Ambassadors Program | The Ismaili Canada
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Ambassadors Program

As Shia Ismaili Muslims, we are often asked many questions such as:

  • Who is the Aga Khan?
  • What is the role of the Aga Khan?
  • Who are the Ismailis?
  • How are the Ismailis situated within the larger Muslim community?
  • What are the beliefs and practices of the Ismailis?

The Ambassadors Program was developed to help provide tools that enable the confident articulation of our Shia lsmaili Muslim identity. The program provides education on key topics and provides frameworks for responding to questions commonly asked about the faith of Islam, the lsmaili Tariqah, the Jamat, Mowlana Hazar Imam and the lmamat, as well as the work of the Aga Khan Development Network. Alumni of the program are well positioned to support lsmaili institutional boards, portfolios and Jamati activity, particularly where communication with external audiences is involved.

Cycle 7 – April 16 to June 11, 2023

Format

  • The 8-week program addresses frequently asked questions about the faith and community.
  • The online program consists of content-based presentations, weekly practice-based training (role-playing articulation activities) and reading and viewing material for deep dives.
  • Speakers include Waezeen, Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) teachers, and Institute for Ismaili Studies (IIS) Scholars.
  • Participants will be supported by mentors who are Waezeen, STEP teachers, IIS and Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations (ISMC) graduates and more with subject matter expertise.

 

The Program takes place over 8 weeks commencing April 16, 2023 with 2.5-hour content sessions on Sundays and 1-hour practice sessions normally held on Wednesday evenings.

 

  • During the online content sessions on Sundays, the program's faculty take participants on a journey of exploration through the topic of the week. Program material presented by the faculty, including required viewing and reading material, is most often shared with participants for future reference.
  • On Wednesday evenings, participants gather in small virtual groups with their program mentors to practice responses to frequently asked questions of the week. During the practice sessions, participants role-play based on provided scenarios. For example, a participant may receive the following scenario to practice responding to:

“You are with your co-workers at work and one of them asks you about the role of the Aga Khan, how do you respond?”

Participants receive feedback from both their peers and program mentors supporting their capacity to articulate responses with growing confidence and humility.

A Learning Journey

Although the overall intent of the program has been driven by the need to articulate thoughtful responses to some prominent frequently asked questions (FAQs), there is a curricular story that aims to bring together all the sessions into one meaningful learning experience. Below is depiction which maps out the participants' learning journey as scaffolded meaningfully over the eight-session pattern.

Timing

  • Sunday April 16 to Sunday June 11, 2023 (8 weeks inclusive, taking May 21 off)
  • Presentations and large group discussion sessions take place on Sundays from 8 am to 10:30 am PT │ 9 am to 11:30 am MT │ 10am to 12:30 pm CT │ 11am to 1:30 pm ET
  • Small group practice sessions will take place for 1 hour on Wednesday evenings. A Thursday evening option may be open to those who cannot make Wednesdays.

Please note that due to limited capacity and aims for regional diversity, we may not be able to accept all applicants. Applications will close on March 20, 2023.

For questions contact:

ambassadors.program@iicanada.net

Thank you.

Apply Today!

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His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Canada

49 Wynford Drive Toronto, Ontario M3C 1K1 CANADA

Tel: +1-416-646-6965

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