Volunteers In Action
TKN Event Manager oversees execution of leading technology conference in Central Asia
4 November 2019
In October 2019, a technology conference entitled Digital Transformation in Central Asia, became the biggest event of its kind in the history of the region. Hosted by the University of Central Asia (UCA), in partnership with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the three-day event featured 25 speakers from 12 countries and focused on three areas – digital transformation in government, cyber security, and emerging technology in the education sector.
Building the Aga Khan Museum from the Ground Up
1 October 2019
The Aga Khan Museum (AKM) is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year and, within such a short period, it has become a global hub for education, cultural connections, creativity and innovation. Located in the heart of Toronto (Canada), AKM offers each of its visitors the opportunity to enter and gain new insights into the rich world of the arts and culture of Islamic civilizations. With the mission of connecting cultures and building bridges, the Museum aims at changing minds and perceptions by positioning itself as a thought leader and an educator without walls.
International health care professionals contribute to establishment of AKMC, Khorog
11 September 2019
The Aga Khan Health Service, Tajikistan (AKHS, T) recently established the Aga Khan Medical Centre, Khorog (AKMC, K) as a private, not-for-profit hospital, offering high quality health care to the community. It began operations in December 2018, providing outpatient care, diagnostics and physiotherapy services. In April 2019, the hospital expanded its offerings to include inpatient, as well as emergency management services. The first phase of this expansion is supported with 48 beds and a provision for future growth, as needed. AKMC, K complements and supports the Government of Tajikistan's efforts to provide quality diagnostic and treatment services not currently available at the 450-bed Khorog Oblast General Hospital.
Improving access to education through technology and TKN
26 August 2019
Being part of the knowledge society and sharing knowledge in multiple ways is an ethic and tradition that Ismailis have inherited from history. It is a responsibility that contributes to a better quality of life for ourselves and others, and ensures a better future for generations to come. Following in this tradition, The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) has partnered with TKN volunteers to help prepare students for graduate-level studies.
TKN Mentors build global bridges of knowledge
18 June 2019
Since 2016, dozens of volunteers have collaborated with the Aga Khan Education Board in India on the design and delivery of its flagship mentoring programme, Reach for the Stars (RFS). Launched in collaboration with the Ismaili Council for India, RFS was designed as a long-term programme for high-potential students between the ages of 18 to 25 years.
Serving on TKN Assignments in some of the world’s most difficult regions
27 May 2019
It had long been Nashir Karmali’s desire to offer voluntary service in a developing country. In 2007, he received a call that changed his career and life: He was asked to serve on a TKN assignment with Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) to conduct a strategic review of their operations in Afghanistan, aimed at expanding its mandate from refugee repatriation to include emergency management, disaster preparedness, and response.
UK architect shares her vision for design of new Aswan Community Education Centre
25 April 2019
Yasmin Shariff, a highly accomplished architect, visited Aswan in March this year for a TKN assignment. Aswan, the ancient city of Swenett on the banks of the Nile and frontier town on the southernmost border of Ancient Egypt, is the focus for the work of the Om Habibeh Foundation (OHF) in Egypt.
It takes a village: Volunteers from around the world contribute to the transformation of the Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam
24 April 2019
Basketball clinics in India and Pakistan foster international fellowship
29 March 2019
In response to Mawlana Hazar Imam’s vision to bring together jamats from around the world, several American Ismaili athletes recently traveled to India and Pakistan to demonstrate fellowship through sports.
A gift like no other
26 February 2019
Seated in a Pamiri home in Khorog, Tajikistan, 73-year-old Khudododova Tursunmo listened intently to a presentation on Nazrana. She learned that Ismailis worldwide would have the opportunity to pledge a Diamond Jubilee gift of time and knowledge to Mawlana Hazar Imam. A retiree and grandmother of five, Khudododova wondered what gift she could give the Imam to show her love.
TKN volunteer helps to build AKU’s dental hygiene programme and clinic
21 February 2019
When Salima Alibhai served on her first Aga Khan University (AKU) TKN assignment in 2015, she could not have anticipated that it would change the course of her future.
Aga Khan Foundation’s TKN volunteer pools making global impact
24 January 2019
How can someone on one side of the world affect an initiative on the other side? Or contribute to making an improvement to a large-scale process? Or share the knowledge they have acquired through years of education and experience? The stories of TKN volunteers Ali Thanawalla, Adam Jutha, and Huma Pabani are all examples of short-term, remote assignments with the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), which have made a significant impact on the agency's work.
