that their daughter gets to, “interact with “Though it is an unusual situation, this online platform her teachers and peers in a setting that gives an impression of Covid-19 crisis into helped the kids to continue with their regular activities her actual classroom,” and the whole family has “thoroughly ❝ through classes, mini projects and small, formative enjoyed using this novel communication medium.” a moment that will assessments,” said Fahareen Mosharraf, mother of Grade 1 As expected, however, new methods of learning come student Ayyan Khan. “The teachers are doing a fantastic job with new challenges. Parents of these young children also live vividly in our with enormous patience.” shared the problems families have faced since online learning PARENTS “Online Zoom classes were a new experience to us. The began. Internet connectivity issues are a common and major kids’ memories, so teachers put in tremendous effort to make online classes as frustration, and for many families, finding quiet, uninterrupted COMMEND ONLINE engaging as face-to-face lessons. They are superb in terms of time to concentrate on “school work” can be difficult. Parents that in other times of conducting the sessions,” said the parents of Grade 1 student also recognised that proper online behaviour needs to be Arisha Afrida Islam. “Arisha is very happy to see her loving taught and students must adhere to simple rules. Raising hands uncertainly they will CLASSES AT THE teachers and friends during these hard days of pandemic and being invited to speak is just as important in an online Covid 19.” class so that questions do not go unheard amid the chatter recall fondly how their AGA KHAN SCHOOL, Khaleda Shapla, mother of Grade 1 student Anzar Saifan, of other students. Several parents were also concerned that said the diligent teachers have inspired her to make this their children felt more pressure to succeed when completing family pulled together experience a memorable one. “There are ways of making the assignments in the presence of both their teachers and their DHAKA best out of any situation, this one included,” she said of the parents. and made the best of AKSD’s transition to online learning. “We can make the Despite these challenges, most parents agreed that their Covid-19 crisis into a moment that will live vividly in our children are enjoying their “new normal” and find the online things, and they will be kids’ memories, so that in other times of uncertainly they classes playful and interactive. Shaila Parveen, mother of will recall fondly how their family pulled together and made Danishmand Abedin Reeshad in nursery, said, “All the online able to do the same." the best of things, and they will be able to do the same.” classes, especially the mathematics classes, are very exciting for An impressive 98% of nursery and Grade 1 students my child. He is learning to count and form numbers through - KHALEDA SHAPLA at AKSD participate in online classes. By contacting and participating in various online games and by arranging his supporting parents to engage with learning at home, teachers favourite things from home. He shares the findings with aim to raise this to full attendance. Parents credit AKSD for teachers and class friends when the class is going on. As parents, taking the initiative to ensure learning continues in a creative we are happy that the teachers and the management of the Aga and supportive environment. Khan School, Dhaka are taking steps towards approaching a “My son is very eager to participate in his daily classes. better tomorrow.” The teachers are really cordial and supportive in ensuring This article was first published on the Aga Khan Schools' his presence and progress,” said the father of Fardin Sazzad website.

16 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 17 clean up waterways at Minoru Park. that addressed the Covid-19 pandemic. Shaheen Jivraj attended with her two “It was an opportunity not simply sons Kayden, 12, and Riyad, 8. to impact frontline workers, but also “It’s about teaching them to give an opportunity to engage those that are CANADA back,” said Shaheen. “To be able to do it socially isolated and those that wanted to through our community is great.” contribute,” said Shaffina Mohamed, lead Zaheed Dossa led the Ismaili CIVIC of the national Ismaili Civil Relations Day clean up efforts in Richmond. portfolio. “Being that we are a community that Ismaili CIVIC achieved its target of heavily values the ethic of volunteerism, sewing 10,000 face masks by May 30, Ismaili CIVIC is a great way in which we four weeks earlier than they had planned. can live our faith," said Zaheed. “It allows To date, volunteers have donated over members of the Jamat, predominantly 31,000 handmade or medical-grade youth and young adults, to become masks to employees at 25 local hospitals, ambassadors for the spirit of voluntary care homes, food banks, the United Way, service.” and other institutions. He added that the Covid-19 "Donating masks to those in need pandemic has forced people everywhere reduced demand for medical-grade face to look at the bigger picture. masks, which should be reserved for “Now more than ever, it is important essential frontline healthcare workers," The Global Centre for Pluralism’s headquarters in Ottawa is a that we as a community stay united and said Shaffina. heritage building that formerly housed the Public Archives of come together to strengthen our bonds Other Ismaili CIVIC initiatives Canada (1905-1967), followed by the War Museum (1967-2005). and build a strong foundation. Ismaili responding to Covid-19 included the Photo: GCP / Marc Fowler CIVIC provides an opportunity to do Ramadan Food Bank Drive, Canadian that.” Blood Services Drive, and Kids Help Earlier in the year, as part of Ismaili Phone partnership. The four initiatives CIVIC, seniors, adults, and youth took addressed the detrimental effects of the on the task of sewing more than 10,000 pandemic, including Canada’s urgent cloth masks. need for food, blood, and additional United We Sew was one of Ismaili mental health support. CANADIAN ISMAILIS GIVE BACK TO THEIR CIVIC’s four Canada-wide initiatives With files from Alia Dharssi COMMUNITIES THROUGH ISMAILI CIVIC

By Omar Rawji, Yasmin Rajwani, The Ismaili CIVIC Day tradition Gazalla Hirji began to commemorate Canada’s 150th ver 500 volunteers joined anniversary since Confederation in forces across Canada for 2017. In its first year, Canadian Ismailis Ismaili CIVIC Day on the donated over 1.5 million hours of finalO weekend of September 2020, voluntary service. Government officials maintaining social distance and with face including Members of Parliament, city masks on. councillors, mayors, and premiers take They donated blood, sorted clothing part each year. and food donations, cleaned parks, Selina remembers volunteering in the shorelines and communities, and first year of the country-wide initiative. prepared meals and Christmas gifts. “I loved it so much,” she said, Ismaili CIVIC worked with over 70 mentioning tree-planting and graffiti partners including the United Way, clean up, both Ismaili CIVIC Day Habitat for Humanity, and the Boys and initiatives she took part in. “I had such Girls Club to fulfill their goal of giving a good time and I got to meet fellow back to the communities in which they Ismailis, which was great as well.” live. CIVIC, which stands for Challenging In Vancouver, Selina Shivji led one Ismaili Volunteers in Communities, of the Ismaili CIVIC Day initiatives at is a legacy of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s the Lookout Society in the downtown Golden Jubilee, originally founded as an eastside. initiative to engage Jamati youth aged “Ismaili CIVIC Day might only 13-25. Ismaili CIVIC appeals to the happen once a year but it sparks a passion social conscience of young Ismailis by to give back for the rest of the year,” said inviting them to give back to their local Selina, whose team sorted and packed communities through voluntary service. gifts for the holiday season. In Richmond, BC, volunteers met to

18 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 19 FAR EAST LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY DURING THE PANDEMIC

ith the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, harmony and joy based on shared ethics and values.” community leadership of the Far East Online sessions and webinars were regularly region was faced with the unique arranged to keep everyone engaged during their time challengeW of engaging a widely dispersed Jamat living at home. Some webinars covered religious topics to in 12 different countries without being able to engage help the community stay connected with their faith. physically. As centres were suspended and travel came Fitness programmes, webinars on mental health, and to a standstill, the Far East Council and leadership technology training sessions were arranged to ensure the adapted by utilising webinars, social media, and other community’s wellbeing amidst the physical and mental modes of technology to keep the community connected strain of lockdown. Several webinars were arranged with their faith and with each other. Ultimately, for informative purposes and covered a range of topics technology was the tool that helped unite everyone and such as honing English language skills, planting and strengthened the relationship between the community recycling for environmental conservation, and personal and its institutions. financial management during the pandemic. After the temporary closure of several centres, While centres were closed, the institutions took the community was deprived of the opportunity to steps to communicate with community members on celebrate important occasions together in person. As a a regular basis and keep everyone connected despite result, the institutions sought ways to share the spirit the physical distance between them. The leadership and joy of these occasions through virtual means. circulated messages and participated in webinars while To commemorate Imamat Day 2020, the Far East representatives of the Council regularly contacted Council led the production of a song entitled “Mawla members to ensure their safety and well-being. The Mera Ishq Tu” (which translates to “Mawla You Are My Council also released regular updates on the pandemic Love”). The song was a collaboration between 63 Ismaili with global statistics and specific details on how Far artists from across the globe and received over 150,000 Eastern countries were responding to Covid-19, views on Facebook and YouTube within the first week ensuring the community was a consistent and reliable of its release, allowing Ismailis around the world to source of information. share in the joy of Imamat Day during lockdown. This As physical distance kept the community apart, was one of the first significant global pieces of musical technology enabled institutions to reach out to the work produced and performed by members of the Far community and give them a sense of belonging and East community. reassurance. Azmin Saduruddin, Vice President of the On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, a virtual programme Ismaili Council for Far East, noted that the challenges entitled “Eid Ke Rang Far East Ke Sang” was organised of lockdown have strengthened unity within the Jamat. for the community. The programme included stories “In these uncertain times, isolation and quarantine on the significance of Eid, musical and cultural may seem to keep us apart but in fact with the help performances, and messages from the leadership. of technology it has brought the Far East and the Over 3,500 Jamati members from the Far East and worldwide community closer together,” he said. “The other parts of the world viewed the programme and institutions have embraced creativity and innovation The University of Technology Petronas is participated in the shared celebration of Eid from their to facilitate online seminars, learning programmes, and located in the north of Kuala Lumpur and homes. One viewer commented, “We are connected entertainment by interacting with seniors, youth, and was the recipient of the Aga Khan Award for despite not being physically present. There is a shared the children via a range of interactive online platforms.” Architecture in the 2005-2007 cycle. Photo: Patrick Bingham Hall 20 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 21 A volunteer delivers a care package to a family as part of the partnership programme between Ismaili CIVIC and Yayasan Chow Kit in Malaysia.

s governments imposed lockdowns with the onset of and drop-in centre which primarily supports families of vulnerable the Covid-19 pandemic, Ismaili CIVIC in the Far East young people who are unemployed or at risk of exclusion. The care supported a number of initiatives to assist communities packages were packed in collaboration with Pak Grocer, a local of SingaporeA and Malaysia. The focus of these initiatives was to market supplier. assist vulnerable segments of society who were at high-risk of facing Dato Dr Hartini Zainudin, founder of Yayasan Chow Kit, financial and health-related challenges during the pandemic and expressed appreciation for the Ismaili community, saying, “There lockdowns. are those who give with joy and that joy is their reward. Our heartfelt "We are constantly gratitude to Ismaili CIVIC for their generosity and always providing MASKS FOR ALL SG for our children and families in need during these difficult times.” seeking new ways to Masks for All SG was a Singaporean, community-driven Mother of three, Faridah, a beneficiary, said, “I am grateful ❝ FAR EAST JAMAT initiative launched to provide face masks to vulnerable segments for this contribution as our current supplies would have run out make a real impact of the population including isolated seniors, students, families in by tomorrow. It is such a relief for us.” Another recipient, Salmah need, migrant workers, and charitable organisations. The aim of Achmad, added, “I want to express my thanks to our donors. This and be part of SUPPORTS this initiative was to educate and promote a culture of wearing lightens our burden especially in this current difficult condition.” masks and to help at-risk members of society to protect themselves Vice-President of the Ismaili Council for the Far East, collective action with COVID-19 RELIEF from Covid-19. Azmin Saduruddin, highlighted the spirit behind this initiative, Ismaili CIVIC contributed by providing 3,000 square feet saying, “This is part of our Muslim ethic. We are honoured to leading partners." of warehouse space in the heart of Singapore for this effort. The contribute to the wider Malaysian society by working with our EFFORTS space served as a storage and distribution centre which became the long-term partner, Yayasan Chow Kit. We have high regard for - ZAIN FANCY, central hub of Masks for All SG. As a result of this effort, over their efforts, and look forward to many additional opportunities PRESIDENT OF THE ISMAILI COUNCIL FOR 600,000 masks were repackaged and distributed to over 72,000 to support this initiative and many others. The youth being THE FAR EAST beneficiaries (close to 1.5 percent of Singapore’s population) in a supported by Yayasan Chow Kit are the future of Malaysia.” period of two months. Other products needed during lockdown such as thermometers and hand sanitiser were also provided. INCREASING ACCESS TO REMOTE LEARNING WITH Over 4,000 volunteers from different walks of life participated YAYASAN MENDAKI in Masks For All SG. The initiative was a collaboration between The Jamat of Singapore partnered with Yayasan Mendaki to the Singapore government and civil society agencies. Collaboration increase access to technology for students from low-income families. partners included Prudential, Lalamove, SingHealth, Vlight, With the closure of schools during the pandemic, many schools Contribute SG, Majurity Trust, Masks Sewn with Love, NPHVA, shifted to remote learning, which put children and students from Team CareMask and The Ministry of Culture, Community and underprivileged homes at a disadvantage as they were less likely Youth (MCCY). to have the technological resources required to receive education President of the Ismaili Council for the Far East, Zain Fancy, virtually. commented on the outreach support provided: “We are constantly The drive was spearheaded by Yayasan Mendaki, a self-help seeking new ways to make a real impact and be part of collective group that works to uplift the Malay Muslim community by action with leading partners. We are thankful for all the resources helping individuals receive education and training. Families from that combined together to launch this effort in an extremely the Singapore Jamat donated 47 pre-used laptops to support difficult period. Masks For All SG and Contribute.sg embodies and this initiative through Ismaili CIVIC. These devices were then shares the same values as Ismaili CIVIC, and this programme was reformatted and distributed to children from underprivileged an opportune circumstance for us to contribute in our small way.” backgrounds to support their access to remote and online education programmes. DISTRIBUTION OF PROVISIONS WITH YAYASAN Member for Education on the Ismaili Council for the Far CHOW KIT East, Shemin Shariff, said, “The Covid-19 pandemic has clearly In Malaysia, the Ismaili CIVIC partnered with Yayasan Chow demonstrated the importance of technology, and education is no Kit to provide care packages to 60 families in need in Kuala exception. Access to technology and remote learning is integral to Lumpur, to ensure adequate provisions to feed their families during reducing inequality and improving quality of life. We are proud the nationwide Movement Control Order issued by the Malaysian to collaborate with Yayasan Mendaki in this initiative which will government. The packages, consisted of rice, oil, eggs, sugar, and help children from underprivileged backgrounds continue their other sundry items. education remotely during these challenging times and harness Yayasan Chow Kit, partner in this initiative, is a 24-hour crisis their potential.” 22 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 23 FRANCE

Institut du Monde Arabe is located in Paris France and was a recipient of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in the 1987-1989 cycle.

YOUNG ISMAILIS VOLUNTEER AT THE PARIS "I truly think it was a wonderful overall ❝experience and a tremendous opportunity" PEACE FORUM - ANAH JAFFER, PARIS he third edition of the Paris Peace In a statement on this year’s Paris Peace Forum, preservation, climate change, gender equality, “I truly think it was a wonderful overall Forum was held from 11 to 13 Mawlana Hazar Imam said: “The unprecedented financing of humanitarian efforts, and pluralism.” experience and a tremendous opportunity… I November 2020. Stakeholders from global pandemic has presented major public Laïqa Karim Jouma, a 25-year-old event had the good fortune to meet very committed differentT backgrounds were brought together health challenges. We require continued manager from Paris, also volunteered as a chat people from around the world (Kenya, to discuss global challenges and promote collaborative energy from governments, civil moderator during the Forum. Brazil, Senegal, etc.) who work for NGOs constructive solutions. This year, young Ismaili society institutions, and the private sector to She called volunteering for the Paris Peace or associations that execute meaningful professionals from the France jurisdiction also overcome this crisis, protect life, and build for the Forum “an enriching and challenging experience.” projects,” she commented. participated as volunteers. future from a position of strength and wisdom. As a chat moderator, Laïqa had the An aspect that Anah found interesting To minimise the risk posed by the pandemic, I am pleased that the Aga Khan Development opportunity to attend and moderate a session was occasionally finding herself reassuring this year’s Paris Peace Forum was held in a digital Network and the Paris Peace Forum are working called “From statistics to solutions: where do speakers before they went live. format and attended virtually by over 12,000 closely towards these goals.” we go from here?” which included Dr Zeenat “It is funny when you know that person participants from across the world. The major Some members of the Jamat volunteered Sulaiman from the Aga Khan Health Service, works for a big NGO, but at that moment focus this year was the response to the Covid-19 as digital chat moderators at this year’s forum, Tanzania as one of the speakers. there was no gap between us. That is what pandemic and working towards a more secure representing the only group to be accepted as “I was really lucky and proud to moderate the connected me to them as human beings,” she future in its aftermath. Topics under discussion volunteer contributors. session. It was great to hear Dr Sulaiman speak said. included financing for relief and development Shala Nourmamode, a 26-year-old who about AKDN’s work coping with the Covid-19 The third edition of the Paris Peace Forum initiatives, ensuring widespread access to a works in early childhood development at a crisis,” she said. featured numerous prominent panelists and Covid-19 vaccine, increasing access to medical humanitarian organisation and is based in As an event manager, Laïqa said she hopes to speakers including Melinda Gates (from the tools, the impact of the pandemic on refugees, Brussels, volunteered as a digital chat moderator. one day work on the organisation of an event such Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), Tedros and reforms to improve public health, the Her responsibilities included maintaining an as the Paris Peace Forum, and that this experience Ghebreyesus (Director-General of the World environment, and social cohesion in the post- interactive flow on the live chat, and selecting will help her achieve this goal. Health Organization), Anne Hidalgo (Mayor pandemic world. questions to be sent to the discussion moderator. Anah Jaffer, a 25-year-old marketing project of Paris), Michael R. Bloomberg (from Envisioned by French President Emmanuel Shala praised the forum’s focus on a wide manager from Paris, volunteered as a digital Bloomberg LP & Bloomberg Philanthropies), Macron, this forum was launched to promote range of issues. greeter and live chat moderator. She described it Nadia Murad (Nobel Peace Prize laureate and multilateralism and drive progress on issues that “It was a great opportunity to attend a high- as managing the “digital backstage.” founder of Nadia’s Initiative), Mohammed concern the world at large, such as peace, climate level forum and listen to discussions led by Anah said she enjoyed the opportunity to Yunus (Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder change, cyber insecurity, and growing inequality. prominent experts and speakers. The content interact with individuals from different parts of Grameen Bank), Brad Smith (President of A major partner since the first forum, AKDN is was diverse and interesting, with a high focus of the world who are working to bring positive Microsoft) and Emmanuel Macron (President now one of the founding members of the Forum. on Covid-19 and also including environmental change. of France).

24 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 25 THE

TASK FORCE

he confinement was sudden. day for one month, in order to support the Overnight, we were mandated most vulnerable households in the city. From to stay at home. Families faced mid-April to the end of May, over 21,500 challengesT including social isolation, the meals were distributed. anxiety of potential loss, reduction in day-to- Some members of the France Jamat day freedoms, and financial insecurity. volunteered for this endeavour. They Additionally, Covid-19 reduced access to responded to the need by not only providing vital necessities, including food, water, and financial and material support, but also hygiene items. Amongst the households most dedicating their time. Members of the Jamat affected were low income families. created what they termed 'The Biryani Task In response, the Ismaili community in Force,' a one-day team that joined forces with France mobilised existing inter-generational the ANLLS youth, by cooking and preparing and local solidarity initiatives, which enhanced a festive meal. the will of individuals to take care of and This special team was composed of support each other. volunteers with decades of experience in The Association Nationale Laissez les Servir preparation of large food quantities during (ANLLS) is an organisation based in Pierrefitte- Khushiali and other major festive gatherings. sur-Seine, a northern suburb of Paris, that They prepared over 724 portions within promotes local and intergenerational common hours, which provided much needed meals to support and assistance. During the lockdown vulnerable people. and even when measures were later eased, in Despite these difficult months, the task partnership with the City Municipality, the force showed that we can bring a note of non-profit structure encouraged the youth of hope and of joy by expressing solidarity and the city to cook and serve at least one meal a common support in times of need.

26 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 27 A NEW LEASE ON LIFE COUNTERING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC

hen the pandemic struck as small businesses were shut and and forced a nation-wide struggled with cash. When businesses lockdown, it decimated began to reopen, the ICCS visited thousandsW of small businesses across many of its clients, providing valuable the country. Gripped by uncertainty, advice on protocols for reopening safely and burdened with the costs of rent and information on new strategies that and inventory, many small businesses could help them to better manage stock struggled to survive. As an immediate purchases and liquidity. response to support the Jamat’s financial The results were soon evident: with needs, the Ismailia Co-operative Credit financial support from the ICCS, Jamati Society Limited, Hyderabad (ICCS), bakeries in Hyderabad were among launched a new series of financial the first to recover. Approximately 60 products: offering a much-neededto 70 percent of bakeries were able to financial lifeline to the Jamat during this revive between 80 to 90 percent of their time. business. Now, in the post-lockdown “We had to act”, said period, the ICCS continues to review Noormohammed Gilani, President loan applications, supporting requests of the ICCS, Hyderabad. “Banks had for top ups based on the borrower’s become risk averse and we knew that a repayment history. In their recent Board large part of our Jamat was being deprived Meeting in October, the Board also of much-needed credit. Leveraging proposed bringing in a professional our knowledge-based lending model, advisor to assist Jamati businesses with we worked in collaboration with the advice on restructuring, growing their Council and AKEPB India to support business, and pivoting successfully, post the Jamat at this unprecedented time.” pandemic. This support took the form of three Since the pandemic struck, the types of loans ranging from INR 40k to Hyderabad ICCS has provided USD INR 100k to INR 300k. The first two, $1.56 million of financial support to called Umeed and Asha, were designed to the Jamat, providing stability, comfort, be simple loans with easy documentation and certainty in these unprecedented requirements that could help families times. More importantly, adequate sustain their financial needs and business safeguards and controls have been expenses during the lockdown. The established to protect the institution’s larger loans, called Hope Loans, were own financial health and liquidity at this introduced to help businesses sustain time. A robust appraisal mechanism, a themselves beyond the lockdown. Given collaborative approach in partnership the larger loan size, Hope Loans were with the Council and AKEPB India accompanied by individual counselling and adequate provisioning norms, have sessions with the borrower to provide all made sure that the ICCS retains its insights on how the loan could be used to financial strength, which in turn allows reposition the business. it to serve the Jamat. But the lifeline went well beyond In the midst of the pandemic and financial support. In consultation with the financial crisis that followed, the the Council, the Board of Directors of Hyderabad ICCS is a shining example the ICCS also worked with many small of how business and financial support, businesses to help renegotiate their in collaboration with the Jamati rentals, either bringing them down by institutions, can support the Jamat’s up to 50 percent or even negotiating no hopes and aspirations, even in these INDIA rental payments for two to three months times.

28 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 29 ven months after it happened, the images of India’s overnight lockdown are vivid in the collective imagination. Hundreds of thousandsE of migrants took to the streets, taking death-defying journeys to return to their villages. In the midst of the chaos that unfolded, a small group of volunteers from Kurla Jamatkhana in Mumbai swung into action. Choosing Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, a railway station, as their base, they started out by distributing water to the migrants who waited for hours in line to find their way home. Though small in scale, the water distribution project grew quickly and soon enough, the team were supplying drinking water to police and FLYING THE FLAG security staff as well. As the project gathered steam, more volunteers joined and the self-funded effort became a project of the local community. Many FOR CIVIC well-wishers from the Kurla Jamat gave generously and even offered warehouse storage space to support KURLA JAMATKHANA the efforts of the 12-person strong volunteer team. VOLUNTEERS DISTRIBUTE Within the first week alone, the water distribution initiative had served 8,000 migrants, 75,000 LITRES OF DRINKING who each received one-litre water bottles. The WATER volunteers also joined hands with like-minded volunteers from the Sikh community, enabling the team to distribute close to 25,000 litres of water to migrants in just 18 days. Throughout the entire process, the volunteers followed all safety guidelines and were armed with face shields, masks, and sanitisers to ensure that their efforts kept them and their communities safe. As the lockdown ended and the migrant crisis began to abate, the team shifted its focus to government-run Covid-19 hospitals in the city, which were still being established and were in need of drinking water for their patients, doctors, and other frontline workers. By the end of June 2020, the team had distributed close to 30,000 litres of water across five locations in the city. Their efforts gathered national praise in leading newspapers and warm words of encouragement from the city’s municipal corporation and the Mayor of Mumbai. As the project expanded, well-wishers from outside the country also contributed to the cause and in recent months, the team launched an online fundraiser. "Our goal now is to continue What started out as a small endeavour has now crossed 75,000 litres, catering to 14 Covid-19 providing drinking water to centres across Mumbai. ❝ “We never thought we would grow to this scale,” more Covid-19 centres in the said Akbar Merchant, the founder of the project. “Our goal now is to continue providing drinking city as long as we can, with the water to more Covid-19 centres in the city as long as we can, with the support of our many donors support of our many donors and and volunteers,” he said. The drinking water project started by the volunteers." volunteers of Kurla Jamatkhana is one among the many stories of hope and inspiration that - AKBAR MERCHANT have characterised our response to the pandemic. Through their work, the Kurla volunteers exemplify the values of Ismaili CIVIC: the courage to respond, the compassion to give back, and a deep and abiding sense of care for the community.

30 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 31 FROM HELPLINE TO LIFELINE IRAN THE STORY OF INDIA’S JAMATI HELPLINE

t all started at 5 AM in the helpline has received a variety of the morning when Aazam calls including those from Covid-19 Surani’s* father fell seriously patients, people who are dealing with ill. IAn ageing diabetic, he lost anxiety and depression, requests for sensation in his arm, then convulsed crisis assistance, and even calls for and collapsed. At that hour of help with routine activities that were the morning, in a moment of disrupted during the lockdown. Each desperation, Aazam did the only call is answered and referred to the thing he could think of: he called relevant institution, which then calls the Jamati Helpline number and on its volunteer teams to respond. within minutes, he was connected Each call is unique, requiring its own to a doctor on-call, who stayed with response team that often comprises him as the emergency unfolded. many volunteers from across An initial consultation revealed institutions who may not have worked that Aazam’s father would need or interacted with each other before. emergency hospital care; all at a time Yet, each call to the helpline unites when going to a hospital was itself their response, creating a coordinated a frightening experience. Within and seamless response strategy for the hour, a safety and security each caller. volunteer was at Aazam’s door, with Even in dealing with more a car safely repurposed as a Covid- complex issues around anxiety, stress, response vehicle. He drove Aazam and depression, the helpline has been and his father to the hospital, while able to provide a powerful response. the doctor remained on call for A confidential referral system has medical advice. At the end of the allowed healthcare professionals to Remains of Alamut Castle clinging to a crag day, Aazam’s father was able to get respond to these calls while protecting above the Valley of the Assassins in Iran emergency treatment in time and he the privacy of the caller, and still returned home. offering the care and consultation Aazam’s story is one among the required. hundreds of calls that have come into “The lockdown, for all its chaos, the Jamati Helpline since it started. was a catalyst for us as a community Launched in mid-March, as soon to take stock of the conversation as Jamatkhanas closed, the Jamati around mental health and to change FROM LOANS TO PHONE CALLS Helpline is a cross-institutional how we respond to it,” said Dr platform that unites dozens of Zahra Merchant, Chairman of the SUPPORTING IN MULTIPLE WAYS DURING THE PANDEMIC volunteers to serve the Jamat 24 Aga Khan Health Board for India. hours a day. Since the pandemic, the “Interventions like the helpline have helpline has become a vital lifeline normalised the discussion around hroughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the continued throughout the school year. for the India Jamat: offering advice, mental health, reinforcing that its ok Jamati institutions of Iran have continued To help safeguard the safety of senior members comfort, and emergency response in for us to feel this way and its ok to ask to provide support to members of the of the Jamat while maintaining social distancing at these trying times. for help.” JamatT in a variety of areas. the beginning of the cold season, the AKEPB in Iran Depending on the query, the “The helpline has been a lifeline The coronavirus outbreak led to remote teaching assigned volunteers in all regions to visit the senior helpline directs them to a vast and for the Jamat,” added Dr Noureen in schools, but many families did not have the members of the Jamat to install or check their heating complex network of volunteers, Hemani, a member of the Ismaili technological resources required to ensure their equipment, to ensure they could keep warm for the including on-call doctors, safety Council and the lead for the Jamati children could participate. Thankfully, the necessary winter months. and security volunteers, and mental Helpline. “It has really shown us that funds were provided to families in the form of a loan, to Since senior citizens are not able to have visitors, health professionals, among others. during a crisis, we have the capacity enable the purchase of electronic devices to facilitate volunteers phone them regularly and assist them A tracking system allows those who to come together, to work together, learning. Similarly, many members of the Jamat lost with daily necessities such as delivering groceries and manage the helpline to monitor and to adapt to a changing situation. their jobs or found their incomes had decreased. medicine. response times, coordinate across That sense of agility in responding to In particular, students who would have worked Early on in the pandemic, hand sanitiser was multiple institutions, and track case issues is key to the Helpline’s success.” over the summer to save money for their education distributed in all the Ismaili villages of the Qaeen closures. Over the last few months, *Names have been altered were no longer able to do so and were struggling to region, to all those living in the community. pay for tuition. The Aga Khan Economic Planning The institutions continue to support the Jamat Board (AKEPB) in Iran provided student loans and through the ongoing pandemic, finding solutions distributed books and stationery support packages wherever possible for members of the Jamat of all to those in need, ensuring that their education ages.

32 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 33 KENYA ISMAILI CIVIC KENYA PROVIDES SUPPORT IN THE BATTLE AGAINST COVID-19

hile the Covid-19 pandemic the spread of the virus and keep police officers safe. has affected people worldwide, Meanwhile in Nairobi, the Ismaili Council for developing countries and low-income Kenya and the Safety and Security Team donated communitiesW have been impacted disproportionately personal protective equipment to the National and are in dire need of assistance. As Kenya strove Police Service. The donation, which included to curb the spread of the virus, Jamati institutions medical-grade masks, gloves, sanitiser, and other in the country supported vulnerable communities essentials, was formally received by the Office of the through the Ismaili CIVIC initiative. Inspector General of the Police Service. Members of the Aga Khan Youth and Sports The lockdowns and economic downturn caused Board, supported by leaders and members of the by the pandemic meant that many vulnerable Jamat, visited the Shakeel Orphanage Centre communities were in need of basic food provisions. in Kisumu, home to 15 orphaned girls. Jamati Ismailis supplied rations to such communities in representatives provided the children with food for various cities in collaboration with partners. The Iftar as well as essential health supplies including Ismaili Council for Kenya, Nairobi Centre and soap, masks, sanitiser, hygiene products, and other the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board donated items. food items to the Red Cross for distribution to “We have been supporting this orphanage for vulnerable communities in Nairobi, including over four years now, and it is even more critical that packages for residents of the Mathare informal we continue to do so at this time. I hope we are settlement. The Council for Kenya, Mombasa AFRICAN JAMAT STEPS UP TO ASSIST THE making a difference,” said Imran Kanji, Youth and Centre donated food supplies to local authorities Sports Board Member for Kisumu. in Mombasa to be distributed to those in need. In VULNERABLE AMIDST THE COVID-19 CRISIS The Jamat of Mombasa supported the Kenya Kisumu, The Kisumu Centre and the Aga Khan Police Regional Team for the Coast by making a Hospital Kisumu donated food items to the Red donation of safety supplies that included gloves, Cross to support local vulnerable populations. s Covid-19 spread through Africa, members of Another effort to support the vulnerable was spearheaded surface sanitiser, personal protective equipment, Shamira Dostmohamed, President of the Ismaili the African Jamat mobilised as individuals and by young footballers from Nairobi, aged between 16 and 25 reusable and disposable face masks, hand sanitiser Council for Kenya, highlighted the motivation in groups to support vulnerable communities years. Jahazair Sumar, Qaiz Sumar, Illyan Janmohammed, and medicines. behind these initiatives, saying, “As Kenyans, it is that Awere bearing the brunt of the pandemic. From raising and Shayaan Rajan urged their family and friends to gather Ismaili Council members in Mombasa Aly our duty to help our brothers and sisters with basic awareness to providing economic assistance, Ismailis worked basic supplies which were donated to informal settlements Jamal, Rizwan Esmail, and Rafiq Jivraj formally essentials for their own safety and well-being. This in different ways to support their compatriots and mitigate and children’s homes. The effort provided aid to people presented the donation. Rashid A Yakub, Regional is very much in line with our Muslim ethics and the impact of Covid-19. Their efforts were an embodiment thrown into distressing circumstances by the pandemic. Kenya Police Commander, expressed his gratitude with the Kenyan Swahili notion of Tuko Pamoja of the Islamic values of service and compassion. Meanwhile in Namibia, the Rani Group undertook a for the donation and noted that it would help curb (We Are Together).” Since before this year, the Manji family have been series of initiatives to support an underprivileged community providing meals to underprivileged children every week of 30,000 people living in a remote part of northern through their charitable foundation. The family was Namibia. Members of the Jamat who are employed by the providing 350 meals every week before the pandemic and Rani Group also stepped up to support this endeavour. their efforts have grown in scale to meet the rising need for The Rani Group has been assisting the community for assistance after the onset of Covid-19. several years by providing them with bursaries and donations “My family and I come from a long tradition of serving to help meet their needs. After the onset of the pandemic, the local community in every way possible,” said Minaz members of the Jamat from the Rani Group collaborated Manji. “Our family made a decision to support the homeless with the Governor’s office to distribute two thousand litres many years ago. In January we provided 250 plates of food of hand sanitiser and made efforts to educate the community that we cooked at home.” about the importance of maintaining hygiene to stay safe Similarly, Alisha Popat and Talisa Lanoe worked with from the virus. their families to launch the #TasksForMasks campaign In addition to private efforts, The Rani Group also which promoted the use of masks and provided masks to supported relief efforts started by the government. They vulnerable communities in order to curb the spread of the collaborated with the High Commission of India to donate virus. food packages to the Ministry of External Affairs for “Our aim is to raise funds from our community to buy distribution to communities in need and made a donation to and then donate government-approved masks to the most the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, which pledged to provide vulnerable. In this initiative, we want to put them first,” 750 Namibian dollars (USD $45) to every individual they said. requesting assistance.

34 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 35 STUDENTS USE ART TO EXPRESS FEELINGS DURING PANDEMIC ga Khan Academy Mombasa Visual Arts teacher Donna Scott recently asked Year 6 students to expressA their feelings about the Covid-19 pandemic using art. Students were required to use the six elements of art – lines, value, space, shape, texture and colour – as their expressive tools. Explaining why it was significant for students to undertake such an initiative, Donna said: “I thought it was important for the students to have a chance to express their feelings about this huge upheaval in their lives and art is a powerful way to do that.” A GLIMPSE INTO AKDN’S RESPONSE TO Art has provided much needed respite for students amid the pandemic as it has been a positive way for them to explore and THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC connect with their expressive selves. Donna hopes that students will hold on to their art pieces to remind them of how they were able to overcome such an extraordinary time in their lives. “This is an unprecedented time in human history and I hope that the students keep these pieces as a memory.” Since lockdown, teachers in the Expressive Arts department have been using exciting methods to create engaging distance learning support for students to help them find comfort and cope with the new normal. Thie article was adapted from a story published on the Aga Khan Academies website.

ince the beginning of the Covid- Roche Pharmaceuticals are participating in 19 pandemic, the AKDN has been a global clinical trial for potential treatment working in all the countries where it of Covid associated pneumonia. In this operatesS to stop the spread, educate citizens, video, Professor Mansoor Saleh, Director and contribute to the global efforts to bring of the Cancer Centre & Clinical Research an end to the pandemic. In this video, Unit at the AKUH Nairobi, explains this we learn about how Aga Khan University first therapeutic trial in Covid pneumonia Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH Nairobi) and in the whole of East Africa.

36 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 37 Jamati institutions through Ismaili CIVIC gathered more than 150 people for the reforestation of 2,000 trees in Ambohidratrimo Anosiala.

ollowing the unprecedented or health (rice, flour, milk, soap, situation of the Covid-19 hydro-alcoholic gels, drinking water). pandemic and the appeal These donations have been given to launchedF by His Excellency the President certain ministries, town halls, and the MADAGASCAR of the Republic of Madagascar, Mr command centre of Covid-19 to ensure Andry Nirina Rajoelina, for national equity in the distribution. solidarity, the representatives of the "The contributions vary from a five Indian communities (Bohra, small amount to a large amount and that Hindu, Ithna Asheri, Ismaili, Sunni) is why today we achieved something of Madagascar decided to help by extraordinary because it comes from meeting and creating the Congrégation the heart," President Cheraly said. Indienne des Zanatany de Madagascar Since 26 March 26, CIZAMA (CIZAMA). has accomplished civic actions with During his speech, the President different organisations of the Malagasy of the Ismaili Council for Madagascar, State, in particular the City Hall of Pinou Cheraly, underlined the Antananarivo, the Ministry of Higher foundation of CIZAMA as a union of Education, the Ministry of Population, solidarity essentially due to the common the Ministry of Interior, and the origins of the five Indian communities Ministry of Justice. The following in Madagascar. were distributed: 1,260 bags of rice, "CIZAMA reunites all the 1,065 cartons of soap, 3,200 litres of communities without distinctions of oil, 22,000 packages of noodles, 100 religion. We are all united today by our cartons of noodles, 40,000 masks, 400 DEMONSTRATING Indian origins. What unites us all is our buckets, 300 bowls, and 200 basins of dialect, which is Gujarati," President water. SOLIDARITY Cheraly said. Donations for the fight against The term "Zanatany" or ”native Covid-19 were made partly in the child" in English, is a term of Malagasy capital city of Antananarivo but also in BETWEEN origin. It designates a person of foreign the province of Toamasina. origin, native and settled in Madagascar. "There are about 250 individuals COMMUNITIES The Ismaili community, like other or families who have participated in Indian communities, has been settled this solidarity effort. Our compatriots IN RESPONSE TO in Madagascar for more than 100 years in the provinces have taken example of and integrated into the local population. this solidarity," President Cheraly said. During the pandemic, the CIZAMA President Cheraly expressed his THE PANDEMIC collected the donations offered by each gratitude, considering the results of community in order to redistribute this huge mobilisation. He said our them to the Malagasy population. The intercommunity solidarity is the only donations included monetary donations asset we have today to ensure the future as well as products of basic necessities with greater serenity.

"The contributions vary from a ❝small amount to a large amount and that is why today we achieved something extraordinary because it comes from the heart." - PINOU CHERALY, PRESIDENT OF THE ISMAILI COUNCIL FOR MADAGASCAR

38 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 39 Dr Nelson Mucopo from Hospital Central da Beira accepts the donation from Vishal Charaniya on behalf of the Mozambique Jamat.

Maputo. The symbolic donation was made by the medical facility in the area and is relied upon by Portuguese Ambassador to Mozambique, Amélia many for healthcare services. The donation was Maio de Paiva, and by the Deputy to the AKDN made through Ismaili CIVIC, a global initiative MOZAMBIQUE Diplomatic Representative in Mozambique, Rui which brings Ismaili Muslims together to support Carimo. their local communities through voluntary service. Nazim Ahmad, AKDN Diplomatic A ceremony was held on 14 August 2020 JAMAT Representative to Mozambique, attended the to commemorate the donation where Hospital event via videoconference and highlighted that Director Dr Nelson Mucopo expressed his "This CONTRIBUTES the factory had “reorganised and reoriented its gratitude for the donation and noted that the production in order to also be able to support the protective equipment would be used by healthcare equipment country in combating Covid-19.” workers who take on constant risk as they work ❝ IN THE FIGHT Vitória Dias Diogo expressed gratitude for on the frontlines to treat those affected by Covid- is for the donation on behalf of the Mozambique 19. AGAINST COVID-19 government and praised the role played by the Vishal Charaniya, a representative of the Beira Covid-19 Moztex factory during the pandemic and in Jamat, commented, “Today we are offering masks s the Covid-19 pandemic spread across the larger context, saying that the factory has and gloves because many come to this facility protection the world and affected billions of lives, been, “showing vitality and bringing hope and when facing problems. This equipment is for mitigating its impact required the answers to the challenges of the new coronavirus. Covid-19 protection and the hospital will know and the effortsA of both governments and civil society. The This factory unit continues to operate in the how to make the most of it.” Imamat institutions and Jamat of Mozambique manufacture of clothing for export, guaranteeing Furthermore, the Jamats of Maputo and hospital will mobilised to support their communities, direct jobs, income, and livelihood for more than Matola participated in a blood donation camp healthcare institutions, and government during 600 workers, of whom 90% are women.” organised by the Health Portfolio of the Ismaili know how these challenging times. Teresa Rebeiro, Secretary of State for Foreign Council for Mozambique. The Covid-19 MOZAMBIQUE The AKDN partnered with the government Affairs and Cooperation of the Portuguese pandemic had caused a serious shortage of blood to make the of Portugal to donate 100,000 reusable masks Government, recognised the contribution of reserves and blood donation camps had been to the people of the province of Maputo, the AKDN saying: “Portugal, from the very first hour, suspended due to the pandemic. The Hospital most of it." capital of Mozambique, a former Portuguese organised itself so that it could quickly outline an Central de Maputo requested urgent assistance colony. The masks were produced by the Moztex health plan that could contribute to our partner and a blood donation camp was organised on 15 - VISHAL CHARANIYA, garment factory, a project of the Aga Khan Fund countries and Portuguese-speaking brothers could August 2020 at Edificio Sua Alteza Aga Khan in BEIRA for Economic Development (AKFED). As part have some relief from their difficulties… in the Maputo. of this same initiative, 5,000 reusable masks and elaboration of this plan, they could count on the The camp was organised with full consideration 100,000 surgical masks were also donated to invaluable help and participation of AKDN that for social distancing requirements during the healthcare professionals. has been a partner that honours us greatly.” pandemic. Masks and hand sanitiser were used The donation was made at the Moztex factory In the Beira province, the Jamat supported and blood donations were scheduled in groups of on 14 July 2020 in a ceremony attended by Vitória their local community by donating 3,000 N95 five to avoid crowding. The initiative garnered 40 The Serena Polana Hotel, Maputo, Mozambique. Dias Diogo, the Secretary of State and coordinator masks and 2,000 pairs of gloves to the Hospital blood donors and helped ease the dire need for Photo: AKDN / Jon Ivins of the response to Covid-19 for the province of Central da Beira. This hospital is the largest blood reserves in the hospital. 40 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 41 PAKISTAN

The new private wing at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.

oronaCheck, a new mobile application that allows users to conduct self-assessments at Chome while raising awareness of measures to prevent Covid-19, has been CORONAVIRUS launched by the Aga Khan University AKDN PARTNERS WITH EUROPEAN UNION TO Hospital (AKUH). SELF-ASSESSMENT MOBILE The self-assessment tool — an SUPPORT COVID-19 RESPONSE IN PAKISTAN interactive chatbot, driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) — allows users to APP LAUNCHED FOR PAKISTAN understand their symptoms, recognise whether they may have contracted ith the second wave of the coronavirus, six to distribute hygiene kits and protective equipment to Covid-19 and seek help in a timely AKDN agencies have come together to support remote communities, and on improving current sanitation manner. Pakistan’s health system to manage the spread infrastructure. It has also supported children to return to The tool has been adopted from of theW disease, with a focus on training and awareness-raising. school by installing handwashing stations like outside of Alberta Health Services and modified The work forms part of a 17-month emergency school buildings and other critical locations. by AKUH experts to meet both local programme aimed at responding to the outbreak in Gilgit- As the Network’s local representative, the Aga Khan Rural contexts and the evolving epidemiology Baltistan and Chitral. The programme aims to reach nearly Support Programme (AKRSP) is well positioned to disseminate of the disease. It aims to identify 1.5 million people with critical information about prevention messages to communities, and particularly ones that help potential coronavirus carriers, limit and mitigation, while strengthening the healthcare system guide behaviour changes around hygiene practices. Up-to- their risk of transmission, and seek and community response. It is supported by the EU’s Civil date clinical information and prevention strategies received help from official, designated national Protection and Humanitarian Operations Unit (ECHO). from AKDN’s health agencies – in line with the Ministry of helplines listed within the app. The Aga Khan Heath Services, the Aga Khan University Health and World Health Organization guidance – are being Since myths and misconceptions Hospital and the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and disseminated to local populations. AKRSP has also conducted regarding Covid-19 have been Midwifery (AKHS, AKUH and AKU-SONAM respectively) training sessions with Local Support Organisations (LSOs) fuelling panic nationwide and further have organised a series of training sessions for staff, government across communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral so that the contributing to the spread of the disease, partners and other AKDN agencies, on infection prevention LSO members can pass on this learning to their networks. CoronaCheck also features educational and control, clinical management, community awareness, To date, 355 patients have benefitted from the free testing videos, translated in local languages, to sample collection and laboratory testing. Additionally, AKHS centres; 84 training workshops have been conducted; and in combat unverified information that is has set up five Covid-19 response centres and two free-of- 20 government health facilities and over 60 Aga Khan health circulating on social media platforms. charge testing centres to bolster the government’s disease centres, healthcare workers treating Covid-19 patients have It also includes official information, control efforts. received personal protective equipment in order to work such as best practices, advice on self- All the agencies involved are conducting awareness– effectively and safely. assessment, precautions, the need for raising campaigns, to help educate broad audiences on ways Given that much of the work focuses on behaviour change, physical distancing and self-care for to live with Covid-19, managing the many every day and the impact is anticipated to endure well beyond the life of the Covid-19, published by sources such psychological challenges. programme. This ongoing work has been key to supporting as the World Health Organization The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) is working the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to tackle the outbreak. (WHO).

42 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 43 A HOLISTIC APPROACH: PAKISTAN'S COVID-19 RESPONSE

By Henna Tajani, Faiza Virani, and Jasmine Ajanee medical expenses. masks and soap to labourers, guided them on their n 2020, the onset of a global pandemic affected Jamati donors, AKDN institutions, and proper usage, and discussed quarantine measures to all regions and communities in Pakistan. governmental agencies have contributed towards be taken if they suspect illness. Along with the spread of a contagious disease the provision of ration bags, while local volunteers AKSWB Karimabad, among other activities, andI grievous loss of life, the pandemic created a need have played an instrumental role in packaging took on the task of verifying the weekly status of for lockdowns and physical distancing which slowed and delivering them. At both the regional and seniors living on their own during the pandemic. the economy, plunged many into financial crisis, local levels, institutions are working to assist the The team checked on them every two days ensuring and isolated vulnerable segments of society. Since Jamat according to the needs of their jurisdictions. they had basic necessities, household support, and March, Jamati institutions in Pakistan mobilised at Approximately 1,000 ration packs were distributed medicines — and delivered these items when needed. the national, regional, and local levels to help the amongst underprivileged Jamati members. As Furthermore, as both seniors and differently-abled Jamat through this crisis. senior citizens are especially vulnerable at this time, Jamati members were confined to their home, In Southern and Central Pakistan, the Aga AKHB and AKHS are in regular contact with them, the AKSWB team delivered gift boxes, following Khan Health Board (AKHB) has been helping arranging tele-screenings and teleconsultations, and all standards of practice, which included food patients gain access to medical treatment and secure organising testing for those who require it. AKSWB paraphernalia, a safety mask, an Urdu and Gujrati hospital beds. Those who require transportation to volunteers also delivered medication to senior user manual, and an art book for differently-abled hospitals and isolation centres are being assisted citizens who required extra assistance or provisions. children to promote their health and wellbeing. by volunteers from AKHB and the local councils. AKSWB for the Central Region launched a In addition, the Ismaili Council for Thoi and In Gilgit-Baltistan, the Aga Khan Health Service “Golden Angels Continuous Learning Programme” Yasin, in an effort to minimise the risk of contracting (AKHS) has partnered with the government to which is an ITREB initiative aimed at engaging the Covid-19 and in order to create awareness in the increase the capacity of medical facilities while sister elderly on a virtual platform through interactive community, carried out disinfection drives of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) agencies sessions. This initiative aimed to simultaneously susceptible or suspected areas. They also informed have established quarantine centres in Chitral, in develop technical skills and the confidence required the Jamat about key messages, the use of masks collaboration with the government. to participate in digital platforms, at a time when and gloves, frequent handwashing, and physical Overall, Jamati members who are unable to physical interactions remain limited. distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. afford testing and treatment are being assisted In mid-March, the Ismaili Council and Health As the crisis persists, the Councils and Jamati with patient welfare. The Ismaili Council and the Board for Ishkoman Puniyal Region established institutions have been working tirelessly to continue Aga Khan Social Welfare Board (AKSWB) have committees to combat Covid-19. These committees, to expand their Covid-19 response initiatives. provided financial support to thousands of Jamati called the Emergency Response Team, comprised These programmes will help the Jamat minimise households through the provision of ration bags the Jamatkhana Emergency Response Team infections and regain stable financial footing. The and cash support for food, housing, and medical (JERT), Local Emergency Response Team (LERT) Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), the Aga Khan Fund expenses. Customised software has been created by and Regional Emergency Response Team (RERT), for Economic Development (AKFED), and Jamati AKSWB to process requests as efficiently as possible. ready to overcome any emergencies arising from the donors from around the world have contributed to For example, the AKSWB for Karimabad supported Covid-19 pandemic. fund the Covid-19 response effort. unemployed Jamati members by providing a The Boy Scouts for Ishkoman Puniyal cluster digital platform to sell food products during Eid. celebrated Labour Day with the labourers of Additionally, underprivileged Jamati families who Gahkuch through awareness sessions regarding tested positive or had symptoms of Covid-19, precautionary and preventive measures of Covid-19 underwent testing with financial support to cover and during emergency situations. They provided

44 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE TRANSLATING CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION FOR MIGRANT COMMUNITIES IN LISBON ecause many migrants in Lisbon do checklist of habitability and feasibility criteria not speak Portuguese, they cannot for home isolation” in order to assess the need gain access to key Covid-19 health for quarantine internment. messages.B The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) in AKF in Portugal does not have a health Portugal has been working with the government portfolio but works in collaboration with the and volunteer translators to ensure that they do. public health system and migrant communities AKF’s Sandra Almeida discusses the work being to ensure that migrants can contribute to, done by AKF and volunteers. participate in, and benefit from the healthcare Briefly, what is the current situation in system. PORTUGAL Lisbon as it relates to Covid-19? Who benefits We immediately started by translating these from this work? Are they vulnerable? How? documents into English and, after having them Portugal has not been as badly hit by Covid- validated by health professionals, engaged our 19 as its neighbour Spain but it is vulnerable. It network of migrant representatives to translate has more citizens aged over 80 than anywhere them into other languages. Soon we had several in the EU except Italy and Greece, and a health volunteers to support this endeavour, and service that is poorly equipped and underfunded. literally overnight, the leaflet was translated It also has the lowest number of critical care beds into Bengali, Hindi, Nepali and Urdu. It was per 100,000 people in the EU. amazing to see this response. The following

PORTUGUESE JAMAT SEES COVID-19 AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW AS A COMMUNITY

he Covid-19 pandemic has brought on the tourism sector. With the Secretary of State many economic challenges to families for Tourism as one of the keynote speakers, the and businesses around the world. conference addressed subjects such as the future Lisbon is home to a large number of migrant day these resources started to circulate among TIn Portugal, the Institutions and Jamat saw of the hotel industry and the various existing Asian communities from Bangladesh, India, health centres and are now being used by health this as an opportunity to bring the community government supports, given the importance of Nepal, Pakistan and other countries, who often professionals. members together and work closely to prepare for this sector not only for the country but also for live in cramped conditions in the multicultural Next AKF Portugal were requested by ACES the future. many members of the Jamat. centre of the city. It is not unusual for eight people Lisboa Central to translate three additional One of the initiatives promoted by the Aga These sessions allowed the Institutions to reach to share a room in an apartment with only one documents: “10 tips to follow for isolation Khan Economic Planning Board for Portugal the stakeholders more efficiently, contributing to bathroom. As such, these groups are particularly at home”, “Isolation measures recommended was the launch of a series of conferences on the creation of a spirit of mutual help among the vulnerable to the spread of Covid-19, and this for people sharing the same household with a various topics, from new professions and new various entrepreneurs of our Jamat. The attendees vulnerability is exacerbated by the fact that there suspected or infected Covid-19 person”, and opportunities in the labor market, to innovation considered it useful as there was a share of reliable are very few Covid-19 related health messages in “Procedures to avoid spreading the virus.” and the future of the tourism sector. and updated information on the various supports languages other than Portuguese. English versions were produced by AKF. Each of these virtual conferences had over 250 and measures that were being taken, helping to Tell us about this project: Who is involved The Bengali, Nepali and Hindi versions soon participants and panels of renowned speakers, save many businesses and jobs. and what are they doing? What is AKF’s role? followed, after being translated by AKF’s something that was only possible as everyone had This spirit of mutual help is strongly rooted in To support these vulnerable migrant volunteer network. Audio files of the “10 tips more time available to dedicate and to share their our community and was, through these initiatives, communities, many of whom cannot read to follow” were then produced by the volunteers knowledge. strongly encouraged as it is a great solution to Portuguese, the Lisbon Central Cluster of Health with support from AKF and uploaded to An example of great success was the conference build a better future. Centres (ACES Lisboa Central) requested AKF YouTube to make sure the information could Portugal to help translate the official “evaluation reach as many people as possible.

46 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 47 AKDN PORTUGAL PARTNERS WITH OEIRAS CITY COUNCIL TO SUPPORT LUSOPHONE AFRICA IN WAKE OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

he Aga Khan Development the national and local government, the Network today partnered Portuguese Cooperation Agency and with the Oeiras Municipal other civil society organisations. CouncilT to provide medical and This was followed by a contribution individual protection equipment to of 2 ventilators, 10,000 surgical masks, Guinea-Bissau, in support to the 10,000 pairs of gloves and 2,000 reusable country’s response to the coronavirus masks to Cabo Verde. The material will pandemic. The contribution is the first be delivered to the Cape Verdeans health of a series of five in-kind contributions authorities in an effort to support the to Lusophone Africa. Guinean National Health Institute and In a joint initiative envisaging the World Health Organisation (WHO) cooperation with African Portuguese- in their response towards the growing speaking Countries (PALOP), the Aga number of Covid-19 cases in the country. Khan Development Network (AKDN) The contribution was made to the and the Oeiras Municipal Council, Ambassador of Cabo Verde in Lisbon. contributed 2 ventilators, 50,000 Mr Eurico Monteiro by the Diplomatic surgical masks, 50,000 pairs of gloves, Representative of the Ismaili Imamat, 2,000 reusable masks and 12 infrared Nazim Ahmad, and the Vice-President thermometers to Guinea-Bissau. of the Oeiras Municipal Council, Mr The material will be delivered to Francisco Rocha Gonçalves, at the the Guinean health authorities in an Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat. effort to support the Guinean National In the third of five contributions to Health Institute and the World Health African Portuguese Speaking Countries Organisation (WHO) in their response by the City Council of Oeiras and the towards the growing number of Covid- Aga Khan Development Network, 2 19 cases in the country. ventilators, 10,000 surgical masks, The contribution was made to the 10,000 pairs of gloves and 2,000 Ambassador of Guinea-Bissau in Lisbon. reusable masks were offered to São Tomé Mr Hélder Vaz, by the Diplomatic and Príncipe. The delivery was made by Representative of the Ismaili Imamat, the Vice President of the City Council Nazim Ahmad, and the Vice-President of Oeiras Francisco Rocha Gonçalves of the Oeiras Municipal Council, Mr and the Diplomatic Representative of Francisco Rocha Gonçalves, at the the Imamat Ismaili, Nazim Ahmad in a Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat. ceremony which took place on 4 June This is the first of a series of in-kind 2020 at the AKDN building in Lisbon. contributions that will be made to several This initiative responds to the health Lusophone countries in Africa, namely crisis caused by Covid-19, by addressing Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde concerns about the access to medical and Sao Tomé and Principe, for which treatment and Personal Protection AKDN has been joining efforts with Equipment, which are scarce in these other Portuguese stakeholders, including developing countries.

48 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 49 CARING FOR CANCER PATIENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC SYRIA

Mausoleum of Aly Khan in Salamieh, Syria

SUPPORTING SYRIAN SENIORS WITH PHONE CALLS

he Syrian Jamat, especially its seniors, economic situation. Alongside their concerns, n the wake of the Covid-19 to continue the transportation service has felt the severe impact of the seniors shared optimism through stories of pandemic and institutional closures, because of cancer patients’ urgent need to coronavirus pandemic. Due to the resilience. Through these phone calls, seniors the Aga Khan Health Board access available treatment in Damascus. JamatkhanaT closures and elderly programme were provided the space and the opportunity to (AKHB)I and Health Services (AKHS) Standardised prevention measures cancellations, seniors lost their place of gathering talk about how they were spending their time faced an unprecedented challenge in the were implemented on every trip to for prayer, meditation, and social integration. and coping during quarantine. form of transportation services for the Damascus. The number of buses increased In response, the Jamat formed a post- The most interesting thing is the advice that cancer patients programme. AKHB and to allow for greater social distancing. trauma team in Salamieh, whose goal was to elders have provided to the post-trauma team AKHS had two options: continue patient Buses were sterilised before travelling and maintain engagement and spread awareness in return. Some seniors suggested books to read transportation services from Salamieh to after returning, and temperature checks about Covid-19 to seniors in the community. and spoke to them about prevention procedures. Al-Biruni Hospital in Damascus, where were performed on individuals before The team started making phone calls to gauge Some started remembering Syria Mulaqat in treatment was implemented or halt boarding. Volunteers were responsible for how seniors were coping with Jamatkhana 2008 and reminisced about it. transportation altogether due to the risk the adherence to all necessary measures. closures and to encourage safety and prevention Every senior case was studied by a specialised of Covid-19 exposure, especially for this As a testament to the programme’s success measures. Volunteers received a warm response team and was referred to boards and committees immunocompromised population. Both and the vigilance of volunteers, no cases from seniors in the community, which often as needed, in order to follow up with their cases AKHB and AKHS, in collaboration with of Covid-19 have been recorded among led to conversations about physical and mental and provide assistance. the Ismaili Council president decided the group of cancer patients. wellbeing. Seniors expressed concerns about the The post-trauma team’s work is continuous; spread of the disease, their children’s health, the plan is to continue communicating with all the lack of medicine, and the deteriorating Jamati elders living in Syria.

50 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 51 "I believe people sew masks to distribute for free in his (blessing) when you help others.” village. His goal is to provide everyone Ghulomidinov, a veterinarian, has should support with a mask in his small village called been a volunteer CERT member serving TAJIKISTAN ❝ Emc in the Rushon District. his community since 2010. He hopes each other during Even before the first official cases of that the situation will improve soon Covid-19 were identified in Tajikistan, around the world and in Tajikistan. In difficult times and Ghulomidinov used his own resources the meantime, he will continue to help to clean and disinfect the school where his community face this crisis as he has contribute what all the children of his village attend. with others before. He and his fellow Speaking about his motivation, he CERT members are providing critical they have at their talks of an “inner power, a desire to help information to communities, promoting others in this difficult situation when Covid-19 awareness, and protection disposal." people are in need of basic protective measures including handwashing, items, such as masks. It is a barakat wearing masks, and social distancing. - SHIRINSHOEV SAIDIMRON, SHUJAND

THE BLESSING OF HELPING OTHERS: TAJIKISTAN’S HEROES IN ACTION

embers of the Jamat in When Shirinshoev learned about Tajikistan are helping their the Covid-19 pandemic and its spread communities — which to Tajikistan, he wanted to contribute are Mat high risk of natural disasters — to help protect his community. From as part of the Community Emergency his own savings, he purchased fabric Response Team (CERT), an integral part and asked a fellow CERT volunteer to of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat's sew masks, which he is distributing for (AKAH) emergency management free across his community. activities. “I believe people should support AKAH provides ongoing support each other during difficult times and and training to CERTs, in line with contribute what they have at their its mission to reinforce community disposal,” said Shirinshoev, highlighting disaster resilience and emergency the importance of CERT volunteers in management capacity. Shirinshoev raising awareness and supporting their Saidimron, a 53-year-old resident of community in whatever way possible. Shujand village of Rushon District in Another member of the team, the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Ghulomidinov Navruzshoh, was also Oblast (GBAO) of Tajikistan, has been inspired to act after seeing people a volunteer member of a CERT for nine continue about their daily lives without years. Today, he is the team leader of his any protective equipment, because CERT, helping his community prepare masks were not available in his village. for disasters and providing emergency He also purchased fabric, which he gave assistance when they strike. to three other residents of his village, to

52 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 53 In high mountain areas of Badakhshan,Tajikistan, AKAH works with local communities to build irrigation channels, pathways, and other structural ON THE FRONTLINE OF THE COVID-19 mitigation projects to protect communities from the effects of avalanches, flooding, RESPONSE IN TAJIKISTAN mud slides and rock falls. Photo: AKDN / Christopher Wilton-Steer hen 12 years ago I got severely connections with the local medical equipment injured and lost both of my providers helped him to easily find and purchase legs below the knees in a car the necessary medicines and appliances in large accident,“W a group of our community volunteers quantities even during the severe shortages. helped me to get back to a normal life. I was so Oraz and his dedicated team not only found inspired by the dedication and passion of these all the essentials, but also managed to purchase volunteers for helping me and changing my life, them with a discount, thus saving money for that I decided to become one myself,” proudly some other necessary items. recalls Oraz. When the first batch was ready to be shipped Oraz Yokutkhonov, a 22-year-old medical in May to Badakhshon, Oraz decided to deliver it student and volunteer of the Tajikistan Ismaili personally despite his disability and an exhausting community, rummages through a pile of papers 12-hour drive. with contact details of community beneficiaries “I feel so privileged to have touched the lives that he has to visit for a medical check-up today. of many people through my volunteer activities. With a smile on his face, heartfelt compassion, When people say ‘it’s working for nothing,’ I and most profound dedication, he shows what he tell them there is nothing more precious than is best at – serving his community. Taking a last the grateful look in the eyes of those who have sip of his herbal tea, making sure to take all his felt the warmth of my sincere help,” emotionally medical devices, and having done all the meeting highlights Oraz. appointments, he rushes towards the door to The campaign was completed with the change the lives of his community members — delivery of the medical essentials to the Khorog just like someone did for him some 12 years ago. Children’s Hospital in July. During the Coovid- Today, Oraz is mainly busy providing first- 19 outbreak, many community volunteers like hand medical support for Covid positive patients Oraz joined efforts to serve their communities. getting medical treatment at home. However, Oraz continues to provide basic medical services, during the peak of the Covid-19 outbreak in such as setting droppers and delivering medicines Tajikistan, Oraz managed one of the biggest among many other activities. AKF LAUNCHES COVID-19 PROJECT TO ADDRESS Covid-19 response campaigns led by community “Oraz continues to defy the odds to make a volunteers. As a team leader of the young medical substantial difference in the lives of his community volunteers, he facilitated the purchase, packaging, members, which has made him an invaluable FOOD SECURITY IN TAJIKISTAN and delivery of food, medical equipment, high- member of our volunteer team,” said Zanjirbek n emergency project aimed at reducing Abdulalishoev, AKF’s CEO in Tajikistan. “It is of quality hospital beds, basic medicines, hygiene Bakhtiyorov, Volunteer Coordinator at the Ismaili Tajikistan's vulnerability to Covid-19- utmost importance to invest in and protect food essentials, and other vital commodities to the Centre Dushanbe. related food insecurity will benefit an security today rather than rebuild it tomorrow.” most remote areas of Bartang valley, Roshtqala Oraz dreams of having a family and estimatedA 11,985 people (5,865 women and girls) Food “stability” in the most vulnerable and Ishkashim districts, and Khorog city. The becoming a successful doctor at the Khorog Aga directly and about 80,395 indirectly. communities will be addressed by unconditional two-month fundraising project, which started Khan Medical Centre, but most of all he wants The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), with the cash/food transfer for the poor and food-insecure in May 2020, was initiated by the Badakhshan to become an inspiration. An inspiration for support of the Government of Switzerland, has households. Hadi Husani, the CEO of the Aga Khan community living abroad and fully implemented other people to strive for a better future of their successfully launched the project in 12 districts of Agency for Habitat (AKAH) in Tajikistan, states that: by Oraz and his team members. His good communities. Khatlon region, Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous “during this difficult time, when families have seen Oblast, Sughd region and Rasht Valley of Tajikistan. their ability to purchase food diminished, this project The project aims to address limited access will work to address the needs of the most vulnerable. to agricultural products, low water and land In our continued partnership with the Committee of productivity, lack of high quality seeds and fertilisers Emergency Situations and Civil Defense (COESCD) – all of which can exacerbate food insecurity, and the Government of Switzerland, this support malnutrition and vulnerability to the virus. The will support addressing a critical need identified by 3,600 kg of food project focuses on increasing agriculture production the COESCD Humanitarian Emergency Response commodities, 67 and improving agriculture output through the Strategy for Tajikistan.” pieces of medical provision of critical irrigation infrastructure and The Project is funded by the Government equipment, 84 improved access to quality agricultural inputs such of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for high-quality as seeds and fertilisers. Improved irrigation systems Development and Cooperation (SDC Humanitarian hospital beds, and water access will not only increase agriculture Aid) and implemented by Mountain Societies production but also create new arable land leading to Development Support Program (MSDSP) and the basic medicines, enhanced agriculture productivity and efficient use Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH). Within this hygiene essentials, of natural resources. project, collaboration is envisaged with UN WFP, and other vital “The project is in line with, and contributes Ministry of Agriculture, Regional, District and Oraz Yokutkhonov is a 22-year- commodities were towards, the plans of the Government of Tajikistan Sub-District government authorities, Water User old medical student and provided to to aimed at reducing the national economy's exposure Associations and Village Organisations in the project volunteer of the Tajikistan Ismaili Oraz (in the middle) unloading the most remote to potential risks of Covid-19,” says Kishwar target areas. community. the truck with commodities. Jamat. 54 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 55 Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, TANZANIA Tanzania Photo: AKDN

HOW A PREGNANT MOTHER SURVIVED CORONAVIRUS

he following video, of a pregnant mother who contracted Covid-19, is a testimony to the dedication and commitment of the staff of the AgaT Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam. It is another example of how the Hospital and its Primary and Outreach Health Centres have actively supported the Government’s efforts to provide care to patients, education to communities and other forms of support during Covid-19. The Aga Khan Health Service, Tanzania (AKHS,T) is one of the longest serving not-for-profit private health care institutions in Tanzania, having established the first health dispensary in Dar es Salaam in 1929. The recent expansion and modernisation of the Hospital has enabled it to provide a significantly higher level of specialised care, combining cutting-edge technology with highly skilled human resources. In addition, 23 outreach centres allow AKHS to reach out to communities across Tanzania and provide integrated health services. 56 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 57 UNPRECEDENTED TIMES CALL FOR TRANSFORMING EDUCATION PRACTICES By Sara Alidina chool closures in response to Covid-19 have taken a toll on countless students worldwide. While trying to adapt with remote learning environments, students have relied heavilyS on the support of their parents, teachers, and mentors. Within the Tanzania and Zambia Jamat, several institutions worked tirelessly to provide students with the necessary opportunities to help them excel in their education. The Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB), Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) and Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board (ITREB) are institutions that quickly adapted to ensure continued effective learning for students. The leaders of these institutions strongly felt it vital to carry out initiatives such as the IXL education platform and the CodeMonkey programme during school closures, not only for the students to keep up with the curriculum, but also provide activities to keep them engaged. These initiatives reinforced the love for learning, while also encouraging parental involvement, which broke barriers and online platform with the same curriculum. ITREB also engaged Furthermore, the AKEB drive-thru encouraged new students to encouraged relationships at home. students and the Jamat with religious content through posting start participating in AKEB activities like IXL. The IXL education platform and CodeMonkey programmes “Ilm of the Week” short videos on different historic and cultural As much as the switch to remote learning brought numerous have highly supported students from pre-Kindergarten to Grade events for the Jamat on the national Jamati communication challenges, such as ensuring the privacy and safety of students 12 during the pandemic. While CodeMonkey teaches coding platforms. using online platforms, it also raised awareness on different by incorporating mathematical skills, IXL focuses on English, Expressing the impact of educators, a Bait-ul Ilm teacher online methods of working and communication amongst people mathematics and science skills. Normally, IXL clinics would be said, “Teachers can create an environment in which both they in the Jamat who would otherwise have not have been exposed in person, however, they were altered and carried out through and their students feel empowered for remote teaching and to these working habits. different methods at home, along with the introduction to learning.” In the future, these institutions aim to continue introducing expedition activities and an AKEB online support hotline. The switch to remote learning has been a positive transition, more activities. AKEB plans to launch a cycling hunt, mountain The high participation and students’ achievements were despite challenges of network connectivity. Overall, student climbing and visits to national parks; ECDC plans to empower reflected during recent drive-thru award ceremonies for IXL in participation in AKEB and ECDC activities increased. The parents and facilitators while continuing with online sessions June and September. number of ECDC students increased since many parents who for wider access; ITREB aims to introduce online engagement Likewise, ECDC also developed distance-learning weekly were previously unable to take their children to the physical sessions for the youth and gather resources to share with the Jamat curriculums for young learners of the Jamat. Before Covid-19, ECDC classes could now engage in the activities from home. through their involvement in the Africa ITREB Collaboration. ECDC planned interactive sessions, which included singing, dancing, story times, hands on activities, and cognitive learning. However, the pandemic turned the tables and required parents to fulfill the roles of facilitators and carry out activities at home to continue children’s development during this formative time of their growth. “The activities from ECDC, among others, kept our kids busy and occupied during the recent times when we had to stay at home,” one parent said. “We bonded well through songs, readings and other sensory play activities, such as sand and ball play. Learning is best and most effectively achieved through play and engagement and this is the trajectory that ECDC Tanzania follows.” ECDC volunteers supported parents using video and phone calls to summarise session plans. A variety of lesson plans were provided to ensure flexibility and comfort. The sessions at home were recorded and shared with other parents and the Jamat, hence encouraging a sense of community despite being physically apart. Correspondingly, ITREB also transitioned religious education to remote learning. Prior to Covid-19, ITREB focused on a physical classroom set up for Bait-ul Ilm; however, quickly switched to an

58 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 59 MARTHA’S STORY: LIVING WITH DISABILITY DURING COVID-19 aigino Martha is deaf. She lives day, not even breakfast. I thanked God that with her sister about 30km outside the money came in time, and I rushed out to of the Ugandan capital, Kampala. buy sugar so that we could have breakfast – we Martha,N like many others, works as a casual had been living without breakfast for so long, labourer at a factory on the outskirts of the on just one meal a day.” city. She has not been able to work since The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), in lockdown began. partnership with NUWODU, has provided Covid-19 and the resultant restrictions cash relief to support the most critical needs have made her life very difficult. On 31 of women and girls with disabilities as well as March, the Ugandan government announced to share life-saving health information. a nationwide lockdown and curfew to prevent Martha is luckily among the very few who the spread of Covid-19. The government can afford a mobile phone, allowing her to also issued a set of guidelines that have access information and receive money through created serious challenges for mobility, a mobile payment system. However, there are access to basic needs and services including still a significant number of women and girls food and medication, and participation in who are yet to be reached, either because they UGANDA income generating activities that have left do not have phones, or because they have yet persons with disabilities (PWDs), who are to be identified. NUWODU and AKF are already vulnerable, doubly affected by these continuing to focus their efforts on locating restrictions. and providing support to this most vulnerable While the government has distributed group. food to many of the most vulnerable families, Since 2018, AKF has been working with Martha has not yet received any. Her women and youth focussed Disabled Persons Aga Khan High School, Kampala, Uganda. circumstances mean that Martha and her sister Organisation’s (DPOs) in Uganda. Particular cannot afford or access food, basic healthcare, attention has been paid to those groups that Photo: AKDN / Lucas Cuervo Moura or protective items like hand sanitiser. operate as part of a network of organisations as “I will not forget the day NUWODO these allow greater reach; especially important (National Union of Women with Disabilities when face-to-face communication is restricted. of Uganda) sent me the money,” said Naigino This text was adapted from a story published Martha. “We did not have anything to eat that on AKF UK website. JAMAT IN UGANDA FUNDS COVID ISOLATION AND TREATMENT CENTRE IN KAMPALA he ripples of Covid-19 hit East Africa a few months and Aga Khan Health Services, the renovation of the “special after the December 2019 outbreak in East Asia. care ward” at Kibuli was completed to a high standard, with Apart from health and safety efforts, the Ismaili a 25 bed facility accommodating separate male and female CouncilT began to look into creating a facility to help the wards along with some isolation rooms. The unit was stocked government in its pandemic response. with ventilators, patient monitors, ECG machines, oxygen In anticipation that the health care infrastructure in Uganda cylinders and pharmaceutical supplies. Training on the use of would find it hard to cope with an exponential rise of cases, the donated equipment was conducted for 17 staff from the Kibuli Kibuli Muslim Hospital was renovated and converted into an Hospital ranging from nurses, anaesthesiologists, anaesthetic isolation and treatment center for Covid-19. officers and medical officers. Historically, the Ismaili Council for Uganda has worked As the ward is to be currently used for Covid-19 cases, with the Kibuli Muslim Hospital on several health camps. adequate stock of personal protective equipment has been These camps have raised awareness of non communicable arranged to ensure the safety of health care professionals serving diseases (NCD), as well as screenings and referrals of the there. The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi and Aga community residing around Kibuli area. Other generous Khan Health Services, East Africa have provided guidance over Jamati members have privately supported the health facility in the purchase of equipment and suppliers. These collaborative large infrastructure projects. The hospital is next door to the efforts have ensured the successful set up of the isolation and Kibuli Mosque, whose history is closely linked to the history treatment centre are compliant with the regulations laid down of Islam in the country. Prince Aly Aga Khan visited Uganda by the Ministry of Health, Uganda. Furthermore, the special in 1941, and wanted to assist in building a mosque on the site. care ward will become a permanent fixture in the hospital. After He laid the Foundation stone in 1941 and the mosque opened the pandemic, the ward will become an intensive care unit, in 1951. renal dialysis unit and cardiac care unit for Kibuli Hospital, as With the generosity of donors from the Uganda Jamat the hospital is sorely lacking these services.

60 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 61 repatriation flights during a time when suspected of being infected. The response UNITED these were rare and the clarity of residence unit provided health advice, emotional status uncertain. Jamati Institutions in support, and assistance with logistics. Pakistan facilitated a collaborative process In one example, an elderly gentleman of ‘Painless Uprooting,’ warmly receiving with diabetes tested positive for Covid- ARAB members of the Jamat and assisting in 19 when no hospital beds were available. their process of resettlement. Relegated to a temporary Covid-19 A murid, who faced homelessness due camp in a dense population of concern, to a loss of owed salary, was assisted with the team assumed the role of providing EMIRATES both emotional and monetary support health advice and monitoring of the while she waited for flights to open in patient alongside the attending physician. order to return to her home country. Furthermore, the team provided comfort “…today I am not alone. My spiritual and infection prevention strategies for the brothers and sisters are with me. I feel rest of the family. The gentleman returned very proud of the support I have received home healthy a week later, confirming the from our institutions. I was alone, efficacy of care at the field hospitals. worried, and ill. Because I had no work, At a humanitarian level, the there was no income. Because of your ‘handholding’ team assists with food, help, today I feel very comfortable. I do shelter, healthcare related financial not have words to say thank you. Thanks, assistance, and repatriation. A woman Thanks, Thanks.” with a high-risk pregnancy was cared The ‘Thinking Beyond Covid- for in a safe location while her husband 19’ team responded to the job loss recovered from Covid-19 in isolation. As situation by forming digital alliances and a result, the baby was born healthy and leveraging a trade hub and job placement the family was reunited post recovery. Situated across the road from the Ismaili programme within the region. This In the quest to maintain resilience, Centre Dubai, the Dubai Park is a gift from enabled swift employment for individuals telephone hotlines, e-health, e-financial Mawlana Hazar Imam to the city of Dubai. with transferable skills to new economic and e-legal clinics became readily Photo: Gary Otte sectors and parallel positions in the same available in conjunction with continuous industries where possible. Webinars on webinars on wellness. Collaborations skills training, secondary income creation, with external mental health organisations and professional alliances within the were established to increase institutional community added to financial resilience. capacity and empower the Jamat to Moving forward, an e-business directory manage this stressful time in a holistic will be launched alongside industry manner. specific professional alliances reflecting The speed and accuracy of information the “One Jamat” ethos across the globe. to and from the ‘Regional Coordination’ From a health and wellness team adds to the efficiency of response and FORTITUDE AND RESILIENCE PAVE THE WAY perspective, the United Arab Emirates learning, which, in turn, builds capacity (UAE) Government has been proactive in for both the Jamat and the institutions. FOR THE GULF JAMAT its approach to provision of medical care Whether one requires hand holding, for the afflicted, access to testing centres financial advice, monetary assistance, for those with symptoms, and swift and language translation, interpretation of efficient construction of field hospitals. the law, or help in negotiating their rental esilience and fortitude have taken expatriate translates into uprooting of In addition, strong enforcement of social and business agreements, there exists a on an entirely new meaning for life and immediate repatriation to a distancing and sanitised public spaces qualified pool of volunteers to assist in individuals, organisations, and home country that may no longer be have contributed towards keeping the English, Urdu, and Arabic. The volunteer institutionsR in the Covid-19 era. While home. Most of our Jamat from Northern level of infections and deaths well below help lines are managed for approximately the past has sometimes faded into a Pakistan returned there earlier in the global averages. 18 hours a day, while the institutional blur, the present and future give rise to Covid-19 curve because their industries When comparing the Covid-19 members are continuously planning, a flexible and courageous mindset where were among the first to shut down. responses around the world, CNN’s reacting, and strategising on the best way intelligence and compassion are key. With limited transferable skills, their Becky Anderson and Richard Horton, forward. Faced with evolving governance, main deciding factors were (i) whether Editor-in-Chief of the Lancet medical “At an institutional level, we have repatriation laws, and unsupportive they could secure work in the same journal, commended the UAE’s bold merged our skill sets, and adopted roles employers, as the pandemic set in, the industry and (ii) whether wages would leadership. “This comes down to a beyond our mandates. For example, Ismaili Council for the UAE responded be commensurate with the cost of living. political leadership that is sensitive to the the National Chair for the Conciliation with the formation of a National Task Additionally, many individuals were science and that is attuned to the risks. and Arbitration Board is leading the Force to enable, engage, and empower subject to loss of earned salary, and even The political leaders (in the GCC) were Monitoring Vertical, the Grants and the Jamat, for the best possible pathway in a few cases, shelter. It was at this time listening to the scientists and were able to Review Board Chair co-leads the of resilience. that the task force teams not only provided pivot very quickly to protect its citizens.” Handholding Vertical, and the Education Though the region shares similar the required humanitarian support, but Prior to the availability of testing and Chair leads the Regional Enabling challenges to other parts of the world, the also facilitated job placements and the treatment methodologies and when panic Vertical. The notion of One Jamat has lack of resident permanency presented a repatriation process in a timely, legally was at its height, a team of Ismaili nurses extended to One Institution” expressed unique issue requiring urgent attention. sound and dignified manner. Institutional and doctors formed a response unit to Aziz Merchant, President of the Ismaili In this region, the loss of work for an alliances facilitated seats on special support community members who were Council for the UAE.

62 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 63 The biggest challenge is reaching those unable to access programmes over the Internet. To allay some of this disconnect, the Reflections Phone Line was set up by UNITED the Corona Support Team to help deliver messages from the President of the Ismaili Council, Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board lectures, and wellbeing talks in various languages. KINGDOM The contributions from AKSWB have benefited the Jamat enormously throughout the year, especially in ensuring vulnerable members of the Jamat feel connected and supported. This has also been a year of transformation for AKYSB. Over the last nine months, this board has successfully engaged with the youth in the Jamat across an array of digital programmes, ranging from virtual chess tournaments to online Zumba, Football skills, Bollyfit classes, as well as a ‘Stories On The Rooftop’ series and Cookies and Conversations programmes. There have been over 25 ‘Show Me How’ sessions delivered, providing opportunities for talented youth to showcase their baking and smoothie-making skills as well as how to make your own mask. In collaboration with ITREB, AKYSB has delivered three very popular virtual camps for the UK and European youth, with offerings for ages 11-17 years. Additionally, AKYSB has been involved in the Global Camp Connect, with over 1,000 participants across the world. Over the last nine months, AKYSB has hosted more than 200 separate events and meetings on Zoom, providing virtual engagement with the UK and European youth. These include regular quiz nights, weekly food recipes, a faith-based speaker series and the first ever virtual graduation ceremony for university students. The transformation from physical to virtual events has enabled the youth of the Jamat to stay close, access physical and mental wellbeing programmes, learn new skills, and SUPPORTING THE JAMAT IN celebrate success together. Under the Ismaili CIVIC umbrella, a new national community support initiative was launched in the UK in A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER Spring 2020 to support our local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. Almost 350 members of the Jamat n March 2020, with a heavy heart, the United Kingdom these teams help members of the Jamat to stay connected by have registered to volunteer with various projects to support Ismaili Council announced the closures of all UK delivering important messages from the institutions and up-to- the needy during this challenging period. Jamatkhanas as our Government tackled the spread date information on the government’s rules and guidance for One of the first initiatives for Ismaili CIVIC was a of Covid-19.I Overnight, we were unified in the pandemic, Covid-19. project with Age UK — the UK’s largest charity for older unified by our priority, and unified in our aim: to ensure we Circle Clubs, Day Centres, a weekly chair-based exercise people. Language barriers often make it difficult for Age UK could all get through the challenge ahead and stay safe. class and Golden clubs have suddenly blossomed into a series to interact with some minority communities but thankfully, To support the provision of services to Ismailis across of Zoom meetings. This has allowed Jamati members from Ismaili CIVIC was able to provide a full translation of the the UK jurisdiction, our Education, Health, Social Welfare, different clubs across the UK to meet virtually every week. Age UK Coronavirus Information Guide from English to Economic Planning, Ismaili CIVIC, Women’s Activities, and During the sessions, the club members share their knowledge, Gujarati in a record timeframe. Youth and Sports Boards immediately joined together in this skills, and experiences, interact with a variety of guest speakers, Ismaili CIVIC donated 1,000 face masks to Age UK’s time of crisis. Below, we share some of the impacts that our and participate in fun activities. regional headquarters, providing some of the frontline Aga Khan Social Welfare Board (AKSWB), our Aga Khan The Benefits Team have been busy helping those who workers with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment Youth and Sports Board (AKYSB), and Ismaili CIVIC have have lost their jobs or been furloughed, supporting them with (PPE) needed to continue supporting elderly and vulnerable achieved in the last nine months. applications for relevant benefits and jobs. communities across the country. The AKSWB supports our Jamat using the three ‘Cs’: Collaborative efforts among the boards has seen the With all of the engagements, Ismaili CIVIC seeks Caring, Connections, and Collaboration. Training and Inclusion Portfolio deliver workshops on to develop long-term partnerships with organisations to The Telephone Link team, who prior to the pandemic mental health awareness, inclusion, domestic abuse, and continue to support beyond the pandemic. Ismaili CIVIC connected with approximately 300 members of the Jamat, communication skills to Jamati leaders, the Ismaili Volunteer works with multiple organisations nationally including The stepped up to recruit and train more volunteers to reach out Corp, Bait-ul-Ilm, and Youth Teams. Additionally, in Prince’s Trust, supporting their Health and Social Sector to those over the age of 70, whether they were living alone or partnership with the Education Board, the ‘Talking Hands’ mentoring scheme, Action for Homeless, and Faiths United with someone else. They are now in regular contact with over programme has been teaching British Sign Language through to name a few. The work of Ismaili CIVIC also involves 1,300 seniors. a series of videos. supporting local initiatives including food banks, soup The Social Support and the Quality of Life teams, who The Bereavement Support Team has set up a new initiative kitchens, and delivery of vital items to vulnerable individuals. historically provided face-to-face visits to people at home, to offer comfort and solace to families who have had to deal Over 25 projects have been completed by Ismaili CIVIC are now also providing support over the telephone. Both of with the loss of a loved one. since the launch earlier this year.

64 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 65 served as liaisons between medical personnel treating patients will give me a second income and I also plan to have a salon admitted to the hospital with Covid-19 and the family and in the future," The team is exploring an e-commerce/e-retail facilitated partnerships with testing sites and community care programme to allow individuals to explore entrepreneurship clinics. opportunities in the digital economy. Overall, more than In Chicago, Sonny Sultani lost twenty pounds in five days 1,100 Jamati members have participated in SDI programmes. after being infected. In New York, Noor Pirani was told to go back home from the hospital due to the crisis situation in the FINANCIAL IMPACT city, where hospitals themselves were not the safest locations. Recognising the hardships many face, the Economic Both individuals self- quarantined in their homes. The Planning Board (EPB) has been active in encouraging Midwest Health Board sent supplies to Sonny and checked business owners to remain financially prudent at this time. on him daily. “Just having that support, or someone to talk to EPB and Disaster Management Teams continue to provide was critical,” he recalls. Noor contacted the Jamati ACCESS information to the Jamat on how they can best manage risks. helpline, and said, “I got a lot of advice from Jamati doctors. In addition to encouraging reducing operating expenses, Someone called me every day. They would talk to me, try to to bringing businesses online, and pivoting into another UNITED encourage me, and make me feel better. It was a big support, business, EPB has launched a number of initiatives. The especially at a time when you feel the hospitals have rejected Business Enhancement Strategy Training provides support to you. I was very confused, and ACCESS came to my rescue.” improve existing businesses by enhancing online presence and Ismaili health professionals have been in the front lines e-commerce capabilities. The American Ismaili Chamber of STATES OF at many hospitals as physicians and nurses. Dr Fazila Lalani, Commerce has also created an e-commerce platform to bring an Emergency Room physician in New York, contracted the trade alliance businesses online. A Business Advisory Team, virus and had a difficult three-week recovery before returning which consists of subject matter and financial experts, has also to work, while others such as pharmacist Shama Sarangi- been assembled to provide hands-on support for businesses. Virani are certifying new testing sites. Several new businesses alliances are also being formed, AMERICA The impact on mental health has been more widespread including one for hospitality, dry cleaning, and salons. with the restrictions on movement and gatherings. The young EPB’s Business Services team is working on establishing a seem to have been especially vulnerable, a majority reporting portal to bring all Jamati businesses onto one platform that higher levels of stress, anxiety, loneliness and depression. is geared towards expanding business networks to facilitate employment, new business formation, deal-making, and STRESS AND DISPUTES other business enhancement opportunities. A new job app With increased financial difficulties and stress, the was also created to direct individuals to job openings and to Conciliation and Arbitration Board (CAB) has been a key help them with resumes. alternative dispute mechanism increasingly utilised by the The Ismaili Professionals Network (IPN) has assisted Jamat. over 200 Ismaili professionals to secure jobs, arranged 150 CAB launched a new toll-free number and conducted college internships, and provided over 200 IPN certification webinars on topics such as interpersonal communication programmes. IPN is also building alliances to bring over and strengthening relationships. These mediation services 1,200 like-minded professionals together across technology, have helped Jamati members suffering from emotional and entrepreneurship, finance, public service, and other sectors. psychological stresses. Additionally, over 300 unemployed individuals have been “One positive of virtual mediations is the increased placed into jobs by the Employee Services team identifying efficiency, and time saved traveling to/from the mediation opportunities, resume building, and interview skills meeting. Online mediation offers more flexibility of development. geography, time of day, scheduling, and “room” availability, The Financial Literacy Planning Programme presented compared to in-person mediation. It has been a silver lining across the county in physical and virtual workshops has to this challenge,” a CAB mediator said. helped many in the Jamat to learn about financial vehicles, to save and invest wisely and to plan for retirement. Conserving IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE assets is critical for difficult times and to provide the next COVID-19’S IMPACT ON USA JAMAT The Quality of Life (QoL’s) Skills Development Initiative generation with a sound financial base. Remarked one (SDI) is a platform that provides Jamati members an participant, “These sessions help us keep in mind rainy days opportunity to engage in lifelong learning. The initiative that we least expect in life.” By Nazim Karim THE JAMAT’S HEALTH teaches and enhances skills on topics such as Accounting, n the United States of America, the Covid- With the health of the Jamat of paramount concern, the Cosmetology, Education, English Language, Health Care, IT, SUPPORTING NEWLY-ARRIVED MEMBERS 19 infection rate and the economic and social Aga Khan Health Board (AKHB) monitored information and and other non-traditional opportunities. Partnering with Nizari Credit Union, EPB offers auto consequences of the virus have been significantly guidance from medical journals and public health authorities In the wake of the pandemic, QoL classes shifted to a loan programmes for recent immigrants from Afghanistan, higherI as compared to the rest of the world. Business and began informing the Jamat in January 2020. By March, virtual learning model. Mehboob Valliani taught over 100 Iran, Syria, and Iran. “This is a critical pain point for Jamati owners, professionals, teachers, even those deemed the Jamati institutions had entered response mode, and as in people acounting, allowing them to be better prepared for members. Having access to a car opens up the opportunities “essential workers,” families, and schoolchildren, have our parts of the world, a national Task Force was created to certification programmes. Rahim Jan and Jasmine Masalawala for them to expand the scope of their potential employment,” spent most of this year learning to cope with the health assess the situation in every region of the country. taught Introduction to Microsoft Excel virtually to women, Shenila Babool remarks. She also added that it allows the crisis, while hospitals and healthcare workers have been Webinars were presented on raising awareness, cancer care, improving their computer skills. family to become more involved in Jamati activities by overwhelmed in many areas, as they valiantly attempt to health access, and returning to work. In coordination with the In addition to these courses, SDI partnered with the bringing young children to ECD or REC programming, save lives. Disaster Management Team and the Social Welfare Board, Ismaili Professionals Network to offer Small Business which can impact the family’s overall quality of life, and The Jamat has not been spared the pandemic’s hundreds of volunteers called Jamati members, including the Initiative and Cottage Industry classes where individuals were ensure long term sustainability in the US. During Covid, consequences. In response, Ismaili Council has monitored elderly and socially disadvantaged groups, to check on their taught handicrafts and other skills such as candle and jewelry- loan payments for borrowers have been deferred to lessen the the health of the Jamat and offered practical suggestions on condition and activate help if needed. making and mehndi design. Sharifa Adeel said, "I had a little financial impact on them. issues ranging from preventive health measures to financial, Individual case management for all Covid-positive Jamati knowledge of making jewelry before I took this class, but I now No one has lived through these past few months without educational, and social support, including entertainment, members and their families was initiated. Additionally, Ismaili know all the tools and techniques to use them — this will help an economic, emotional, or health impact, and it is at times to keep the Jamat in touch with issues, with each other, health professionals provided consultation and second opinions me make better jewelry and I can sell them to make money." such as these that we truly appreciate the volunteers in the and with our shared values. to those infected through a 24/7 ACCESS Hotline. They also And Diloro Ermamaddova remarked, "Applying mehndi Jamat who provide assistance and support.

66 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 67 By Karim Hemani them and addressing challenges they may be facing. s schools and Jamatkhanas in the United Remarked mentor Mehak Noorani: “Serving as a States temporarily closed, Jamati youth PACE mentor has been an amazing opportunity for and young adult-serving institutions me to give back to our community during this difficult pivotedA to create virtual programming, such as fitness, time. I feel so fortunate that I am able to utilise my arts, academic enrichment, cooking, sports clinics, professional skills to better serve Ismaili students, and family engagement activities, all powered by especially as I, too, was a beneficiary of several Ismaili volunteers. Programmes were designed to facilitate initiatives as a student myself.” personal connection between participants and keep University students also felt the effects of the youth engaged in constructive activities in the absence pandemic through the cancellation of summer of normal school engagement. internships by which students typically acquire Most notably, Camp Mosaic, which serves youth valuable work experience. In response, several Boards aged 6-12, was offered virtually for the first time in its collaborated to create a summer college internship 25-year history. Umer Rupani, National Programme programme through which Ismaili business owners and Manager for Camp Mosaic, shared, “while moving to a entrepreneurs offered Ismaili college students virtual virtual platform, we were keen to maintain the objectives summer internships. of the in-person programme, to provide a safe space to Asad Abdulla, a member of the Aga Khan express creativity, develop confidence, and build long Economic Planning Board for the USA, noted that, term relationships with peers and counselors.” “this opportunity for college students gave them a The camps team designed a curriculum, in competitive advantage over their peers, enabling them collaboration with the Aga Khan Social Welfare Board, to gain experience in their fields of study and learn focusing on mental wellbeing to help youth manage practical skills that will allow them to boost their the stresses of their current environment. Mizan resumes despite the limitations of the pandemic.” Over Mohammad, a content coordinator, stated that “it 100 interns were placed with Ismaili employers in fields PROVIDING was especially heartwarming to see the participants ranging from technology to social media marketing. adopting the coping mechanisms we gave to them. The contribution of Jamati volunteers, including A PLATFORM The whole point of Mosaic this year was to provide the many youth and young adults, was not limited to participants with a support system which eventually within the Jamat. The Ismaili Community Engaged turned into a family.” in Responsible Volunteering (I-CERV) initiative has FOR YOUTH TO To help develop positive online connections and organised more than 100 service events since March, mentorship, small groups containing four students met benefitting the broader communities within which the FLOURISH with the same counselor over the course of the six-day Jamat lives. With Covid-19 exacerbating high levels of camp. More than 2,000 participants were guided by food insecurity among populations already socially and 750 volunteer counselors and staff in 13 camps across economically marginalised, the US. Similarly, a collaboration between the Aga I-CERV events collected and distributed thousands Khan Youth & Sports Board and the Ismaili Volunteer of pounds of food, including milk and produce, for Corps created a virtual leadership training programme those in need. Over 42,000 masks were sewn by Jamati for upper-secondary youth uniformed volunteers. volunteers and distributed to hospitals, first responders, Through the multi-week programme, participants and individuals in need, while Jamatkhanas across the engaged with Ismailis who work at the Bill and Melinda country hosted blood drives to address critical shortages Gates Foundation and within the public health sector, in blood supplies in the communities in which the were tasked with exploring issues of educational and Jamat resides. healthcare inequities, and crafting solutions to address AKYSB National I-CERV team lead, Noureen the root causes of these issues. Hashim, said, “The Covid-19 pandemic continues to Jamati members stepped forward to support youth disproportionately impact historically marginalised and young adults in a number of other ways. The communities. To address the community needs Aga Khan Education Board’s PACE (Programme for effectively, we thought it was important to provide Academic Coaching and Enrichment) initiative, for opportunities for young people to create meaningful example, recruited mentors from the Jamat to support impact and put their values to action.” students from elementary through to high school The year 2020 has been unlike any other. With address academic gaps, especially in the foundational social gathering restrictions, the US Jamat was forced to areas of mathematics and reading, that were adversely adapt to new norms. However, the ability to pivot and impacted by school closures. Mentors helped parents build new programmes and a broader support system, and students with tips on how to leverage online content is a testament to the resilience and unity of the Ismaili and other resources that might help, while motivating community in the United States and beyond.

"I feel so fortunate that I am able to utilise my ❝professional skills to better serve Ismaili students, especially as I, too, was a beneficiary of several Ismaili initiatives as a student myself." - MEHAK NOORANI 68 | THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE THE ISMAILI MAGAZINE | 69 ADDRESSING FAITH DURING COVID-19

By Nadim Pabani students, I’ve seen some students thrive he year 2020 has brought in this virtual space. Those who haven’t unprecedented upheaval always been comfortable participating and change, from economic in person have found their strengths in andT social adjustments to the inability the virtual space.” to attend Jamatkhanas, the anchor for As the buzz intensified with fresh many within the community. Most curricula and home learning packs for people had never experienced a national younger REC students, attendance closure of this kind. As cities and states increased. Arsh Noorani, a Primary across the country entered lockdown, REC student from Edison, New institutional leadership in the USA Jersey, said that “we still get to do fun began to strategise a way forward, projects online and learn so many new particularly in the area of faith and things while staying at home. It is very Religious Education (RE). The Ismaili convenient and time saving. At the same Tariqah and Religious Education time, we stay focused due to limited Boards, with hundreds of volunteers, time.” transitioned from in person interactions For our elderly and most vulnerable, to a world of virtual programming the loss of Jamatkhana and social almost overnight. interaction has been deeply felt. In addition to our Mukhi-Kamadia sahebs TOP PRIORITY: YOUTH AND proactively reaching out to provide YOUNG ADULTS: relevance of the content over the past SENIORS pastoral care, ITREB USA and the UNDERSTANDING AND seven months have left a lasting impact In the wake of the pandemic, Aga Khan Social Welfare Board jointly APPLYING OUR VALUE SYSTEM on thousands of youth and has sparked the maintenance of the REC system established the Aash programme to For our college students and within them an even deeper desire to became a priority. From infrastructure keep alive the spirit of lifelong learning young adults, this has been a time understand and live the values of our and communication to curriculum and continuous education. Since its of struggle but also of reflection, faith within the context of our ever- and training, a host of teams joined inception, over 1,000 elderly members seeking to make sense of their world. changing world. to launch Virtual RE and RE at home of the Jamat have been involved, To address their needs, ITREB’s packets. STEP Teacher Lead, Heena exploring topics of interest and learning youth and young adult portfolio CAPACITY BUILDING: Jiwani, who works in the Central and technology skills. Amina Lalani from conceptualised and implemented PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE West regions shared, “It was actually Austin, Texas, joyfully remarked, “I a multi-faceted programme with Looking ahead, ITREB USA will amazing to see how swiftly and with like the Aash programme very much topics including climate change, civic continue to invest in human resource such adaptability the entire RE system because it provides both dini and engagement, connecting to one's spirit development. This process is underway was able to shift to virtual classes - dunyavi knowledge. This programme is through culture and mental health. with the Learning Management primary, secondary, management, also interactive and we can ask questions Young Adult Conversations, Critical System (LMS) currently being piloted teachers, everyone! While we all miss and get answers. I like this programme Conversations, ASPIRE, the Reflect as a tool to create personalised learning the in-person interaction with our the best!” podcast, Perspectives, and camps such pathways for each individual involved as Al-Ilm and the College Program in the RE system. Building capacity on Islam (CPOI), have all made an and inspiring voluntary service lies at impact. the heart of what we do and all our "While we all miss the in-person interaction with our CPOI participant Naail Alwani educators, management and training explained, “my experience opened my teams, support staff, facilitators and students, I’ve seen some students thrive in this virtual eyes in a lot of ways. I was able to make many more have illustrated their ❝ more friends and I was able to learn commitment to serve the Jamat at this space. Those who haven’t always been comfortable about the history of Islam. I am inspired difficult time. Together, as one Jamat, to build stronger relations within we look ahead with unity, compassion participating in person have found their strengths in the the umma and beyond.” Creative and hope towards a better and brighter marketing, innovative modalities and future. virtual space.” - HEENA JIWANI

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