What is ICARE?

ICARE is a centralized resource where Jamati members can easily and simply request information on programs and services provided by our institutions by just clicking a button.  One stop information hub with the objective of providing the Jamat ease of access to the various boards and portfolios.

Your request, question or comment is assigned to the appropriate board/portfolio for follow up in a timely manner.

Boards and Portfolios

Arts & Culture

Care for the Elderly

Communications & Publications

Community Relations

Economic Planning Board

Education Board

Health Board

Human Resources/IVC

Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for BC

Planning and Performance Management

Poverty Alleviation

Property Matters

RC Transport

Settlement Portfolio

Social Welfare Board

Women's Portfolio

Youth Development

Youth and Sports Board

Arts & Culture

Contact: Navida Nuraney

The Arts and Culture Portfolio aims to preserve and promote Islamic social and cultural heritage. In addition, the portfolio seeks to strengthen unity within the Jamat and to develop pride in the Canadian Ismaili Muslim identity by way of collaborative programs that creatively promote arts and culture.

Programs and Activities:

• Manages a database of Jamati members with artistic talent.
• Provides opportunities for Jamati members to develop professional voice training through the Children's and Adult Choir.
• Offers a platform for visual and interdisciplinary artists to exhibit their work in a professional setting through the annual Art Exhibition.
• Connect professional artists with opportunities to perform at internal and external special events

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Care for the Elderly

Contact: Rahim Bhatia

Strives to improve the quality of life of elderly Ismailis and enhance their capacity to do so.

• To strive to increase opportunities for the elderly in our Jamat to remain engaged within the Jamat and in the communities at large.
• To provide opportunities for our elders to share their knowledge, experience and skills.
• To foster a positive image of seniors and recognize their contribution to the community.
• To provide opportunities to use the Jamatkhana space effectively during the day

Programs and Activities:

• Jamati Seniors’ Centres – Burnaby, Downtown, and Richmond
• Visitation Program
• Individual JK Events
• Joint Khushiali Program
• Volunteer Training
• Excursions

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Economic Planning Board

Contact: Yashina Jiwa

The mission of the Economic Planning Board is to improve the economic well-being of the Jamat by providing guidance and assistance towards a sound financial base. As the lead for the Council for Canada’s Economic Enhancement priority area, EPB’s mandate includes monitoring current and anticipated future economic climates and providing the Jamat with relevant and timely programmatic support in the areas of employment, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and business professionals.

Programs and Activities:

• Personal Financial Planning Seminars (Financial Planning, Wills and Estates, Real Estate, etc).
• Business, Professionals & Alliances Networking Opportunities.
• Career Counseling, Skills Upgrading and Job Placement Assistance.
• Entrepreneurship Support for Aspiring and Emerging Entrepreneurs.

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Education Board

Contact: Salima Dadani-Bhayani

The Education Board aims to foster a commitment to life-long learning and excellence to enable the Jamat to maximize its human potential. The Board is responsible for the implementation of strategies for improving the standards of education and academic achievement.

Programs and Activities:

• Tutorial Learning Centre (TLC)
• SEED workshops & Early Childhood Education
• Scholarship applications
• I-STAR
• Workshops and seminars on:
  • Career Trends
  • Parenting
  • Course Selection
  • Study Skills/Time Management
  • Introduction to Education Planning

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Health Board

Contact: Khairrunnissa Rhemtulla

Medical Advisory Service: 604-438-4010 ext. 840

The Health Board is responsible for promoting strategies to improve health by increasing awareness of health promotion strategies; and  working collaboratively with partner boards and portfolios to incorporate healthy options and relevant health information into programs.

Programs and Activities:

• Medial Advisory Service
• Living Life to the Full
• Cardiovascular Screening
• Health and Wellness Educational  Sessions
• Chronic Disease Education (i.e. Diabetes, Heart Health)
• Mental Health Awareness (i.e. Depression, Stress Management, Dementia)

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Human Resources/IVC

Contact: Shiraz Ramji

The Human Resources Portfolio is responsible for preserving and fostering the tradition of voluntary service and identifying, motivating and developing leadership talent. The Portfolio is also responsible for overseeing the operation of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps, Parking, Safety, Security and Event Planning.

Programs and Activities:

• IVC:
  • JK Volunteer Meetings
  • Annual General Meetings
  • IVC Activities
  • Youth IVC
  • Young Volunteers (Duty Training, Team Building, Graduation)
• Training: First Aid, Security, Traffic Control, Food Safe
• Leadership Training Sessions

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Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board (ITREB) for BC

Contact: 604-438-4010 ext. 638 or  ITREB@ijkc.com

The overall mission of the Tariqah Boards worldwide is to impart an understanding of the essential principles of the Shia Imami Ismaili Tariqah within the broader context of Islam as a whole. This, with due regard to the diversity of traditions, customs, cultures and languages of the Ismaili Jamats worldwide, which themselves reflect the rich diversity encompassed within the Muslim Ummah itself. This self understanding to be imparted with a view, also, to enabling an articulation of the principles and practices of the Tariqah in a manner that is comforting to the Jamat, comprehensible to reasonable - minded people, resonant to the needs of the contemporary world and sensitive to the contexts in which the Jamat lives.

Programs and Activities:

The Tariqah Board for BC undertakes the following programs and activities which are planned by the respective portfolios:

• Bait ul-Ilm Pre Primary age 4 (Burnaby Lake only)
• Religious Education preparedness for 4 year olds entering BUI
• Bait ul-Ilm Primary
• Religious Education classes for grades K-6
• Bait ul-Ilm Secondary
• Encounters - Religious Education classes for grades 7-10
• Al-Azhar – Religious Education classes for grades 11-12
• Youth
• Student’s Majlis
• Post Secondary Jamatkhana and programs
• Weekend Retreats
• Student Waez Program
• Evening Recitation Program(ERP)
• training of children and youth in the recitation and understanding of Du’a, Ginan, Qasida, Tasbih and other Tariqah recitations.
• Jamati Engagement
• Seminars, Inspiration Series, Waezes and other Jamati education programs
• Library and Literature Centres
• New admissions into our Tariqah program
• Training for recitation of special prayers, i.e. Quranic Ayats, Ziyarat, Nikka etc.

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Planning and Performance Management

Contact: Azmin Dhanji

The Planning and Evaluation Portfolio is responsible for the coordination and preparation of the annual Council objectives and strategies (O&S), planning oversight, monitoring and evaluation of program activities.

Programs and Activities:

• Annual O&S and budgeting exercise with the Finance Portfolio.
• Thematic planning
• Process management for Calendar of Events & Project Proposal System
• Project Management Services
• Outcome based evaluations

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Poverty Alleviation

Contact: Rozmin Mitha

To support and enable the ultra-poor, poor and working poor families in the Jamat to improve their overall quality of life; using an integrated, beneficiary driven, sustainable approach.

Programs and Activities:

• Identifying, engaging and supporting individuals/families through ongoing and long term support in an effort to improve their quality of life.
• Helping to  identify/implement alternate/innovative ways of utilizing beneficiaries’ existing skills, building on the aspirations of the individuals.
• Ensuring participation and inclusion by creating an enabling environment– meaningful community participation and reducing isolation/marginalization
• Advocating for the family/individual and assisting them in accessing resources and services  as well as navigating the system (health, education etc)
• Provide linkages to other council boards and portfolios

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Property Matters

Contact: Aman Mohamed

The Property Matters portfolio is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all Imamat properties (Jamatkhanas, recreational and administration facilities) in British Columbia including the safety of the occupants of these facilities.

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RC Transport

Contact:

Programs and Activities:

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Settlement Portfolio

Contact: Dawood Shibary

The Settlement Portfolio is responsible for facilitating successful settlement in Canada of newly arrived Jamati members. The Portfolio is responsible for establishing and administering an infrastructure that includes providing the Central Asian Jamat (CAJ) with language training, academic tutorial assistance, job searches and skills upgrading

Programs and Activities:

• MTP – Management Training Program for newly arrived Jamati members
• RKI – Rahi Kamiyabe (Road to Success)
• Entrepreneurship / Skill Enhancement & Life Planning
• Meaningful Engagement with Institutions/Leadership / Fora with CAJ

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Social Welfare Board

Contact: Michael Boschitsch

Social Support Professional: Hamidah Ismail

The Social Welfare Board is responsible for empowering individuals and their families so that they can enhance the quality of their lives. The Board strives to utilize preventative, supportive and curative approaches to address the social welfare needs of the Jamat.

Programs and Activities:

• Quality of Life Improvement Program (QLIP)
• Hardship Support Services
• Mental Wellness Support Group
• Special Kin Inclusion Program
• Training for volunteers

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Women's Portfolio

Contact: Zarmina Afghani

The Women’s Development Portfolio seeks to improve the lives and opportunities of Ismaili women. The Portfolio aims to identify and promote awareness about specific issues for women, as well as to develop initiatives to address these issues with the assistance of other Boards & Portfolios.

Programs and Activities:

• Teen Mentoring
• Teen Talk
• BELIEF – Youth identity program
• Celebrating Women
• Immigrant Women’s Economic Development (IWED)
• Cancer Support Group

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Youth Development

Contact: Aliyah Walji

Programs and Activities:

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Youth and Sports Board

Contact: Hanif Shariff

The AKYSB Vision is that Canadian Ismaili Youth will be happy, healthy, ethical and part of a unified Jamat that nurtures the fulfillment of their dreams.  The Youth and Sports Board organizes programs and events that provide Ismaili youth with support and development opportunities. The Board is also responsible for organizing sporting activities for all age groups.

Programs and Activities:

• Camps (Discovery, Mosaic, Weekend Retreats, etc..)
• CIVIC
• Young Professional Events (Young Ismaili Adults – Y.I.A.)
• Youth Clubs / Youth Spaces
• Youth Leadership Retreats
• Active Living Programs
• Sports Clinics (badminton, golf, tennis)
• Youth Leadership Development Program
• Boys' Mentorship Program
• Youth Resiliency Programming (including "Speak-Up Cafe" Series)
• Organized Sports Leagues, Camps, Tournaments and Drop-In (IHL, IWHL, IYHL, IYSC, basketball, hockey, golf, bowling, volleyball, badminton)

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ICARE - ASK. LEARN. KNOW

What is ICARE?

ICARE is a centralized resource where Jamati members can easily and simply request information on programs and services provided by our institutions by just clicking a button.  One stop information hub with the objective of providing the Jamat ease of access to the various boards and portfolios.

Your request, question or comment is assigned to the appropriate board/portfolio for follow up in a timely manner.

Where is ICARE?
ICARE is online

With the Ismaili Institutions for Canada portal, it is easy to submit a question and request for more information. Log on to http://iicanada.org and click the ICARE logo.

ICARE in Jamatkhana
ICARE desks are now available at the following Jamatkhanas on Fridays and Chandraat.

• Ismaili Centre, Burnaby
• Fraser Valley
• Richmond
• Headquarters
• Burnaby Lake
• Tri-City
• Downtown
  ​

Why ICARE?

ICARE is a one stop information hub. Jamati members can send requests, questions or comments to the various institutional boards and portfolios. 

ICARE makes it easy to find out what’s going and how you can get involved.

It’s that easy!

ICARE - ASK. LEARN. KNOW

What is ICARE?

ICARE is a centralized resource where Jamati members can easily and simply request information on programs and services provided by our institutions by just clicking a button.  One stop information hub with the objective of providing the Jamat ease of access to the various boards and portfolios.

Your request, question or comment is assigned to the appropriate board/portfolio for follow up in a timely manner.

Where is ICARE?
ICARE is online

With the ICARE portal, it is easy to submit a question and request for more information. Log on to http://iicanada.org and click the ICARE logo.

ICARE in Jamatkhana
ICARE desks are now available at the following Jamatkhanas on Fridays and Chandraat.

• Ismaili Centre, Burnaby NEW
• Fraser Valley NEW
• Richmond NEW
• Headquarters
• Burnaby Lake
• Tri-City
• Downtown
  ​

Why ICARE?

ICARE is a one stop information hub. Jamati members can send requests, questions or comments to the various institutional boards and portfolios. 

ICARE makes it easy to find out what’s going and how you can get involved.

It’s that easy!

ICARE - ASK. LEARN. KNOW

What is ICARE?

ICARE is a centralized resource where Jamati members can easily and simply request information on programs and services provided by our institutions by just clicking a button.  One stop information hub with the objective of providing the Jamat ease of access to the various boards and portfolios.

Your request, question or comment is assigned to the appropriate board/portfolio for follow up in a timely manner.

Where is ICARE?
ICARE is online

With the ICARE portal, it is easy to submit a question and request for more information. Log on to http://iicanada.org and click the ICARE logo.

ICARE in Jamatkhana

ICARE desks are now available at the following Jamatkhanas on Fridays and Chandraat.

• Headquarters
• Burnaby Lake
• Tri-City
• Downtown
   

Why ICARE?

ICARE is a one stop information hub. Jamati members can send requests, questions or comments to the various institutional boards and portfolios. 

ICARE makes it easy to find out what’s going and how you can get involved.

It’s that easy!

On behalf of Mukhi Kamadia Sahebs and Mukhiani Kamadiani Sahebas and all Institutional Leaders, we extend our warmest greetings to each and every member of the Jamat and wish you Imamat Day Mubarak.

We hope all members of the Jamat will join us as we celebrate our beloved Imam's 57th Imamat Day. On Friday, July 11 join us for Flag Raising and a devotional program after morning prayers. The same evening, after Jamati ceremonies, we will celebrate together with sherbat and cake at all Jamatkhanas. On Saturday, July 12, we will celebrate with the entire BC Jamat coming together at the PNE as one united family. We truly hope that the Jamat of British Columbia will come and celebrate with a meal, entertainment program and dandia raas. 

We especially express our admiration and gratitude to the countless volunteers and donors who contribute significant time, effort, and resources towards all of the programs for the benefit of the Jamat.  In this spirit, this year the theme of our Imamat Day celebrations is celebrating volunteerism: To learn, grow and Inspire...Volunteer. Everything we do would truly not be possible without these outstanding and dedicated individuals.

We are also grateful to the Jamat for their participation in the Jamati Services Fund (JSF) campaign. We all benefit in one way or another from the programs and events that JSF supports.

On this joyous occasion, let us again express our love and dedication to our beloved Mawlana Hazar Imam. Let us commit to attending Jamatkhana as often as we can and helping those in need.  We offer Shukrana to Mawlana Hazar Imam for his continued guidance, and pray for good health, prosperity, faith, and unity of the Jamat. Ameen.


Samira Alibhai, President,
Ismaili Council for BC

Shabir Amarshi,
Chairman, ITREB for BC

The Imamat Day Khushiali Hospitality Team is recruiting volunteers to assist with Bus Hosting, the Information Booths and Kidz Zone at this year's PNE Khushiali Celebrations on Saturday, July 12, 2014.  

This is an excellent opportunity for volunteers of all ages to connect with the Jamat.

Please email Shelina Teja at shelinateja@hotmail.com or Farah Gulamhussein at farah604@gmail.com with your area(s) of interest or for more information.

On Saturday, July 12, 2014, Imamat Day Khushiali will be celebrated jointly at the PNE with Sagridham Jaman and an entertainment program.  Due to Ramadan, please note the change in activities and later start time.

Highlights include an outdoor musical program prior to dinner, and then the Ismaili Marching Band, Ismaili Pipe Band, and a Dandia Raas program with the band Jawani.

Please note that there are no Jamati Ceremonies at the PNE.  Jamati Ceremonies will take place in all Jamatkhanas at 7:00pm.

Itinerary:

Parking and Drop-Off:
Parking passes are available for sale at all Jamatkhana Ticket Centres at a discounted rate starting June 27, 2014.  Pre-purchasing parking significantly aids in swift entry.

Parking for the general Jamat is accessible through GATE 9 on McGill Street and GATE 14 on Hastings Street ONLY.

Shuttle service will be provided from these parking lots to the PNE Agrodome (and Rollerland, if requested) to facilitate quick entry.

Only vehicles with a BLUE DISABILITY PLACECARD will be permitted to drop-off at the Bus Loop before GATE 6 on Renfrew Street.  Drivers will be directed to a nearby lot.  Shuttle service will also be provided from these lots. 

Drop-off for HandyDART and Taxis will be at the Bus Loop before GATE 6 on Renfrew Street.

Please pick up a parking tag indicating the number of the lot where you parked.  Return shuttles will be available.

Directions to the PNE:
www.pne.ca/contacts/maps-and-directions.html

Wheelchair Access:
Jamati members requiring a wheelchair are required to bring their own wheelchair. Designated areas for wheelchairs have been arranged on the lower and upper levels of the Coliseum.

Jaman & Refreshments:
Jaman will be served in the Agrodome starting at approximately 9:00pm for the Jamat.  Special arrangements have been made in the Agrodome for families with young children.  Seniors will be served in Rollerland.

Health Considerations:
Jamati members who require medication are reminded to bring their medication with them.  The Jamat is advised to drink water during the evening and stay hydrated.  Due to the later start time, Jamati members with specific dietary needs are asked to plan accordingly. 

Non-Ismaili Family Members:
Immediate Non-Ismaili Family members are warmly welcome to join in all the celebrations.

Kidz Zone:
Children accompanied by their parents are invited to visit the Kidz Zone, on the lower level of the Coliseum, to participate in fun activities for children up to 10 years old.  Kidz Zone will be open starting at 9:30pm.  Kids activities will be available outside between 8:00pm and 9:30pm.

Please refer to the Al-Akhbar in upcoming weeks for additional information.

Earlier this year, Ismaili youth and young adults living in British Columbia were surveyed and asked: What do you want to know about your faith?

The feedback gathered from this survey was used to thematically guide the Circle of Reflections Symposium held at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby, on March 29, 2014.

Bringing together 125 youth and young adults aged 18–35, the Symposium focused on Ismaili history and identity, and an understanding of our rites and practices. Perhaps most importantly, the Symposium allowed young voices to guide the conversation – capturing relevant topics and providing a secure forum to explore them further.  

The full-day symposium began with a thoughtful and moving keynote address from Samira Alibhai, President of the Ismaili Council for British Columbia, on the future of our Jamat and its relevance to youth today. Scholars Nurdin Dhanani and Salim Khalfan presented two unique interactive lectures on Ismaili history and the practice of our faith, respectively, and also joined Salimah Haji for a closing panel discussion.

The panel answered insightful questions submitted by participants at the time of registration, tying together themes from earlier in the day and also initiating further discussion and dialogue. Participants reconvened in the evening for a Gala, and welcomed some final thoughts and charting a path forward for our youth and young adults from Dr. Mohamud Karim, Chairman of the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for Canada.

Attendees and panelists alike noted that the event was a great success, emphasizing that a for a such as this, not only resonates with young people in our Jamat, but also is necessary to enhancing and developing a more nuanced understanding of our faith collectively.

Electronic Online:

To view photos of the event, click here. https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/56455983@N07/sets/72157643564565204/

Save the Date!

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Imamat Day Khushiali will be celebrated jointly at the PNE with Sagridham Jaman and an entertainment program.

More details to follow in the coming weeks.

On behalf of Mukhi Kamadia Sahebs, Mukhiani Kamadiani Sahebas and all Institutional Leaders, we extend our warmest greetings to every member of the Jamat and wish you and your family Navroz Mubarak.

Navroz is the beautiful time of new beginnings and growth.  Let us continue to stay strong to our values of generosity, unity, and social conscience. Let us increase our attendance in Jamatkhana, both morning and evening.  Let us support those within our Jamat who are facing challenges and difficulties, with compassion, patience and care.  Let us live up to the expectations of Mawlana Hazar Imam together as he continues to work tirelessly for his Jamat and the communities within which they live.

We wish you all our heartfelt mubarakis on Mawlana Hazar Imam’s recent visit to Canada at the end of Feburary.  We were truly blessed to have Mawlana Hazar deliver a historic address to a joint session of Parliament and sign a Protocol of Understanding between the Ismaili Imamat and Canada. This agreement solidifies the important partnership that the Imamat has developed with Canada over nearly five decades. We were also truly blessed that the Noorani Family was also present in Canada for this momentous occasion.   Mawlana Hazar Imam and Prime Minister Stephen Harper also announced a joint human development initiative that will touch the lives of more than a million people. In Toronto, an event with Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Prime Minister was attended by over 2,000 guests, including government, corporate and civil society leaders, and Ismailis who travelled to Toronto from across the country.

On this special day of Navroz, we especially acknowledge and thank the hundreds of volunteers and donors who contribute significant time, effort, and resources.  We would not be able to share these experiences, enjoy our Khushiali celebrations, and offer all of our programs, without these exceptional and dedicated individuals.

We also acknowledge and express our sincere appreciation to all those who have supported the Jamati Services Fund (JSF). The Fund helps deliver programs and services to the Jamat and each one of us, regardless of our age, benefits directly or indirectly from the programs funded by JSF.

On Friday, March 21st, we will commemorate Navroz at all Jamatkhanas during morning and evening Jamati ceremonies.  This is our opportunity to celebrate Navroz with the Jamat and our non-Ismaili family members.  We ask that you invite them to join us after Jamati celebrations for a delicious meal, music and raas.

On this joyous occasion, let us offer shukrana to our beloved Hazar Imam and pray for his continued guidance, for good health, prosperity, strength of faith, and unity in the Jamat. Ameen.

Navroz Mubarak.