What has your experience as a member of the management team at the Imaili Centre, Lisbon brought you?
Having started working at the Ismaili Centre in 2017, and since I already knew how the institutions worked, my adaptation to the CIMB team was relatively easy, not least because the team I met was very welcoming. I think that my experience and my vision of what our real role in the Centre is to help each other, whether it's the team, the staff in general, or even the Centre's users. Our role as a team is very much to "facilitate" the use of the Centre and all the aspects that are part of it, taking into account the proper functioning, that is, to ensure we use the resources correctly, so that we can also contribute to its conservation. The maintenance and upkeep of the space is one of our main concerns on a daily basis, and it's also a source of pride when someone visits the Centre for the first time and tells us that it looks like the Centre opened yesterday, or when we tell them that the building is 25 years old this year and they are incredulous.
What's it like to work every day in a place like the Ismaili Centre?
Working at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon every day is inspiring and at the same time challenging because no two days are ever the same, at least when it comes to working in our team. With the opening of the Centre, 25 years ago, we have seen an ever-increasing level of knowledge and this brings us the most different types of people and the most different types of requests for events at the Centre. So, since the time of COVID, the number of events has been increasing and we've had days and days with different types of events, from conferences on medicine, lectures on all kinds of projects, to weddings or even a financial literacy workshop, for example. In addition to the events, there is also the concern of maintaining a building that has been in existence for 25 years. Contrary to what it may often seem, the work in our department never finishes and we always have room for improvement, which is what we aim to achieve on a daily basis.
What aspect of the Centre impresses you the most?
The architecture and gardens of the Ismaili Centre seem to impress everyone who visits the Centre for the first time, whether they are Ismailis or not. Even those of us who are at the Centre on a daily basis often find ourselves immersed in the breathtaking views we see during a normal working day. I often find myself grabbing my mobile phone and taking a photo of the Char Bagh or even the Olives Garden or the Jacaranda trees.
As an employee of the Ismaili Centre, what was the most memorable moment you've ever experienced?
As part of the Ismaili Centre's staff, and even more so as part of the Centre's logistics team, we've all been through some very funny and sometimes very tense moments. I can't single out any one event in particular, but as part of this community I can highlight the opening of the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon, and although I was young, I remember exactly how excited everyone was, especially some members of my family. I think this is really the most important milestone for our community in Portugal, the opening of the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon, which has opened "doors and created bridges" that in the past we would never have thought possible.
Where do you see the Centre in 25 years' time?
From my point of view, I think we should all be somewhat proud of our Centre and everything that has been achieved so far. For me, the future could be even brighter, with our Ismaili Centre, Lisbon becoming a reference space in the city of Lisbon.
About Hussein
Hussein has a degree in Communication and Cultural Sciences - Marketing and Advertising, and has been working in the CIMB (Ismaili Centre Management Board) team since 2017, initially as an events assistant and now in the building maintenance area.
He previously worked as a Building Assistant at Jamatkhana in Seixal, and in various areas such as telecommunications (MEO) and food (in Luanda).
As a volunteer, he has been involved in Jamatkhana initiatives since he was 12/13 years old.
