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Ya Ali Madad Moyez, Welcome to your copy of the electronic Al-Akhbar. Below is a summary of this week's news and upcoming events.
We welcome your feedback and suggestions; you may reach us at inf...@iicanada.org.
 Weeks into the Golden Jubilee Year: 65
Reflections for your Golden Jubilee Journal: September 30 - October 4
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"In Islamic thought and practice, the world of the spirit and the world of daily life are inseparably intertwined. This is why, over a half century, my role as a spiritual leader has also required me to act in a host of social, economic and cultural endeavours, in order to secure and enhance the well being of the Ismailis and the communities amongst which they live."
Extract from the speech by Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Banquet in London, United Kingdom, July 3, 2008.
For the next few weeks, as you read these quotes and their associated speeches, reflect on how Mawlana Hazar Imam's activities over his 50 years of Imamat and the Golden Jubilee year have stemmed directly from the role and mandate of the Imam in the Shia Ismaili Muslim Tariqah.
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| Jubilee Journeys: A look back at the Golden Jubilee Year Thus Far
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Academies: "Home-grown intellectual leaders" to drive future development
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Education has been a significant cornerstone of Mawlana Hazar Imam's initiatives throughout his Imamat, and even more so during the Golden Jubilee year. Founded on the underlying premise that what students know is no longer the most important measure of an education, but instead, that the true test is the ability of students and graduates to engage with what they do not know and to find solutions, the Academies seek to prepare a graduate not only for his or her first job, but also for a life of inquiry and learning in a world that will change rapidly and continuously. |
Over the Golden Jubilee year thus far, Mawlana Hazar Imam laid the foundation stone for the residential campus at the first Academy in Mombasa, and new Academies in Kampala and Dhaka. He also reviewed progress of the Academy in Hyderabad. Foundation stones have previously been laid for Academies in Dar es Salaam, Maputo and Kabul.
Mawlana Hazar Imam delivered the Peterson Lecture at the 40th anniversary of the International Baccalaureate Organization in Atlanta, Georgia, during his Golden Jubilee visit to the USA in April 2008, in which he outlined his vision for the Academies. He commented that the "Academies have a dual mission: to provide an outstanding education to exceptional students from diverse backgrounds, and to provide world-class training for a growing corps of inspiring teachers." More critically, "we can help reshape the very definition of a well educated global citizen. And we can begin that process by bridging the learning gap which lies at the heart of what some have called a clash of civilizations, but which I have always felt was rather a clash of ignorances," he said.
Read more about the Aga Khan Academies.
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| Golden Jubilee Calendar of Events - October 2008
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For a detailed view of Golden Jubilee events for the month, please click here.
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| Institutional Calendar of Events - October 2008
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For a detailed view of Institutional events for the month, please click here.
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| Couleurs D'Amour Update
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Thank you to all participants who have registered. Participants who have not received an e-mail with program details are requested to contact couleur...@cfonet.org.
Participants are requested to attend at their scheduled appointment times to submit waiver forms and their artwork for viewing.
| Date |
Location |
| Sunday, October 5, 2008 |
Headquarters Jamatkhana |
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| Video Presentation: Mawlana Hazar Imam's Visit to India
| Friday, October 10, 2008 |
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All Jamatkhanas except Greenland and Scarborough |
| Friday, October 17, 2008 |
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Greenland and Scarborough Jamatkhanas |
| (after Jamati ceremonies) |
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A video presentation of Mawlana Hazar Imam's Golden Jubilee visit to India will be shown in all Ontario Jamatkhanas except Greenland and Scarborough Jamatkhanas on Friday, October 10, and in Greenland and Scarborough Jamatkhanas on Friday, October 17, after Jamati ceremonies.
The Jamat is encouraged to attend the showings and share in the happiness of the Indian Jamat during their Golden Jubilee Darbar.
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| AKDN Speaker Series
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The second webcast of the AKDN Speaker Series will take place on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 9:00 p.m. EST with keynote speaker Mr. Firoz Rasul, President of Aga Khan University. Mr. Rasul will give a short presentation on Aga Khan University's Vision for Growth, followed by a question & answer session with participants.
Details of the webcast and online registration information can be obtained here.
The recorded version of the September 10, 2008 webcast with Dr. Tom Kessinger is now available for viewing at TheIsmaili.org.
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| From Adversity to Jubilee: Why Our Jamat Has Reason To Celebrate
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Ismaili Tariqah & Religious Education Board for Ontario
| Friday, October 10, 2008 |
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Scarborough Jamatkhana |
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This is a unique opportunity to meet with Dr. Shafique Virani, award-winning author of the book, The Ismailis in the Middle Ages: A History of Survival, A Search for Salvation.
The book offers a sensitive portrayal of the struggle of survival and the spiritual life of the Ismaili community that endured severe persecution during much of its history. Dr. Virani takes us on a journey to our roots and provides the Jamat with insight on why we truly have reason to rejoice and celebrate during the Golden Jubilee of our beloved Hazar Imam.
All youth and young professionals in particular are strongly urged to attend this event. Refreshments will be served.
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| Federal Election: Our Role as Canadians
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Political Campaigns - Help yourself and your local campaign by getting involved
The 2008 Federal Election is now underway and candidates in each riding and of all parties are working hard to meet as many voters as possible.
Every campaign requires numerous volunteers to take on various responsibilities. For a volunteer, becoming involved in a political campaign is a valuable way to apply skills and to gain experience. For students, it's a great way to get to know people who may help your career in the future, for seniors, it provides a way to share your stories and experiences as a Canadian, and for everyone, it is one of the most powerful ways to shape how public policy is developed in Canada - because you are at the heart of the electoral process itself.
Regardless of your background, there is a role that you could fulfill on an election campaign. Candidates from all parties are looking for help and every role is important. These activities range from going door to door with the candidate of your choice as they look for support, to working in the office, putting up signs, or volunteering to help deliver voters on election day.
Whether you are a student, senior citizen or someone who wants to get some political experience, volunteering for a local candidate is a great way to network with others in your community, learn some new skills and make a meaningful contribution to the democratic process.
To volunteer on a campaign in your riding, simply call the office of the candidate you wish to support and speak with the Campaign Manager or Volunteer Coordinator. They will welcome your assistance and work with your schedule and availability to contribute to the campaign.
You can get involved in the campaign at any point during the election and even if you only have a few hours per week to volunteer. With less than 3 weeks left in the campaign, your help will make a difference. Choose a candidate that you believe in, and get involved.
Next Week: The Importance of Your Vote
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| The Ismaili Canada Magazine
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Insha Canada
The next issue of The Ismaili Canada will be mailed shortly to all Ismaili households across Canada. Members of the Jamat who are not receiving the magazine or have recently moved are requested to update their mailing addresses.
Telephone inquiries are also welcome for all businesses and professionals interested in advertising in future issues of the Magazine or for those individuals interested in our subscription service offered to all international destinations.
For inquiries about advertising and international subscription services, or to provide your updated mailing address, please contact Nadira Hashmani through one of the following:
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| LINCC Program
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Aga Khan Education Board for Ontario
LINCC is now in session at St. Hilda's Place located at 42 Devonshire Place on the University of Toronto downtown campus. This program is for recently-arrived students in grades 9 to 12 who have been in Canada for 5 years or less and who are in need of additional tutorial assistance. Tutoring is provided by university students, covers most major subjects and will take place on Saturdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
LINCC is a University of Toronto student group, which strives to promote the integration of immigrant youth into Canadian society and encourage them to seek post-secondary education. LINCC focuses on providing academic tutoring and counseling for the youth while aiding them in developing their leadership skills.
Interested students are requested to contact the Education Board's voice mail at (416) 751-5325 ext. 239, and provide their contact information including name, phone number and current school grade, or by e-mailing e...@cfonet.org.
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| Academic Achievement Program (Previously known as UTS) Open House
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Aga Khan Education Board for Ontario
Parents of Grade 4 and 5 students are invited to the Academic Achievement Program (AAP) Open House on Saturday October 18, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. at Willowdale Jamatkhana.
AAP is a fast paced program which prepares students to write the SSAT and other entrance exams for independent schools, University of Toronto Schools (UTS) and a number of other schools and programs. Students learn to develop skills in critical thinking, problem solving, lateral thinking, debating and creativity through English and Math classes. Curriculum details will be available at the Open House.
Students interested in the AAP must pass an entrance exam as there are a limited number of spaces in the program. Details and registration for the entrance exam will be available at the Open House.
Parental involvement is key to the success of creating our future leaders. Through the Parent Sessions, we share what you can do to assist your child academically.
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| Celebrating Women: Network Sessions
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Women's Development Portfolio, Council for Ontario
Six sessions will be held in the social hall at Headquarters Jamatkhana on Monday nights from 8:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., commencing October 20, 2008.
Registration will take place at Headquarters Jamatkhana on Monday October 13th at 8:30 p.m. There will be a registration fee due at registration time.
Each class consists of tuning into your higher self, energizing and calming meditations, yoga to release stress, pain & energy blocks, and healing relaxation.
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| Health Seminars
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Aga Khan Health Board for Ontario
The following health seminars will take place immediately after Jamati ceremonies:
| Subject |
Date |
Location |
| Healthy Eating for Healthy Living |
Friday, October 3, 2008 |
York Mills Jamatkhana |
| Diabetes |
Friday, October 10, 2008 |
Thorncliffe Jamatkhana |
| You And Your Mental Health: Learning About Depression |
Friday, October 17, 2008 |
Dundas West Jamatkhana |
| Aging Gracefully |
Saturday, October 18, 2008 |
Willowdale Jamatkhana |
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| Jeopardy-Style Quiz
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Aga Khan Health Board for Ontario
| Saturday, October 25, 2008 |
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Brampton Jamatkhana |
| (after Jamati ceremonies) |
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Please contact ISAT members for details on this knowledge based interactive quiz show, facilitating interaction between seniors and youth of our Jamat.
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| Programs for Seniors
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ISAT, Aga Khan Health Board for Canada
Please contact your local ISAT representatives for details on the following programs:
- Fun-filled 30 minutes weekly workout at most Jamatkhanas
- Weekly drop-in centres (Headquarters and Willowdale on Mondays, Don Mills and Unionville on Wednesdays)
- Additional weekly drop-in centres on Thursday evenings (5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) at Headquarters and Don Mills Jamatkhanas
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| Kitchener Monthly Seniors Drop-In Centre
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ISAT, Aga Khan Health Board for Ontario
This program is held on the second Saturday of each month, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Please see the Drop-in Centre Manager or ISAT members for details.
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| Bike4Life
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Focus Humanitarian Assistance
Focus Humanitarian Assistance invites you to participate in its Bike4Life 2008 Challenge cycling the Konkan Coast of India from Mumbai to Goa this winter. The deadline to register has been extended to October 15, 2008.
Please visit our website or contact us at focus...@focushumanitarian.org or the local FOCUS office for an application and further information.
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| Announcement from FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance
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FOCUS would like to provide the Jamat with a brief update on its collaboration with Jamati institutions and national agencies in responding to three major disasters that occurred recently; namely, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in the USA, and the bomb blast at a hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan.
In early September, when Hurricane Gustav made landfall approximately 80 miles southwest of New Orleans, five hundred Jamati members were evacuated from Beaumont and Port Arthur in Texas and in Louisiana. These operations, supported by FOCUS, were led by the crisis teams of the Ismaili Council for South West USA and aimed to ensure that Jamati needs were met, and that affected families returned safely to their homes, as soon as it became safe to do so.
Later in September, Hurricane Ike made landfall on the city of Galveston, Texas, spreading to nearby coastal areas including the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area. Jamats residing in Beaumont, Clearlake, Galveston and Houston were directly hit by flooding and hurricane winds. Approximately 2,000 Jamati members, who were under mandatory evacuation, were moved to Austin, Sugarland, San Antonio, Waco and Dallas. The National Council for the USA and the Local South West Council, in collaboration with FOCUS, concentrated their efforts on the provision of timely relief to Jamati members who were directly affected by the hurricane.
On Saturday, September 20, following the horrific bomb blast at the Marriot Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, FOCUS' Search and Rescue Team was deployed in a five-hour rescue operation, assisting the Pakistan Army and other rescue authorities.
We pray that all the communities and families affected by these recent events are granted the courage and strength to overcome the challenges that face them, and that conditions of peace and safety are restored for all.
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| Volunteer Opportunities
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The Council for Ontario IT team is recruiting volunteers for the following positions:
Experienced Windows Systems Administrator
- This position is a long-term commitment for about 6 hours a week. Candidates must have thorough knowledge of
- Active Directory
- Messaging and Security
- Network Routing
- MCSE Certification is preferred
- Candidates must be self-starters and will be provided with a very professional, team-oriented IT environment. References are required.
Experienced Linux Administrator
Candidate must be extremely conversant with Linux-based email messaging system integrated with windows Active Directory and have at least 3 years of related experience.
Please submit applications for either position to itma...@cfonet.org.
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| Employment Opportunities
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Vancouver-based Finance Manager position with ITREB Canada
Closing October 3, 2008 Details
Karachi, Pakistan-based Director, Administration, Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) at the Aga Khan University
Closing October 10, 2008 Details
Mombasa, Kenya-based Manager, Dining Services, and Manager, Facilities and Maintenance with Aga Khan Academy
Closing October 10, 2008 Manager, Dining Services | Manager, Facilities and Maintenance
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| The Muslim Civilizations
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Did you know?
... the first Muslim in North America was the Chinese Admiral Zheng He?
Recent scholarship indicates that Zheng He, the Chinese Admiral of the Ming Emperor Zhu Di and a devout Muslim, made a voyage of exploration to the Americas in 1421 when he circumnavigated the world. He predates Christopher Columbus to the Americas by 70 years.
In 1854, 13 years before Confederation, the first Muslim, James Love, named after his father, was born in Ontario to Agnes, of Scottish descent. The Loves went on to have seven additional children, the youngest, Alexander, born in 1868, one year after Confederation. Similarly, another couple, Martha and John Simon, described in government documents as Mahometans, settled in Ontario in 1871, coming from the United States.
The first National Census in 1871 counted 13 Muslims in Canada. The majority of the early Muslim settlers Anglicized their first names or changed them altogether.
Sources:
Kassam, Karim-Aly. "Muslim Presence in Alberta: Contribution and Challenges." Remembering Chinook Country. Detselig Enterprises Ltd. Calgary. 2005.
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| Recent Institutional News
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Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance Expands Operations in Madagascar
Aga Khan Development Network, September 15, 2008
Press Release
Mawlana Hazar Imam Inaugurates Aleppo Citadel Project
Aga Khan Development Network, August 28, 2008
Press Release | Photographs | Project Brief (English, Arabic)
Mawlana Hazar Imam and Government of Syria Sign Agreements to Foster Social and Cultural Development
Aga Khan Development Network, August 26, 2008
Press Release | Photographs
Aga Khan University Signs Agreement to Further Health and Education Development in Syria
Aga Khan Development Network, August 25, 2008
Press Release
Mawlana Hazar Imam Arrives in Syria on the Occasion of His Golden Jubilee
Aga Khan Development Network, August 24, 2008
Press Release | Photographs
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| Frequently Called Numbers
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