Jamatkhana and Institutional Updates

Navroz: A Time of Transformation and Renewal
This year, on 21 March, we mark two festivals that signify a time of change and renewal: Navroz and Mi’raj. Navroz heralds the arrival of spring and new beginnings, while Mi’raj reminds us of the Prophet Muhammed (may peace and blessings be upon him and his family) and his ascent towards the Divine.

Transformation occurs continuously in nature and in spiritual life. The festival of Navroz, meaning ‘new day,’ has been celebrated for over 3000 years. It marks the end of winter and the birth of spring, when the earth blossoms with green leaves, colourful flowers, and the fruits of harvest.

Spring is a time of transformative renewal and revitalisation. We shed what no longer serves us to embrace new aspirations. It is also an occasion to recommit to our beliefs, intentions and values.

Navroz then is a time for new endeavours. As we emerge from the dark, cold days of winter into the blooming light of spring, what pledge will you make towards a physical and spiritual renewal in your life?

Tomorrow we will explore the significance of Mi’raj.

Navroz Together, Navroz 2020
Please join us on Saturday 21 March for the UK Jurisdiction Navroz 2020 Programme. The Day Programme, for children aged 3-13 and their families will be held at 12-12:45 pm and 3:00-3:45 pm. These are family friendly online webinars to celebrate and understand the significance of Navroz. The Evening Programme will commence at 6 pm and last until 9 pm. Please see the.ismaili/UK/live for the schedule of the day, and to view the webcast. All timings are in GMT

Update on the Economic Landscape
The government has signaled that its priority is to protect jobs and has pledged to support businesses and employees through this tough time. Yesterday, the government announced a host of new support measures, including:

Any employer will be eligible to collect 80% of the wages up to a cap of £2,500 per month for all employees put on furlough. Payments will be backdated to 1 March, last for a minimum of 3 months, and paid ‘within weeks’
Businesses will be allowed to defer the next quarter of VAT payments until the end of the year. Businesses can also apply to receive interest-free loans for 12 months to cover financing commitments
In addition, the welfare system will be strengthened, including increasing Universal Credit by £1,000 a year and the Working Tax Credit by £1,000
An extra £1bn of support for renters through housing benefit and universal credit so the local housing allowance will cover at least 30% of market rents in a local area

A copy of the Chancellor’s latest statement can be found here.

Fighting the Coronavirus depends on you staying home
The government has just announced an extension of social distancing measures: all restaurants and cafes are now closed, except for takeaways. Other social venues such as theaters, cinemas and gyms have also been told to close “as soon as they reasonably can".

We can slow the spread of COVID-19, so that hospitals are less likely to be overwhelmed. The best way to slow down the spread is for everyone to limit social contact immediately. This is called social distancing, and it only works if enough of us do it. It could mean the difference between the life and death of someone you know. The Aga Khan Health Board recommends this video to explain why social distancing is important: Why fighting the Coronavirus depends on you.

School Closures and GCSE, A and AS Level Exams
UK schools will remain open to children of key workers and vulnerable students. The government has provided details of those that are in these categories.

Following the cancellation of this summer’s exams, the government has announced how exam grades will be given to students. Students will be given a calculated grade which reflects their performance as fairly as possible, based on a range of evidence and data, including performance on mock exams and non-exam assessment and previous attainment. To support this, the exam boards will be asking teachers, who know their students well, to submit their judgement about the grade that they believe the student would have received if exams had gone ahead. There will be an opportunity for students to sit an exam early on in the next academic year if they wish. Click here for full information.

Coronavirus Support Team
The CST has launched a telephone hotline for the entire UK Jurisdiction with phone numbers for Europe and the UK. The hotline is staffed by volunteers from within our Jamat. For information on how to use this resource, click here.