Preparations are well underway for the fourth annual GICD, to take place on 29 September. This year, a central focus will be on Environmental Stewardship. Volunteers will be responding to climate change, disaster relief, and food insecurity. They will also organise advocacy and education sessions to inform individuals and communities about the delicate state of our natural environment.
In order to tackle any problem, it’s important to know the extent of the issue at hand. But since accurate information is not always available, environmental education helps people understand what climate change is, why it’s happening, how it affects individuals and our planet.
For example, did you know that close to one in 11 individuals across the world experience food insecurity? Additionally, individuals in Maputo have been greatly impacted by heavy rainfalls and in South Asia roughly 2,000 landslides have affected regions. Political instability, environmental destruction, and economic inequality means that billions of people have limited access to resources to avoid hunger and maintain a healthy and active life.
With GICD fast approaching, this weekend offers a chance to make a positive difference, and provides an opportunity to raise awareness of such urgent topics.
Knowledge helps to empower people, especially the younger generation, to take action. It gives them the information and tools required to advocate for policies and practices that protect their future. Knowledge also helps communities prepare for the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and natural disasters. Knowing how to adapt and mitigate these effects can save lives and reduce economic losses
In recent years, Ismaili CIVIC volunteers have participated in a variety of activities focused on food insecurity as well as education and climate change advocacy. Activities have ranged from food drives, blood drives, awareness raising sessions, climate workshops and more to ensure that as many people as possible are helping to make our world a better place.
This past weekend, Portugal faced a devastating wave of wildfires, putting the courage of more than 5,000 firefighters to the test. In response, Ismaili CIVIC volunteers came together to support the heroes. They collected and distributed essential items including water, cookies, energy bars, and burn cream, contributing to the well-being and motivation of the firefighters who face challenges posed by wildfires on a daily basis. The gesture of support reflects the values of community service and compassion that define Ismaili CIVIC.
CIVIC impact has also reached across Africa. For example, in Kenya, a responsible citizenship corner was added to the Khabar newsletter released each month. In Mozambique, 250 school kits including reusable bottles were donated to students earlier this summer while in Madagascar, a Ramadan Food Bucket distribution was organised in partnership with the Indian Muslim Community, helping more than 3,000 families.
In India, a session was held in collaboration with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) and youth from the Jamat interested in learning about the environment and sustainability. In Malaysia, a knowledge workshop was hosted providing education on the climate. During the event, there were participatory action workshops, various exhibitions as well as school experiments dedicated towards raising awareness about the environment and ways to help. There were 10 trained Ismaili CIVIC facilitators to assist during the launch.
This weekend’s GICD will include activities to help provide information about the environment and how to tackle growing problems such as climate change, natural disasters, and food insecurity. Ismaili CIVIC volunteers are organising activities across the globe to raise awareness of these important issues and how we have the ability to help.
Every act of service, no matter how small or large, will make a difference. Let’s join together this weekend and help to build a more informed, cleaner and greener Earth! Find out how to take part at: the.ismaili/civic.
