Service
Major Abdulla Jaffer Lakhpati was one of the founding members of the uniformed Ismaili Volunteers when it was established in 1919. A dedicated murid—and a talented artist and poet—he was an inspiring example of the committed service offered by volunteers to the Jamat, the Imamat, and to wider society in the 20th century.
Barristers and solicitors based in the UK were recently featured on a Pro Bono Recognition List, acknowledging their many hours of voluntary legal support to the Jamat.
World Blood Donor Day is an occasion dedicated to raising awareness about the critical need for safe blood and blood products. These inspiring tales of service and survival highlight the profound impact that a simple act of donating blood can have on individuals facing life-threatening conditions. From Salim Amlani's journey with thalassemia, where the support of dedicated donors ensured his survival, to Munira Premji's courageous battle against multiple cancers, made possible by timely blood transfusions, and Ronil Shivji's commitment to donating plasma, these stories serve as a testament to the power of compassion and the vital importance of blood donation.
As part of their pledge to be climate champions, the Aga Khan Scouts and Guides in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, planted a micro-forest at Upanga Jamatkhana last month in collaboration with Ismaili CIVIC and the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF).
The International Conciliation and Arbitration Board is offering a unique and exciting opportunity to serve the global Jamat by promoting the adoption of best practices in mediation and conflict resolution.
Delegates gathered at the fourth Paris Peace Forum at the Parc de la Villette to debate global challenges and put forward new principles of action for a post-Covid world. This year, young Ismailis had the in-person opportunity to volunteer at the event, and to interact with speakers and representatives of international organisations and NGOs.
Global Ismaili CIVIC Day brought together tens of thousands of volunteers – old and young alike – in collaboration with civil society partners to benefit millions of people around the world. Displaying our ethics in action, the weekend of service marked another chapter in our centuries old tradition of contributing to the societies in which we live.
Thousands of members of the Jamat are busy making final preparations ahead of the inaugural Global Ismaili CIVIC Day, to be held this weekend in more than 30 countries around the world.
Since the global launch of the Ismaili CIVIC initiative last year, volunteers from the worldwide Jamat have made a significant positive impact in the areas of health, education, economic development, environmental stewardship, and cultural restoration. To build on this momentum, the inaugural Global Ismaili CIVIC Day will take place on 26 September 2021.
The Global STEM Festival 2021 is an opportunity for youth aged 5-18 to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), by creating and showcasing projects to the global Jamat — virtually.
Over the past year, the challenge of Covid-19 in Texas has been compounded by a winter storm that left millions throughout the state without power and water, and Hurricane Laura, which caused extensive property damage and displaced many. In the face of these challenges, members of the Ismaili community came together to assist those in need, staffing vaccine mega-sites, volunteering to distribute food and water, donating large amounts of PPE to first responders and communities in need, and organizing dozens of drives, including to collect blood, food, and books.
During the course of the pandemic, the Jamat has adapted to an increased use of technology. It is inspiring to see how Ismailis around the world have taken this transition in stride, as can be seen by the founding of The Ismaili TV, the hundreds of virtual events and programmes that have been offered, as well as the individual contributions of time and knowledge the global Jamat has provided.