At the tail end of 2023, a milestone moment unfolded as NOVUS celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of transformative experiences and youth empowerment. Hosted by the Youth Coordinating Forum at the Ismaili Centre Dubai, this flagship event aimed to guide participants aged 13-18 through a profound journey of self-discovery, fostering connections with their peers, themselves and their faith. Under the leadership of the insightful Faisal Ali, the journey unfolded over six days, blending extrospective and introspective inquiry to explore the depths of morality and values in shaping individual ethics.
The event kicked off with a dynamic Values Bazaar, a unique trading ground where participants started with three values and engaged in swaps with fellow campers until they curated a set that resonated with their unique identity. This set the tone for the following content sessions, which delved into moral reasoning, ethical redefinition and the intersection of faith and morality. Participants grappled with thought-provoking questions, from the infamous trolley problem to deciphering guidance from Mawlana Hazar Imam, all while dismantling global biases and prejudices.
Participants’ intellectual exploration was reflected in two creative outputs. Firstly, groups of participants delved into the world of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) projects, researching and creating digital storybooks that illustrated the ethical principles and local necessity underpinning these initiatives. Secondly, the Celebration of Learning empowered participant groups to spotlight global issues through engaging 2-minute journalistic TikToks, showcasing positive governmental or civil society responses to critical problems.
While the intellectual endeavours were stimulating and transformative, the bonds formed between participants were equally significant. Beyond the structured sessions, activities ranging from sports to the innovative Conversation Chairs brought the group closer together. However, a standout experience was the expedition to the Mleiha desert, where jeeps roared across dunes in a thrilling session of dune bashing. Under the vast desert sky, participants were treated to stargazing and an awe-inspiring session on the wonders of the universe, led by Dr. Arif Babul, an experienced astrophysicist, and distinguished professor, unravelling the mysteries of the cosmos and witnessing Jupiter and Saturn through cutting-edge telescopes. Yet, the magic didn't end there. The night concluded with Letters of Love, where each participant received a heartfelt letter from a parent or family member, leaving them with a renewed sense of belonging and appreciation for their support systems.
As the closing ceremony brought together faculty members from NOVUS’ ten-year-long journey, the NOVUS family looked back on the program’s transformative impact over the years. A decade in the making, this anniversary edition left an unforgettable mark on the hearts and minds of participants, inspiring them to carry the torch of self-discovery, connection, and positive change into the future.
