Pillars, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, are defined as "tall vertical structures used as a support for a building." Inevitably, the connotation of this word is one of strength and foundation.
Approximately seventy senior members of the Ismaili community gathered with seventy young members at the Creek Park Dubai, to celebrate the pillars of the community (being the senior members) and recognising that they are the foundations for ethics and values. The senior members conveyed and passed on their fundamental values and experiences to the youth throughout an interactive day of sharing knowledge and happiness. Activities included bingo, the 'conversation chair', yoga and music.
Ethics and values were embedded in each activity during the course of the day, enabling all participants to gain a deeper understanding of the merits of celebrating the ethics and values so that our pillars remain strong.
The atmosphere of the event was unlike any other, with the mix of age groups and perspectives enriching the communication amongst the youth and the elders within the community. The deeply rooted ethics of care, kindness, generosity, humility and respect our community supports were appreciated and cherished.
Zara Muhammed, one of the leaders in the planning and execution of this event, stated that "The team was concerned how the youth would respond to the senior members and vice versa, because an initiative like this had not been carried out before. However, on the day there was an amazing gel between the two groups of people. One could see the youth interacting with the elders in meaningful ways, as they learnt from them. It was marvelous to see the youth stepping out of their comfort zones and ensuring the elders were comfortable and taken care of."
Abdul Karim Noor Lakhani, a senior member of the community, noted that "we are very, very, very happy with the interaction with the children; I believe these events should be organized at least once in 3 months to ensure fostering of these kinships." Furthermore, Shifa Sadiq, a youth participant, said "I am so grateful for this opportunity; it has allowed me to learn from the stories shared by the elders, I wouldn't usually hear. It helped me feel part of the Ismaili community present in Dubai”
‘Hanging with our Pillars’ is a project that aims to cultivate and develop bonds of respect, learning and sharing between the youth and the elders through interactive sessions. The next session we look forward to the youth helping the elders with the technology of mobile phones and computers. To participate please contact the Golden Group committee.
