The Jamat is invited to attend an informative session on the future plans for a retirement/nursing home and other services for successfully aging at home on Sunday, November 16th at 5:00 p.m. in the Social hall.  Children of Seniors or those approaching their senior years are highly encouraged to attend.

AKFC invites you to watch a webcast presentation on the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFI) and the Canadian Development Context on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 9:30am EST. Increasingly, there have been discussions that suggest that Canada may look to create a DFI to bolster investments in emerging economies aligned with current development priorities. Speakers will review the current international DFI landscape, address key concerns and challenges from the Canadian context, and outline what a Canadian DFI will mean for current and future development priorities. This webcast is the first of an ongoing series of events that AKFC will be hosting on topics related to emerging economies. Please visit www.akfc.ca/en/events/item/120-dfi-webcast.

Geet Mehfil

The Jamat is cordially invited to a Geet Mehfil on Friday, March 13th after Jamatkhana ceremonies.

All badged and unbadged volunteers are cordially invited to attend the Volunteers Annual General Meeting this Saturday, November 22nd after Jamatkhana ceremonies. The guest speaker will be Shakeel Bharmal, Director of Operations and Resource Development at Aga Khan Foundation Canada, who will speak about service and leadership. A volunteer picture will also be taken. All badged volunteers are requested to attend in full uniform. Dinner will be served. Please visit the ICARE desk for further details.

All parents are invited to participate in an ECD webinar focused on building resilience in young children. The webinar is based on the work of renowned expert Dr. Ken Ginsburg and will be facilitated by Dr. Shazeen Suleman. In this webinar, parents and caregivers will explore ways in which they can enable their children to grow up strong in body, mind and spirit.  

The same webinar will be offered on two days:

Space is limited, so register early for the day and time that works best for you

Rang - Colours of Life, is a cultural showcase that will be held on Saturday, November 29 at the Algonquin College. Through various forms of artistic expression including singing, dancing, acting and music, Rang showcases our pluralistic Jamat.  

Doors will open at 8:00 pm and showtime is at 8:30 pm. Today is the last day to purchase Early-Bird tickets at the ICARE desk.  Tickets will also be available at the door at a slightly higher price. Seating is on a first-come-first-served basis. Please note that tickets will be scanned to enter and exit the theatre as well as to obtain refreshments. 

For those members of the Jamat who are mobility challenged and/or in a wheelchair, please inform the volunteers at the ICARE desk in order to make special arrangements.

The Jamat is cordially invited to this year’s Salgirah Celebrations, which will be held on Saturday, December 6th at Ottawa HQ Jamatkhana.  A dinner, raas, and music party has been planned for the Jamat.  Children’s activities will also be organized.  The Jamat is encouraged to participate in large numbers.  Non-Ismaili family members are also invited to partake in the celebrations.  

The Burial Fund 2015 Campaign continues until Sunday, December 7th. The cost is $25 for Jamati members up to 21 years of age and $55 for those 22 years of age and above.

Non-Ismaili members living in the same household as a registered Ismaili member are also encouraged to participate in this plan.  While keeping in mind this campaign's theme of "One for All and All for One", the Jamat is highly encouraged to participate and support this important initiative.  

Volunteers will also be seated in the Social Hall on following dates to assist you.

• Friday, November 28 in Jamat Khana Foyer
• Friday, December 5 in Social Hall
• Sunday, December 7 in Social Hall

Do you require assistance to resolve a dispute? Contact the Conciliation and Arbitration Board.  The Conciliation and Arbitration Board (CAB) currently has 44 members in Canada reflecting a diversity of backgrounds: 48% are female, 30% are from the Afghan Jamat, 30% are lawyers, and 30% are reappointed members to ensure some continuity. To equip each CAB member with the required knowledge, skills and expertise to serve the Jamat effectively, each member undergoes an intensive recognized training program at the start of their term, followed by ongoing skills enhancement programs. For further information, please visit the website at www.CABCanada.org or contact your Regional Conciliation and Arbitration Board:

Diabetes is a chronic condition that develops when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin and/or properly use insulin, a hormone which the body needs in order to use sugar as an energy source. 

It is extremely important to keep blood sugars in the target range set by you and your health care provider.  You can achieve this by:

• Eating healthy meals and snacks
• Regular physical activity
• Monitoring your blood sugar using a home glucose meter regularly as prescribed your health care team
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
• Managing your stress
• Stop smoking

If your diabetes is left untreated or improperly managed, the following complications can arise:

• Heart Attack
• Stroke
• Kidney Failure
• Foot problems
• Eye disease and blindness

To successfully manage your diabetes and prevent complications, it is important to have regular check-ups with your health care team so that they can assist you with your meal plan, physical activity and medications.  Depending on your needs, this may include:

• Primary care provider
• Diabetes educator
• Endocrinologist
• Pharmacist
• Exercise physiologist
• Optometrist
• Foot care specialist

For additional information, please visit:

• www.diabetes.ca
• www.heartandstroke.com/site/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/b.3484029/k.47A3/Heart_disease__Diabetes.htm

The Aga Khan Health Board for Canada’s vision is that the Canadian Ismaili Muslim community be one of the healthiest populations in the world. Please remember to visit www.theismaili.org/nutrition.

Influenza, or the flu, is a common and highly contagious, infectious respiratory disease that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It is a serious illness that infects millions of Canadians every year. Getting vaccinated is an important step in reducing the risk and severity of the illness for both you and your family.

Though the flu can seriously affect all age groups, the highest risk of complications occurs among:

• Adults age 65 or older
• People of any age with certain health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer
• Children aged 6-59 months
• Pregnant women
• People who live in nursing homes or other long term care facilities

In order to prevent the onset of the flu, it is recommended that all Jamati members receive the flu shot.  Furthermore, you can reduce the risk of catching or spreading influenza by adhering to the following preventative measures:

• Wash hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to help remove bacteria and viruses
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when washing your hands is not possible
• Avoid sharing food, towels or handkerchiefs
• Cough and sneeze into your shirt sleeve rather than your hands
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread very easily this way
• Stay home when ill until your symptoms are gone
• Keep common surface areas clean and disinfected

Click here for your flu checklist

For more information about where to get your vaccine, speak to your primary care provider or contact your local public health department, or visit www.fightflu.ca 

The Aga Khan Health Board for Canada’s vision is that the Canadian Ismaili Muslim community be one of the healthiest populations in the world. Please remember to visit http://www.theismaili.org/nutrition. 

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13 November 2014 - The following content was published at TheIsmaili.org, the official website of the Ismaili Muslim community. 

12 November 2014 - The following content was published at TheIsmaili.org, the official website of the Ismaili Muslim community. 

1 November 2014 - The following content was published at TheIsmaili.org, the official website of the Ismaili Muslim community.

A secular facility, the Delegation offers a centre for building relationships, enabling quiet diplomacy, disseminating knowledge and information, while reflecting the wide-ranging humanistic and humanitarian agenda of the Aga Khan Development Network.

The Visitor Program provides the public with an opportunity to explore the building through regularly scheduled open house hours – select Wednesday evenings from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and select Saturday afternoons from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

Volunteer guides will be on hand to facilitate visits of the public spaces of the Delegation. Tours will begin every half-hour, on the half-hour. No reservations are required during the times listed but groups of 10 or more are kindly requested to advise AKFC in advance at visitorprogram@akfc.ca or 1-800-267-2532.

Due to the nature of events at the Delegation, please note that the schedule is subject to change. Please make sure to check www.akfc.ca in advance to confirm the time and date you are planning to visit. Thank you for understanding. 

Upcoming Dates in November include:

Saturday, November 29, 2014

The building is located at 199 Sussex Drive in Ottawa. No parking is available on-site, but street parking is available in the neighbourhood along Boteler, Dalhousie, Parent, and Bolton. The Delegation has visitor entrances on Sussex Drive and Boteler Street.

For additional information, please visit www.akfc.ca.

Are you in a job with limited growth opportunities? Are you considering a career transition or do you want to upgrade your skills? Start new training to become an Ambulance Attendant (also known as Paramedic or Emergency Medical Assistant). Ambulance Attendants administer pre-hospital emergency medical care to patients with injuries or medical illnesses. They also transport patients to hospitals or other medical facilities for further medical care. Employment prospects for workers in this occupational group are expected to be average or above average in upcoming years. Of the opportunities that arise, the majority will result from the need to replace those who retire.

Ambulance Attendants (Paramedics)

• Assess extent of injuries or medical illnesses to determine emergency medical treatment
• Establish and maintain intravenous treatment (IV), apply adjunctive equipment for ventilation and circulation complications, administer medications and provide other advanced emergency treatment to patients
• Assist hospital personnel with provision of medical treatment when necessary
• Maintain ambulances and emergency care equipment and supplies

What you need to prepare yourself for this career?

• High School Diploma
• Completion of three year college program (varies by region)

What does this career offer?

• Competitive wages (vary according to qualifications and experience)
• Average to above-average job prospects (vary by region)

To learn more about this career, please visit www.workingincanada.gc.ca, search by occupation or NOC #3234. For examples of other vocational careers, please visit www.elcanada.com.

For additional information, please contact the Skills and Employment Program Counselor in your region:

• Tel: 604-438-4010 Ext. 610 or email: sep@ijkc.com in BC
• Tel: 403-215-6200 Ext. 214 or email: cfp.sep@iicanada.org in AB
• Tel: 416-751-4001 Ext. 321 or email: sepontario@iicanada.org in ON
• Tel: 514-738-8866 Ext. 16 or email: sep@icqm.ca in QC