Young Jamati members attending the Diamond Jubilee Opening Ceremonies were engaged and drawn in like never before. Although many Jamati celebrations have youth focused activities, those in the Diamond Jubilee Reflections Lounge were incomparable to any preceding them. They were thought-provoking, innovative, and age-appropriate. In order to keep the young ones busy, but also to prompt them to connect spiritually and intellectually with the Jubilee and its significance, and even learn some life lessons, the planning team had put together multiple activities, including treasure hunts, digital games, and even a dedicated “ECD Zone” for infants. “Through concept-based work, young children [were] encouraged to learn about the Imam” and the Imamat’s work, articulated a young mother. Another parent said, “My daughter made a 3D diamond which had logos of the AKDN institutions. I used this as a way to teach her about the way the Imam helps  lift people out of poverty.”  

Junior Jubilee Passports were offered to young children, who  received stickers for completion of specific activities. “See how many stickers I collected!,” a young boy beamed. Each activity conveyed information about the Imamat and its work, and encouraged participants to ask questions that contributed to their understanding of the Diamond Jubilee. “To me, this activity helped give young and old a way to communicate on a common goal: a way to cherish this moment of the Jubilee,” reflected one family.

The “Minute to Win It” game was another big hit with elementary aged kids. One exuberant nine year old girl enjoyed the challenging game and walked away  with an important life lesson: “Believe in yourself.” She learned not to give up, as  her brother, around the same age, also participated in a variety of  activities and volunteered as a host in one of the games.

One teenager summarized the goals of the youth activities at the Opening Ceremonies:  to bring the Jamat together, to connect fellow Ismailis from different Jamats, and to engage the Jamat as to why the Diamond Jubilee is so momentous for the Imam and the community.