Frequently Asked Questions

Programme Information

What are the programme dates?
CONNECT is a virtual camp for Ismaili youth that will be held from 20 July to 31 July 2020. The duration of the programme is ten (10) days, Monday through Friday over the two-week duration. There will be light activities on Saturday and Sunday. CONNECT is being organized collaboratively by Global Encounters and Aga Khan Youth and Sports Boards.

What times will the programme take place?
In order to ensure that Ismaili youth from around the world have the opportunity to participate in CONNECT, we have decided to run two (2) programme cycles daily. Applicants will be able to select a cycle preference on the registration form. Below is the time breakdown (note: there are breaks in the day which are not reflected in the times below):

NOTE: CYCLE A will run from July 19th to July 30 for participants in North America. CYCLE B will run from July 21st to August 1st for participants in Australia, New Zealand, and the Far East.

What does a sample day look like?
Most days will follow the schedule below. There may be minor changes to this schedule as we finalize the daily schedules:

Do I need access to the Internet?
Yes. We are working through which platforms and tools we will be using for CONNECT. Our hope is that the platforms that we are using will be accessible. If you have questions about Internet requirements, please contact the Global Encounters Jurisdiction Coordinator in your area or email: [email protected].

How many participants will be admitted to CONNECT?
We anticipate admitting around 1,000 eligible youth to participate in CONNECT.

What happens if I need to miss a day of CONNECT?
One of the requirements to be eligible for CONNECT is to be able to attend all ten (10) days of the programme. Activities build on each other from one day to the next and everyone’s presence is required to build a cohesive camp community.  During the registration process, applicants will be asked to agree to commit to attendance for all 10 days.

Registration Information

How do I register for CONNECT?
Registration forms can be accessed by visiting the.ismaili/globalencounters. Registration forms will be available from 15 June until 4 July 2020. The application includes sections for demographic information, extracurricular activities, and short answer questions. Registration forms will be accepted on a rolling basis.  Efforts will be made to ensure diversity.  

If you applied to the Global Encounters Programme in 2020, you do not need to create a new account, but you do need to register. You can use your same account to access the registration form.

If you do not have an account on our system, you will be instructed to create an account. This will require you to verify your email address. We request that each applicant use their own email account. If you face challenges when registering, please use the “Contact Us” feature in the registration portal.

Please note that your parent or guardian will also need to complete a form.  They will be sent an email when you enter their information into your application.

When I register for CONNECT, will I be automatically admitted into the programme?
When you complete and submit the registration form, the placement team will determine eligibility and placement. We request that you spend adequate time on your registration form.  Ensure that the information you have provided is correct and that you have answered the short answer questions thoughtfully. The CONNECT Team will share a formal letter with you in early July if you are admitted into the programme. Feel free to use the “Contact Us” feature in the registration portal if you have any questions or email: [email protected].We encourage you to submit your form as soon as possible.

Is there a parent/guardian form connected to the registration process?
Yes. The registration form will ask you to submit information for one (1) parent/guardian. Please verify the information inputted is correct. Once you save the information on that page, your parent/guardian will receive an email from [email protected] with access to the Parent/Guardian Form.

I have attended Global Encounters and other Ismaili camps in my country.  Am I eligible to participate in CONNECT?
Yes, you can register for CONNECT as long as you meet the age requirements.

What is the age requirement to participate in CONNECT?
Ismaili youth between the ages of 14 and 17 years old on or before 1 July 2020 are eligible to register for CONNECT.

What is the language requirement to participate in CONNECT?
The language of instruction for CONNECT will be English.

What is the registration deadline for CONNECT?
Registration forms will be accepted until 4 July 2020 at 11:59 PM Pacific time (Vancouver time). Placements for CONNECT will be made based on programme eligibility, application submission date, and ensuring diversity in each camp cohort. Please see “When I register for CONNECT, will I be automatically admitted into the programme?” question above.

What is the cost/programme fee to participate in CONNECT?
There will not be a fee to participate in CONNECT. We anticipate you will need to be able to access basic school supplies (stationary) and minimal supplies for your workshop choice. You will receive additional details regarding supplies needed for CONNECT.

Is financial assistance available to access the Internet and for stationary?
Once you complete your registration form and are admitted into the programme, support may be eligible for those who need it.

Content and Curriculum Information

What will I experience in CONNECT?
CONNECT is an experience for Ismaili Muslim youth to come together in a virtual space. As we come together, we will explore important themes and issues relevant to what is happening in the world right now as well as for our generation with members of the Jamat from all across the world. There will be opportunities to discuss, engage and socialize with youth of different cultures and backgrounds.

An important element of the programme is to CONNECT AND LEARN. Participants will attend interactive workshops led by core faculty on a range of topics.

In addition to opportunities to learn about our global Jamat and our responsibility to others, there will be virtual field trips, opportunities to virtually visit and learn about the families of other participants, interactions with and exposure to AKDN institutions, fun and exciting activities to celebrate the things that bring us all together.

During the programme, participants will have a choice to develop new skills or enhance existing skills by participating in a workshop. During the registration process, you will have the ability to select up to two streams from the list below.  Note that those who are accepted into the program will get another chance to choose specific workshop offerings:

• Arts and Culture (e.g. music, digital art, theater, film, photography, animation, design, spoken word, stand-up comedy. Meet and work with artists and artisans.)
• Education and Technology (e.g. coding, robotics, app design, college planning, career exploration and guidance, creative writing, journalism, public speaking, ECD. Meet and work with seasoned educators, guidance counselors or tech experts.)
• Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (e.g. starting a business, marketing your product, pitching to investors, financial planning. Meet and learn from successful entrepreneurs.)
• Health, Fitness, and Wellness (e.g. physical fitness, mindfulness, stress management, empowerment for competitive athletes, personal development. Meet and learn from successful athletes, coaches or health professionals.)
• Service and Leadership (e.g. learn about social justice issues and address a real-world concern through a project, advocacy and educating others. Meet leaders who are making a difference in their own communities.)

What are the objectives of CONNECT? How will CONNECT embrace aspects of a traditional, in-person programme?

The camp in its virtual setting will mirror many of the things you would experience in an in-person camp: cabins where you can interact with others, facilitators who will mentor and guide you through the CONNECT experience as well as opportunities to learn, create, collaborate, celebrate and share.

Interactions will happen within small groups as well as the entire camp coming together to reflect, share stories and even participate in virtual campfires.

There will be many opportunities to meet new people, make friendships, learn about each other just as there are with in-person camps. The difference will be that everyone will be in their own homes while simultaneously participating in the camp.

We understand that you may have additional questions. Please feel free to use the “Contact Us” feature within the registration portal or email [email protected].