In every country The AKDN has a presence, it is now responding to the COVID-19 pandemic — providing urgent humanitarian assistance, slowing the virus’s spread, caring for the infected, or addressing the broader disruption of essential services and livelihoods.
Many well-wishers have come forward seeking ways to contribute to AKDN’s wide-ranging work to support the Jamat through the crisis. We are pleased to inform the Jamat that Mawlana Hazar Imam has authorized the establishment of a
Global Pandemic Relief Fund to serve as the central funding vehicle for support to the Jamat and AKDN institutions in response to COVID-19.
Proceeds will be used to support
AKDN’s response with a specific emphasis on humanitarian and emergency response, including the provision of food aid, basic medicines, and shelter to the Jamat across all geographies through Focus Humanitarian Assistance and AKDN agencies. In addition, Funds may be deployed to support suppressing transmission and providing care in Jamati jurisdictions.
If you wish to support these efforts, or find out more information about AKDN’s initiatives, please visit:
www.akf.org.uk/pandemicfund.
Volunteers’ Voice
Despite the challenging year, it remains an exciting one for IVC across our jurisdiction with the launch of two initiatives: (1) The appointment of European Regional Support Officers (RSO's) to work alongside the volunteers. Through developing best-practice, the RSO's will help strengthen the IVC, aligning to the needs of the European Jamat. (2) An online training portal will soon be released across the jurisdiction delivering courses in various languages,  providing an opportunity to gain professional qualifications and IVC-specific training. Stay tuned to learn more!
*Please note, image captured before the COVID-19 lockdown*
Bundle of Sticks
The European Global Encounters Alumni have come together to narrate a popular fable, A Bundle of Sticks, featured in our Ta’lim curriculum. The story demonstrates how one stick can break easily but sticks in a bundle are much harder to break. This applies to our Jamat and global community. If we stay united, together we can achieve great things! B. J. Palmer said "it takes 65 muscles to frown and 13 to smile, why work overtime?" Remember to smile – it’s infectious! Click here to see the video!
Mental Health Matters Gujarati Podcast
The latest edition of Healthy Bytes is here! Join Rina Koradia as she discusses our mental health and the importance of wellbeing during this challenging time when we are separated from our loved ones. This podcast is in Gujarati, listen here.
New AKEPB Educates - Setting Financial Goals
Episode #3 of the AKEPB Educates Series covers how to establish financial goals as a household unit. Some of your goals are wants, while others are needs. The latest episode will help you tell the difference. To get started with your financial goals, watch episode #3 now.
Business Mentoring Programme - Mentees & Mentors
For a number of years the Business Mentoring Programme (BMP) has supported entrepreneurs in the UK Jamat by pairing them with successful Ismaili business mentors who provide advice and guidance to entrepreneurs on their journey.
Due to the recent disruptions to businesses across the country, BMP would like to support members of the Jamat who operate businesses in retail, hospitality, healthcare, technology, real estate and professional services, as well as those who are self-employed.
If you think you and your business would benefit from mentoring, please get in touch! Equally, if you are a business owner and have experience in navigating a business through a period of uncertainty, we would love to speak to you about the prospects of becoming a business mentor. 
To register your interest, please email us on akepb@iiuk.org
STEM Activities for Children
AKEB has created a recommended list of educational activities to do at home on the themes of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). STEM is valuable in helping children develop important skills for the future (e.g. critical thinking, problem solving, analytical, and technological skills).
From early years to secondary, activities are designed to spark interest, develop skills and help build an understanding of STEM subjects. There are many tools and resources which make these subjects engaging and exciting – such as hackathons, games and challenges. To access the list, click here.
To access an additional list of educational activities covering virtual visits to zoos and museums, and podcasts and online talks for older students, click here.
Ramadan Calendar for Children
Today, what tasks can your children help with in the home? Tidying can feel like a chore, but the more people that help, the quicker it can be done! Sometimes it’s surprising how much better and calmer we can feel in a tidy space.
Singalong Saturday
AKYSB presents Singalong Saturday, this week we present a cover of ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’. This is a cross-border virtual collaboration between two artists: Nafeesa Dhalwani from London, UK and Zohaib Ghulam Hussain from Kinshasa, Congo. This song also serves as a reminder to live in the moment, to find your inner peace and to smile in the face of adversity. If you would like to be featured on singalong Saturday please email ice@iiuk.org.
ITREB Thought of the Day: #SaturdaySchool
Did you know, the Arabesque is a form of artistic decoration, that takes ideas and shapes from the world of nature? They may be flowers, leaves, or vines which spiral in and out of each other, making delicate patterns. Arabesques remind us of the beauty and order of Allah’s creation, including precious gardens, both on earth and in paradise. Flower patterns are often combined with geometric shapes, and are used to decorate all manner of things. Arabesques can be simple or complex, but are usually symmetrical. In parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, these popular designs can be found on wall tiles and carpets (pictured), and can even be woven between calligraphy. Grab a pencil and paper, and see if you can design your own Arabesque artwork today!
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