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It is important that senior citizens take the necessary steps to ensure they have a good quality of life financially, even after retirement.

The percentage of elderly people in Pakistan is expected to double to 12 percent by 2050, increasing the number of senior citizens to 40 million. This demographic transition impacts citizens of all ages. Therefore, it is important that senior citizens take the necessary steps to ensure they have a good quality of life financially, even after retirement. 

From organising skills enhancement camps to leading school fundraising teams, Ismaili youth from around the world have taken on leadership roles in the movement to alleviate poverty, through economic empowerment and other measures. 

A day in the life of a farmer: GE Expedition participants join in an early morning excursion with Ismaili farmers.

In December 2019, Global Encounters (GE) Expedition brought together young Ismailis from 13 countries to the rural areas of Southern Saurashtra in Gujarat to engage with the local Jamat and study the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The impact of Expedition on its participants is well known, but the impact that Expedition has on the Jamat in Southern Saurashtra is equally profound.

Having financial security plays an important role in securing your own quality of life and standard of living, but where do we draw the line between economic empowerment and the desire for excessive wealth?

Often, we think of balance as a scale: having equal weights on either side. In reality, balance may not be what it seems. Instead, it can be thought of as a pendulum. It’s about finding what’s right for you. There isn’t a one size fits all, especially when it comes to wealth.

Through presentations and team-building activities, Girl Guides acquired the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes to better promote sustainable development.

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations (UN) in 2015 are envisioned to make the world a better place by 2030. In order to better understand the goals and their potential, the Ismaili Girl Guides in Pakistan attended a four-day summit at the Guides’ Association headquarters in Islamabad.

Artists highlighted the diversity of the community, presenting cultural performances of different countries including Syria, India, Tajikistan, Egypt, Pakistan, and Iran.

The Syrian Jamat commemorated Imamat Day in 2019 by reminiscing about Jubilee Arts during an event where artists came together to perform traditional songs and dances, demonstrating dedication, passion, and excellence in their performances.

World Cancer Day unites people, communities, and countries to raise awareness, show support, and take action to fight the global challenge of cancer.

Cancer is a global challenge: millions of people around the world are diagnosed with the condition every year. World Cancer Day is celebrated on 4 February, and unites people, communities, and countries to raise awareness, show support, and take action. Through prevention and early detection, the global community can reduce preventable suffering from cancer and non-communicable diseases. 

Engaging the elderly and demonstrating their value to society can bring them happiness, provide a sense of purpose, and help them feel positive about their role in the world.

The nature of life for the elderly has changed considerably in recent history. With advancements in science and healthcare, human lifespan has substantially increased and the majority of people in the world can expect to live past the age of 60. Jamati institutions in Pakistan have embarked on numerous initiatives to support the elderly and create opportunities for interaction between different generations.

Advances in science and technology bring increased opportunities and factors for consideration.

Advances in science, technology, and improved health care and nutrition are all contributing to increased longevity of life, along with advanced diagnosis and treatment of health conditions. A number of Ismailis in the USA are leading the way in these fields of endeavour.

Volunteers in France distribute sandwiches, bottles of water, biscuits, and litres of soup to those in need to mark the 100th anniversary of the Ismaili Volunteer Corp.

On a cold Saturday morning in November, the first preparations for an exceptional weekend begin. More than a hundred members of the Jamats of Paris, Brussels, Lausanne, Nantes, Toulouse, Montpellier, Grenoble, and Lyon work together towards a common goal: to prepare and distribute meals for the homeless.

From the roots of the “Kathiawadi Mitr Mandal” in 1912, the group was renamed to the modernised Ismaili Volunteer Corps (IVC), volunteers who over the span of 100 years have been enrolling with the desire to serve the Jamat, the Imam and the community. During its formal establishment in 1919 in the Indian subcontinent, the Ismaili Volunteer Corps was created with the objective of bringing an unparalleled level of professionalism to the structure and guise of the volunteers. In 1920, followed by the granting of the Coat of Arms by Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, which was to be worn along with the uniform, he wore the volunteer uniform and Coat of Arms for the first time in 1921 as the ‘Colonel of the Corps.’ At this time, both Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah and Prince Aly Khan became patrons of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps.

Speaking on the occasion of his birthday on the 16th of December in 2016, Mawlana Hazar Imam expressed, “My wish for the decades ahead is that you stand firmly by the principles and ethics of our faith. Wherever you are, whatever age you are, whatever you do in your lives, it is essentially important to me that the principles of our faith should be respected every day of your lives.” Following the guidance of Mawlana Hazar Imam, the Jamat in Pakistan celebrated the birthday highlighting the importance of living by the ethics and principles of the Ismaili faith.

On the occasion of World Volunteer Day, 5 December 2019, The Ismaili is pleased to release the official song and music video to celebrate the centenary of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps (IVC), featuring participation from 41 countries across the world.

Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah in his IVC Colonel uniform surrounded by members of the IVC in India.

In 2019, Jamats around the world have been celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps (IVC). Throughout its history, the IVC has aimed to serve the needs of the Jamat. Within the ethic of improving the quality of life of all humanity, the IVC also serves the broader communities of which the Jamat is a part. This service to society is seen as a civic responsibility and has always been an important part of IVC’s work.

Congratulations to all the Ismaili Volunteers


November, 23rd 2019, the Mozambican Volunteers gathered for the remarkable celebration of 100 years of the Ismaili Volunteers Corps. Over the past 100 years, volunteers across the world have served the Imam of the Time, Jamat and Institutions, with hard work, dedication and  love.

On the occasion to commemorate 20 years of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon, the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, joined the Ismaili volunteers and leaders of the Jamat for a group photo.

Ever since Ismailis began to settle in Portugal in the 1970s, members of the Jamat have contributed their time and talents on a voluntary basis towards the development of the community and wider society. Here, we share the stories and experiences of Portuguese volunteers across generations, united by a lifetime of service.

Top (left to right): Ali Alhaj, Ari Surani, Anisa Zulfova. Bottom: Arisha Wadani (front right) with her Guides group in Pakistan.

For much of the history of the Ismaili Volunteers Corps, young volunteers, scouts, and guides have played an important role in supporting the needs of the Jamat in various parts of the world. 

Anam Sherali (center) with other volunteers in Houston. The Ismaili Volunteer Corps in the USA have supported the development of the Jamat for over 40 years.

In celebration of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps (IVC) 100th anniversary celebration this year, the USA Jamat reflects on the significance and history of the organization. Thousands of volunteers across the country have served as part of the USA IVC. Here, we highlight a number of individuals - with different paths to their journeys, these volunteers tell a tale of happiness and humility.

The Ismaili Council for Gilgit hosted the Rays of Light exhibition that showcases Mawlana Hazar Imam’s life, vision and contributions towards uplifting the quality of life for individuals around the world.

Talent Show Performance

An annual event organised by the Arts and Culture Department, under the umbrella of Women’s Activities Portfolio of Mozambique.