Meet a BUI Volunteer: Farzeen Nathoo, Ottawa BUI Centre | The Ismaili Canada

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Meet a BUI Volunteer: Farzeen Nathoo, Ottawa BUI Centre

May 17, 2023 | Canada

Meet Farzeen Nathoo, one of the many incredible BUI volunteers who keep Bait-ul Ilm running across the country. Farzeen and his colleagues show remarkable commitment and dedication in their work—and we always need more volunteers like them! BUI volunteer opportunities are available in teaching, administration, health and safety, refreshments and more. 

Farzeen has been volunteering with BUI for almost 8 years, first as a teacher and now additionally as a Teacher Mentor. He notes that he is passionate about working with the youth, and that he is also inspired by his mother, who taught in Tanzania and continues to teach at BUI. While Farzeen has lots of teaching experience, he points out that there are lots of supports for teachers and these have allowed him to shift his approach to one of engagement and facilitation: 

“With the current support from the BUI team and the material that we get from the Institute of Ismaili Studies  (IIS), it is completely different from how I taught before. The structure, the Talim, the Curriculum Support Package (CSP) and the support from our Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP) community educator really allows the teacher to focus on the students rather than the material. Since my first class and the coaching I received from the STEP teacher, I have enjoyed every opportunity to facilitate sessions and the engagement I get with the students.” 

Asked why he continues to volunteer when he has a busy life of his own, Farzeen responds:

“It’s quite simple, just the smiles and positivity that comes from the work the students do is just incredible. You will meet some amazing students and you can really be a part of their journey in life. For example, as an engineer, I can impart some knowledge with students about what I do in my real life and have conversations about what they want to do. The conversations are fantastic. Also, just watching the things these amazing students are doing as they grow just brings you happiness and pride.”

Still wondering if volunteering at BUI would be a good fit for you? Farzeen describes some other benefits: “I currently work in an organization where we provide professional services, and how you approach individuals and clients with soft skills is important. Knowing diplomatic ways as well as handling conflict are just some of the aspects that you can develop as a person, not to mention the meaningful and mindful seva where you see the outcome in front of your eyes.”

Thanks so much to Farzeen and to all of our incredible volunteers.

Inspired to volunteer your time?  Sign up here and be a part of our exceptional teams!

 

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