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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: 66
Reflections for your Golden Jubilee Journal: October 5 - 11
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"Let me also emphasize the inseparable nature, within Islam, of faith and world: the intertwining of spiritual responsibility with the conduct of daily life. My responsibilities as Imam for interpreting the faith are thus accompanied by a strong engagement with issues relating to the quality of life, affirming the dignity of all peoples."
Extract from the speech by Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Dinner hosted by the Governor and First Lady of Texas, Austin, Texas, April 12, 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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Education: Setting New Standards of Quality and Excellence
We continue our review of programs in education initiated during the Golden Jubilee year by Mawlana Hazar Imam.
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During his Golden Jubilee visit to Kenya in August 2007, Mawlana Hazar Imam marked the 25th anniversary of the Madrasa program in Mombasa (left, credit AKDN). The Madrasas, or community-based early childhood development centers, are open to all children and are based on the premise, outlined in Mawlana Hazar Imam's speech at the ceremony, that "an investment made in the earliest, pre-school years can bring enormous dividends as a child proceeds from one level of education to another." Research results indicate that students who have attended a madrasa (over 54,000 children have attended one in East Africa) make a better transition into and through primary school than their peers. |
Major programs in higher education announced during the Golden Jubilee year include Aga Khan University's Faculty of Health Sciences in Nairobi (the region's first private medical school) and the first private regional university, an extension of AKU, in Arusha. Both will serve to develop sources of effective leadership and contribute to bringing global standards to the region.
Collaboration agreements have been signed with the University of Texas, the Catholic University of Portugal, and with the Ministries of Health and Education in Syria. Each of these, while helping to set new standards in education and health, also serve to narrow "the gap between the West and Islam and towards bridging the gulf between the industrialised countries and the developing world."
Read more about the AKDN's focus on excellence in education.
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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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| Video Presentation: Mawlana Hazar Imam's Visit to India
| Friday, October 10, 2008 |
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All Jamatkhanas except Greenland and Scarborough Jamatkhanas |
| 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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| Video Presentation: Mawlana Hazar Imam's Visit to the United Kingdom
| Friday, October 24, 2008 |
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All Jamatkhanas except Willowdale Jamatkhana |
| Saturday, October 25, 2008 |
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Willowdale Jamatkhana |
| (after Jamati ceremonies) |
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A video presentation of Mawlana Hazar Imam's Golden Jubilee visit to the United Kingdom will be shown in all Ontario Jamatkhanas except Willowdale Jamatkhana on Friday, October 24, 2008 and in Willowdale Jamatkhana on Saturday, October 25, 2008 after Jamati ceremonies.
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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 |
| (after Jamati ceremonies) |
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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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| National Ismaili Music Ensemble
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Accomplished musicians and vocalists of Western and Eastern musical traditions are invited to apply to participate as performers in a National Ismaili Musical Ensemble. The ensemble will perform for the Jamat at social events during Mawlana Hazar Imam's Golden Jubilee visit to Canada.
Trained and talented musicians which include, but are not limited to, playing piano, wind instruments, brass instruments, string instruments, percussion, keyed instruments and vocalists with classical vocal training or extraordinary abilities in Western, Opera, Karnatic/Classical Indian, Central Asian, Arabic Recitation, etc. are invited to submit their applications. |
All applications must be submitted online by midnight on October 19, 2008 Eastern Standard Time. For further application details, please visit here.
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| Federal Election: Our Role as Canadians
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The Importance of your Vote
On October 14, 2008, Canadians across the country will have the opportunity to vote and choose their new government by determining who will represent them in the House of Commons.
Your vote is the way you choose someone to represent you in Canada's Parliament. By expressing your choice, you are exercising a civic right that is key to the democratic process of government that generations of Canadians have fought to build.
You are entitled to vote in this federal election if you are a Canadian citizen and will be 18 or older on polling day.
The vast majority of electors are registered in the National Register of Electors, which is used to produce the preliminary voters lists for federal elections, by-elections and referendums. If you voted in the last general election, you may be registered to vote at the address where you lived at that time. Elections Canada updates the Register from a number of sources, so if you have moved since then, your address change may also have been registered.
If you have recently moved, your name will still be registered, but you may need to update your address.
Remember that when you arrive at the polling station, you will be required to prove your identity and where you live. This can be done by showing a piece of government issued photo identification and another document showing your address.
The right to vote is a fundamental democratic right that is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It is the cornerstone of democracy. As Canadians, the legitimacy of a government lies in the fact that it is elected. Low voter turnouts may call into question this democratic legitimacy.
While democracy involves much more than holding elections every five years, voting is a powerful way to send a message to governments and politicians. The more votes, the more powerful the message is. In other words, every vote counts. Compared to other forms of political participation, voting does not require a lot of time or effort - in other words, it is one of the easiest ways to have a say in how your society is governed.
On October 14, 2008, exercise your democratic right, and help to shape the Canada that you want.
For information about voting and the electoral process, visit the Elections Canada website.
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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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| 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.
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| Micro Loan Program (MLP) Business Training Session
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Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Ontario
| Saturday, October 25, 2008 |
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Brampton Jamatkhana |
| (10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) |
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For details and registration for this session on starting up a small business and writing a business plan, please call MLP at (416) 751-5325 ext. 450 (English) or ext. 451 (Farsi).
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| Ismaili Economic Forum (IEF) Roadshow
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Ismaili Business and Professional Organization (IBPA),
Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Ontario
| Sunday, October 26, 2008 |
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Scarborough Jamatkhana |
| (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) |
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Delegates who represented the Canadian Jamat at the Forum held in Dubai in April 2008 will share messages and personal experiences from the forum, as well global EPB strategies and plans of advancing the IEF objectives. The session will conclude with an engaging session on the current economic environment.
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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 13, 2008 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 |
| You And Your Mental Health: Learning About Depression |
Friday, October 17, 2008 |
Dundas West Jamatkhana |
| Aging Gracefully |
Saturday, October 18, 2008 |
Willowdale Jamatkhana |
| Diabetes (Seminar in Farsi) |
Friday, October 24, 2008 |
Willowdale Jamatkhana |
| Diabetes (Seminar in Farsi) |
Saturday, October 25, 2008 |
Kitchener Jamatkhana |
| Hearth Health |
Saturday, October 25, 2008 |
Oshawa Jamatkhana |
| Common Health Problems and Healthy Living for Children |
Saturday, October 25, 2008 |
Unionville 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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| Bike4Life
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Focus Humanitarian Assistance
The Bike4Life 2008 deadline to register has been extended to October 15, 2008.
Please visit our website or contact us at focus...@focushumanitarian.org or the FOCUS office at (416) 423-7988 for an application and further information.
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| Aga Khan Scholarship and Loan Program (AKSLP)
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Aga Khan Education Board For Canada (AKEBC)
General Information for Applicants
AKEBC provides numerous AKSLP awards each year to Ismaili students entering their first year of undergraduate studies at recognized Canadian Universities. These awards are made to students on the basis of high academic standing and genuine financial need, and can be renewed on an annual basis; AKSLP award recipients may be eligible to receive over $20,000 in financial assistance while pursuing their undergraduate studies. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents in order to be eligible to apply.
Selection Criteria
The main criteria for selecting award recipients are as follows:
- Excellent academic records (minimum 80% average in grade 12 or equivalent)
- Genuine financial need (applicant must have applied for and exhausted other sources of funding)
- Admission, for the first time, as a full-time student in either (a) an undergraduate program at an accredited Canadian University; or (b) in an accredited College-University undergraduate collaboration program. A College-University collaboration program is one which is offered collaboratively by a College and a University; or one in which students are required to complete 1 - 2 years at a College and then are required to transfer to a University to meet graduation requirements. The end result in either case must be a Degree or a Diploma/Degree conferred by a University
- Well thought out and coherent educational and career plans
Applicants are also evaluated on their extracurricular interests and achievements, potential to achieve their goals, and the likelihood of succeeding in an academic environment.
Students entering first-year College with the intent of transferring to a university in subsequent years may also qualify for assistance upon entering university. It is the intent of the Board to ensure that qualified applicants shall not be denied a university education due to a lack of funding.
Forms of Assistance
AKEBC provides financial assistance as a last resort, and only provides shortfall funding for tuition and incidental fees, books, transportation, and living (room and board) expenses. All applicants are expected to have applied for federal and provincial student loans; based on household income, financial support from parents may also be required.
AKSLP awards consist of a 50% grant component and a 50% loan component. The loan portion of the award is repayable over a five-year period beginning six months after graduation and will carry an annual service charge of 5% applied from the time the funds are disbursed.
Application Procedure
The AKEBC has extended the application deadline to October 30, 2008. Students may obtain AKSLP application forms from the local education board offices. Completed application forms, including all supporting documentation, must be returned to local education board offices no later than October 30, 2008; incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants being considered for AKSLP awards will be invited for interviews during the last two weeks of December, 2008.
Contact Information
Application forms are available from the local education board offices.
Please contact Moez Moledina by e-mailing at ebo.f...@yahoo.ca or by leaving a message at (416) 751-5325 ext. 222.
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| Potential Identity Theft Alert
Micro Enterprises: Interior Designing
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Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Ontario
This month's Micro Enterprise idea is Interior Designing.
For details about how to start up a Interior Designing business, please click here.
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| Career of the Month
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Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Ontario
Career: Dental Assistant
For additional information, refer to the Government of Canada's Job Futures website by occupation or NOC Code 3411 or contact the Skills and Employment Program Counselor at (416) 751-5325 ext. 321 or e-mail fbhe...@cfonet.org.
Please click here for more information regarding this career.
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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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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
Junior Accountant position with AKFC
Closing October 10, 2008 Details
Karachi-based Executive Officer with ITREB Pakistan
Closing October 10, 2008 Details
Academic Director position with ITREB Canada
Closing November 7, 2008 Details
Executive Officer position with Council for Madagascar
Closing November 30, 2008 Details
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| The Muslim Civilizations
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Did you know?
... the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Burnaby, BC was a Silver Jubilee Project?
The first purpose-built place of worship of the Ismaili Muslims in North America is the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Burnaby, British Columbia. The foundation of this Jamatkhana was laid in 1982, a Silver Jubilee project, and was officially opened by former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in 1985. In his address at the foundation ceremony, Mawlana Hazar Imam said:
"During the Jubilee year many new projects will be launched which will impact the material quality of the life of Ismailis and indeed of many others, in the fields of health, education, housing and rural development, particularly in the Third World..In the past 24 years many hundreds of Ismaili Jamatkhanas have been built around the world. I have only very rarely attended the Foundation Ceremony of a Jamatkhana, and I have never travelled so far to do so. But this is the first project to be launched during this Jubilee year and it is very important that it is a place of worship.
Burnaby also has a particular significance since it was here.that the first congregation of my community was established in Canada. The significance of this ceremony is further enhanced by the fact that this is the first Jamatkhana to be built in North America..."
Excerpts from Speech by Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony, Burnaby, British Columbia, July 26, 1982.
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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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