Ismaili Muslim youths gather for charity walk
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/30/06They sported the occasional blemish, and some had braces on their teeth, but the youths at Sunday’s Partnership Walk downtown belied their age with an impressive understanding of what’s needed for the neediest parts of the Third World.
Amid a crowd estimated at about 7,000 people, the youths who coordinated the interactive Village in Action may well have been the most informed. Sunday’s events, sponsored by the Aga Khan Foundation, a philanthropic branch of the Ismaili Muslim community, raised money and awareness for grass-roots international development programs such as irrigation projects, health care visitation in rural areas and early childhood education.
“These kids become our ambassadors in many ways,” said Iqbal Noor Ali, CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation.
“Act locally. Impact globally,” said Karim Kajani, 17, a junior at Woodward Academy. Kajani organized an exhibit that demonstrated, among other things, the threat of yellow fever faced by the poorest villagers in Asia and Africa.
“I think kids my age need to be reminded that there’s countries out there in far worse shape than anywhere they’ve known,” Kajani said. “While we’re worried about getting something from Abercrombie & Fitch, they’re worried about survival.”
The foundation supports community-based projects that improve basic human needs. “Our whole philosophy is to enable to people to do the best for themselves, regardless of their gender, origin or religion,” said Ali, who estimated the Partnership Walk, now in its 10th year, will raise $1 million, “at least. Atlanta has always been very generous to us.”
And not just financially. The enthusiasm of students like Chattahoochee High School senior Rozmin Ajanee, 18, bodes well for the foundation’s future.
“The most important thing we can do is raise awareness about the poverty much of the world faces,” Ajanee said. “The first time I saw the images of the people we’re trying to help, I was speechless. Now I’m motivated.”
Ismailimail 