The Christmas Meeting (23rd December 2006)

Free Brownies and Ice Cream? No wonder there were so many people at the meeting!

This particular meeting was held to celebrate Christmas. The Team wanted something special for the last meeting of the year! Farnaz Gulamhussein's homemade Brownies got lots and lots of attention all right!

The meeting was also used as a springboard to decide whether or not the Gavel Club would lend its efforts to organize an entertainment item for the 31st December Dinner and Dance! Read all about it in another article on this blog!

Farnaz makes the brownies

Upcoming Events (30th Jan 2007)

2nd February:

Reflection Nite:

Movie (Blood Diamond)+Refreshments+Reflection Session

Coming soon:

DebISCO:

Debate + Disco

Coming later:

EMOTICON!

Express Yourself Night

YConnect's official introduction into Jamati Framework (1st January 2007)

Farnaz Gulamhussein : Convenor Fehzan Dhalla: Co-Convenor Well, Ladies and Gentlemen: The day is finally here. YConnect is officially in the Framework of the Ismaili Jamati Institutions. From here on in, YConnect handles all Youth Development activities in the DSM Ismaili Jamat.

We pray that Farnaz and Fehzan get plenty of paperwork (hehe) and also pray that they will succeed in their duties. They will be strongly supported by the YConnect team and by our very own Shelina Walli (The Rock). Peace. And may the Force be with you.

One Year Anniversary of the Youth Connections (8th Janurary 2007)

Yes, it’s true. The Youth Connections movement has had a turbulent history. From the days of the terrible Singing debacle (A mid-song exclamation of “Dude, I Suck at this!” being the highlight of those troubled times) to the Night of the Water-Gun Prowlers (Lock-In 2006: YConnect team members gladly enforced the no-sleeping rule) From 26th to 29th December 2005, a RAVE (Religious Awareness and Values Education) camp was held in Moshi. Along for the ride: About 50 screaming teenagers high on adrenaline, pheromones and too much Kellogg’s Cereal. It was a strange Youth Camp: An argument erupted between famed scientist Darwin and his best friend clergyman Father Walid over the Theory of Evolution. A singing competition resulted in a mid-song exclamation of “Dude! I suck at this!”. A unanimous decision by participants resulted in mass numbers of people wearing the ‘lungi’ and a night-time SMS service was left “pending”. Irony of Ironies! It was a monumental event: for it inspired one of the strongest-ever Youth ventures in the Tanzanian Ismaili Jamat. Two weeks after the conclusion of this Camp, a talented Alwaeza named Salimah Haji, a Facilitator at the Camp, called together selected Camp participants. The reason: Youth leadership was appallingly low-key (or absent) in the Tanzanian Ismaili Jamat. It was her belief that these youths could begin a chain reaction within all Community Youth to change their society for the better. She was right. These youths subsequently formed the Youth Connections, an initiative aimed at supporting/encouraging/understanding/helping the present youth of the Jamat. Finding a hardy friend and supporter in Mrs. Shelina Walli (IYSC Youth Development Member), we set out to Save Our Youth! Today, the Youth Connections is handling ALL youth development projects in the Dar es Salaam Ismaili Jamat. The passionate work of the Youth Connections team has resulted in a generation of Youth Leaders. Youth Representation has been nurtured in much of the Institutional Framework supporting the Ismaili Jamat. In the Beginning: Youth Connections

The Mother Of YConnect: Alwaeza Salimah Haji

Dependable Liason and Pillar of Support: Mrs. Shelina Walli

The Team:

Imran Khakoo

Omar Aziz

Mehak Tejani

Alamin Aziz

Farnaz Gulamhussein

Fehzan Dhalla

Nagina Rajwani

Alnoor Hasham

Nasreen Hassanali

After Alwaeza Haji’s departure for her homeland, Shelina Walli became our acting Mother. Omar Aziz and Alamin Aziz, two of the founding pillars of YConnect, later left for further studies. In their place two new members were recruited: Rahil Jivani Hussein Alibhai. The Youth Team has overall authority. There is nobody truly in charge, and there is no bureaucratic hierarchy. The team has learnt to work seamlessly in planning, administration and implementation. For institutional accountability reasons, team member Farnaz Gulamhussein took over as Convenor of all Youth Activities, thus representing YConnect at every institutional meeting. However, in the field, and during the planning process, every team member has equal say.

THE YOUTH CONNECTIONS GAVEL CLUB In June 2005, four Youths were approached to help form a Public Speaking club for the Youth of the Ismaili Jamat. Omar Aziz Imran Khakoo Alamin Aziz Faraz Jivraj, To be supervised and helped out by Psychologist/Friendly Neighborhood Toastmistress Seifoonisa Dhanani. At first, it was deemed impossible due to the “Pepsi Effect”: Lots of enthusiastic activity at first, trickling down to a few drops of flat inactivity… then stopping altogether. Did we want to risk a nose-dive? How would we make it sustainable? How were we supposed to make it work long after we were gone? Thus began the first set of “Recruitment” meetings. An informal study was carried out. Hundreds of people signed up for the would-be club. And yet, few actually showed up in consequent meetings. The Pepsi effect was that strong. Even before it started, it had stopped. It was first called the “Toastmasters Club”. Since we had no international Toastmasters approval it was then simply called the “Speakers’ Corner”. Thus it remained for a Year, slowly gaining momentum while leadership changed (Mrs. Shelina Walli, a major driving force) until a year later, in June 2006, it was decided that the Speaker’s Corner be undertaken by YConnect. It was natural. Both elements worked toward the benefit of Youth, and both were new elements laboring to catalyze development in a fairly rigid society. The Youth Connections took over. And that’s where both were taken to heights never before dreamed of. The YConnect team helped guide the Club to its ultimate goal of International Recognition. Today, the Youth Connections Gavel Club, Club 20061 under Toastmasters International, has a growing number of Youth Participants. YConnect, through the club, is working toward its cause: a generation of aware, broad-minded, multi-talented, confident Youth ready to lead their society into the future. YConnect is now a living, breathing creature, ready to take on the challenge of time. 8th January 2006 is the First Anniversary of Youth Connections, may there be many more, always celebrated by a large group of Youths, celebrating yet another milestone on a growing body of work. In the Past Year: - 17th June 2006: “Lock-In”: Debut Event by YConnect team, supported by Speakers’ Corner (wink wink). Success! - Guest Speakers: Azim Jamal (Twice) - Inspirational Speaker MG Vassanji: Acclaimed Author Zahur Ramji: Personal Photographer for Aga Khan IV, Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere. Alwaeza Salimah Haji and Alwaez Rahim Ramji (Teachers, IIS Graduates and, incidentally, both Toastmasters) - Sometime in August 2006: Field Trip: “The Da Vinci Code” Movie + Reflection. - 17th September 2006: “A Day of Discovery”: Youth’s Day Out (in association with Ismaili Women’s Association). Direct result of Lock-In. - 11th November 2006: “Street Smarts VS Book Smarts” Debate, Kariakoo Jamatkhana. - 26th November 2006: IVC Voice your Thoughts 2006: Represented Ismaili Community at Inter-Community Public Speaking Competition. First Place. - 31st Dec 2006: “Past, Present and Future” FashioDance Show at New Year’s Dinner and Dance event. - 6th January 2007: “Nach Baliye”: Took all Top 3 spots at Inter-community Dance competition, represented Ismaili Community.

YConnect Gavel Club performs Fashion Show/Dance (31st December 2006)

It was the 31st of December: and the Gavel Club had been approached to do an entertainment item for the New Year’s Dinner and Dance gala at the Diamond Jubilee hall. And WHAT an entertainment item it was! We're known for our creativity: Well, ever heard of a Dancing Fashion show? The theme: “The Past, The Present… and the Not-So-Near Future."

The PAST:

A 70’s "Daddy Cool" dance theme with Alnoor Hasham, Alkarim Hasham, and Razeen Jivani!

A very Comical Ye-Olde-style Indian dance sequence with Irfan Gulamhussein and Sheliza Ladhani!

The PRESENT:

A modern-day sexy Salsa (Nabeel Vira and Nelshah Dhalla)

A HOT Indian song (Lose Control – Shama Jamal, Bahdur Jaffer and Shehzeen Ladha)

The FUTURE:

Two very disoriented Teenagers from the Future (Fehzan Dhalla and Saima Kassam)!

A Radio-Controlled Robot and his Scooter-Borne Mistress (Imran Khakoo and Malika Ladha).

Well, that was it! Deafening applause, loosened neckties and wolf whistles confirmed our guess… the YConnect Gavel Club had done it again!

The Group

Backstager/Hyperventilated Guy

The Masters of Ceremonies

YConnect gets its article published in Ismaili Africa! (25th Jan 2007)

The Day of Discovery, organized by the Ismaili Womens Association DSM, (and supported by the Gavel Club), was another youth event with far-reaching consequences. The following is an Ismaili Africa article (Dec 2006 Issue) written by a YConnect team member.

A DAY OF DISCOVERY Imran Khakoo 17th September 2006 It all began when the chicken decided to cross the road. Yasmin McCluck had an energetic and bubbly personality, always excellent for good company. However, her one weakness was her vision. She was extremely shortsighted, and always bumped into things, and sometimes even apologized to them. So it was with some trepidation that she stepped up to the edge of the tarmac, the salty breeze ruffling her glossy feathers. She put on her thick bifocals, blinked a few times, and carefully looked left and right. Left and right again. Seemingly satisfied with her safety-procedure, she pushed forward gaily, singing a wordless tune to herself (Cluck-a-dee-doo-dah! Ooh-Cluck-a-da-ra-di-day!). It happened in an instant. She heard shouting and looked up, frozen in her path. Two buses filled with screaming, excited Ismaili teenagers bore down upon her. As the mechanical giants rushed at her, her final thought was an age-old question. “Why, God, WHY did I want to cross the road in the first place?” (No Chickens were actually harmed in the course of writing this article. No chickens were harmed on the actual day either … though we DID have chicken for lunch…) The teenagers got down from the bus when they reached their destination. A huge crooked wooden sign announced the venue, “SUNRISE BEACH RESORT’. They had a fleeting, beautiful glimpse of sparkling ocean through the foliage. Looking at each other with excited faces, they pushed forward, following the program Co-facilitators. They saw the ocean for a beautiful, glorious moment and then stopped short. Silhouetted dramatically against the sun stood a (bright green) conference hall. They had no idea of the horrors waiting inside. The horror of extremely bouncy beach balls (inside the conference hall, no less!), the horror of plentiful creative raw material on each of their tables (for them to mould into whatever their heart desired) and indeed, the horror of listening to James Brown sing “OW! I feel good!” over the music system. The Day of Discovery, as the program was named (befittingly), was a result of a suggestion by a group of youths. Let me start from the beginning. No chickens, and rest assured; Superman, Amelia Earhart and James Bond are not somehow involved in this. (Flashback) A talented Alwaeza named Salimah Haji, once upon a very long time ago (2005), came to Tanzania and saw that youth leadership was appallingly low-key (or absent) in the Tanzanian Ismaili Jamat. She therefore sat with a group of youths and explained the situation to them. These youths subsequently formed the Youth Connections, an initiative aimed at supporting/encouraging/understanding/helping the present youth of the Jamat. Finding a hardy friend and supporter in Mrs. Shelina Walli (IYSC Youth Development Member), we set out to Save Our Youth. A program was therefore organized by the youth (YConnect team), for the youth (everyone else), to help the youth. As it turned out, the program planted the seeds of change, of progress, and of truth in the minds and hearts of many. One of the sessions held during this program was a brainstorming exercise. The participants were split into groups and sat with select Jamati Institution representatives. Each of the groups was briefed on the purpose, mandate and specific objectives of that institution. The participants then suggested plans aimed at achieving these goals. Ideas for events were proposed. Details were worked out. One such proposal was pitched for Ismaili Womens Association representative Farah Hirji. And the rest, as they say, is history (lots and lots of organization and planning in which this specific group of participants was eventually adopted as the youth representatives + Co-facilitators). The Day of Discovery was taken up by the Ismaili Womens Association and the Ismaili Youth and Sports Committee. A talented facilitator had been taken on (Mrs. Phyllis Craun-Selka, whose vast experience revealed itself in her ability to speak for only a minute or so, adequately introducing the activity at hand, gently guiding the participants in the right direction and then allowing them to take over). (End Flashback) A “Wall of Wonder” stood waiting as the participants filed into the conference hall (the hall was actually a medium-sized room, which in the end helped enhance a feeling of closeness among all those involved). Participants were required to imprint their hands on the “wall”, and write something good about themselves (or something that made them unique). The simple pleasure of meeting new people and getting to know them was amazing to experience and witness. Friendships were forged, and trust developed easily between participants who, only an hour before, had not known each other. Random group members sat in pairs on the beach exchanging a (true) story or experience from their past. They shared how they felt during this time, and why they felt that way. They shared their hopes and dreams for the future with each other. This act of confiding brought about new friendships, and reinforced older ones. The co-facilitators were always at hand to explain, support, and encourage this process. The group was eventually expected to create some form of expression that embodied the entire group’s desires, likes, dislikes, and unique characteristics. Everybody, be it Council Official, Facilitator, Co-Facilitator, or Participant, ate together, learned together, laughed together. Before half the day was over, there was a feeling of unity, love and friendship all around. We had, in essence, become a large family, 75 members strong! Case studies were brought forward. Participants were encouraged to think about the issue at hand and suggest a creative way to convey their message to the rest of the groups. The causes and perils of “Drug Abuse” were explored in a serious impromptu skit, complete with a court scene. The importance of good “Parent-Child Communication” was dramatized by a very vocal, and entertaining, set of teenagers. “Building confidence” and “Finding your own voice” was expressed in a beautiful impromptu skit, with the devil and an angel arguing on either side of the bemused main character. The concept of “Self Belief- speaking up when others ignore me” was displayed in another heart-warming role-play. “Second chances” were given to a pregnant teenager character in yet another powerfully delivered skit. The basic question “How Cool is Cool?” was addressed using an entertaining ensemble of refreshing, entertaining characters (Including a chess player having to play soccer just to fit in). This rag-tag bunch of teenagers had been transformed, if only for one day, into a family. A family of focused, aware and extremely happy self-confident individuals ready to face the world. And indeed, ready to make a real difference.

The Team! (Early 2006)

Various entertaining pictures of the YConnect team.

Taken in Late 2005 - Early 2006, around the time YConnect was established. (Exception - Rahil and Shelina)

Alwaeza Salimah Haji, yes, the famed Mother of YConnect. (She introduced her vision, provided an impromtu headquarters, prepared nice powerpoint presentations, served lots and lots of ice cream and always put a soothing word of advice)

Shelina Walli (Hardy Supporter at first, now the resident Old-Person in YConnect! )

(L-R) Omar Aziz, Imran Khakoo and Alamin Aziz (taken during their Hair-Growing Competition)

Farnaz Gulamhussein (During her performance of a classic Hindi song at R.A.V.E. December 2005!)

Mehak Tejani (Location and Date unknown- but hey, at least she's happy!)

Alnoor Hasham (In R.A.V.E. December 2005 - after a decision by camp participants to wear the Lungi)

Fehzan Dhalla (Acting the part of a bespectacled, yet illiterate, Father during a skit in R.A.V.E., December 2005)

Nagina Rajwani (A classic portrait of the Lady-in-Her-Own-World-singing a terrifyingly trance-like song for R.A.V.E. December 2005) Nasreen Hassanali (after singing her song at R.A.V.E. 2005)

Rahil Jivani (November 2006 - during Voice your Thoughts 2006)

Banner Divine (24th January 2007)

Well, it's finally here! Through the generosity of longtime supporter Fayaz Bhojani, we were able to get the YConnect Gavel Club banner printed! Slightly larger than 2 Square Metres, the banner's going to be good to announce our presence in any event we organize!

Gavel Club Zindabaad! Want a better quality version? Leave a comment saying your want one! Leave your email address! -YConnect Team

Mehak Tejani's Speech for Voice your Thoughts 2006 (18th November 2006)

Mother Teresa: Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person… a beautiful thing. Last week I was having a very bad Wednesday. It was a terrible, terrible day…everything was going wrong. As I walked through the corridor of my school, this young boy, whose name I didn’t know, looked at me innocently and gave me a quick and a small, but a beautiful smile. Without even thinking to myself, almost reflexively, I smiled back at him. Instantly feeling positive, I kept that smile on as I continued walking. After a second, I came across another girl, who looked just like me a few minutes ago. I smiled at her and in her reply came a sweet smile. As I say this now, I can see almost all of you, smiling to yourselves too J A smile, which takes less than a millisecond and almost no effort at all, is an action of love, a gift to that person… a beautiful thing, says Mother Teresa and I doubt if anyone over here or anywhere in the world would disagree with that. As they say, actions speak louder than words; a smile is an action worth a thousand such words. That day, when the young kid smiled at me, I felt him whisper in my ears that everything will be alright, have faith. At that time, God had taken his form to come tell me that I wasn’t alone. When you smile at someone, without even realizing, you make an amazing impact on him/her. It may be that that someone may have heard the most awful news of his life or even the greatest, a smile to him would make him feel loved, cared and belonged. It doesn’t matter what age you are, it doesn’t matter what cast you are, it doesn’t matter which religion you belong to and it definitely doesn’t matter whether what gender – a smile will always be a smile and will always carry the same effect and weight and the same message – the message of love, happiness, and togetherness. It will always be a gift to the one who receives it, a truly beautiful gift.

YConnect Gavel Club organises Debate (11th november 2006)

The YConnect Gavel Club in collaboration with the Aga Khan Scouta and Guides, organized a debate for its participants on 11th November 2006, the venue being Kariakoo Jamatkhana. The motion was slightly unorthodox:

Booksmarts VS Streetsmarts.

A few weeks prior to the debate, ALL the club members were assigned either one group or the other. Thus the two resulting groups: one supporting the Streetsmarts, one supporting the Booksmarts, had members who would provide possible ammunition for the upcoming verbal war. Each group then nominated its speakers.

The Jamat was free to witness the debate. The youths were charged a nominal fee to cover the refreshments.

Kariakoo Jamatkhana enjoyed a vast attendance of youths that night! As part of the night, the Gavel club members participated in Jamatkhana ceremonies. Shortly after Jamatkhana was over, the debate began downstairs in the social hall. (Speakers could be seen Straightening their Ties, Lubricating their Tongues and Shadow-Boxing ) Both teams produced fine viewpoints, with several speakers shining out from the rest. As the floor opened for the audience, the Judges began feverishly calculating scores.

Eventually, the Booksmarts won, though only by a narrow margin. Nasreen Hassanali was declared the best speaker. Great work, guys!

Participants: Irfan Gulamhussein Malika Ladha Alkarim Lalani Nausheen Sumar Nashina Rasheed Azhar Hirji Romana Hussein Nasreen Hassanali

Judges:

Hanif Bandali

Shamiza Rattansi

Gavel Club wins Intercommunity Dancing Competition! (6th January 2007)

Nach Baliye – Extravaganza The Ismaili youths participated in an inter-community dance competition called ‘Nach Baliye’ on the 6th of January 2007 organized by the Bhatia mahajen Community. The competition included three rounds namely; folk dance, song of your choice and English or Indian dance based on western steps. All three pairs mentioned below worked extremely hard and made us proud by bringing home with them the top three trophies for the night. First position: Walid Khalfan and Shama Jamal

Second position: Bahadur Jaffer and Nelshah Dhalla

Third position: Shehzad Walli and Aneesa Jaffer

Azim Jamal speaks to the Youth (14th December 2006)

Azim Jamal is a leading inspirational speaker and an international best-selling author who was born in Tanzania and educated in Kenya, the U.K. and Canada. He made his life-changing career switch from "accounting for business" to "accounting for life" during a soul-stirring experience while volunteering in the developing world. Overcome by the plight of homeless refugees in war-torn areas of the world, he vowed to make a difference in people's lives. Since then, Azim has been spreading his unique, thought-provoking message in becoming a Corporate Sufi - one who can achieve material abundance through spiritual abundance. Over one million people worldwide have heard his inspiring words and his work has received accolades from leading thinkers including Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Jack Canfield, Brian Tracy, and Dr. Ken Blanchard. Hence, The Gavel Club in collaboration with Ismaili Youth and Sports Committee and the Eastern Council were fortunate to have him speak to the youths of the jamat between the ages of 13 to 25 on 14th December, 2006 at the Darkhana Jamatkhana Hall. Azim briefed the youths based on one of his books, ‘Seven Steps to Lasting Happiness’ incorporating the youth affairs in present in our jamat today. Step 1: Discover yourself Step 2: Maintain positive attitudes Step 3: Hone your life skills Step 4: Build healthy relationships Step 5: Let ethics and values be your guide Step 6: Awaken your spirituality Step 7: Enjoy the ride Tips to the youths: - “Aim for the moon. Even if you miss, you will be amongst the stars” - Give of yourself more and you will stand out in the jamat - Know what you want and why - Happiness is not a set of circumstances; it is a set of attitudes - Less is more. Eliminate insignificant activities - Ismaili Youth-Connections Gavel Club

Lock-In 2006 (17th June 2006)

The Youth Connections LOCK-IN 2006

(17th June 2006)

The Youth Connections team, under the umbrella of the Speakers’ Corner, was successful in its debut event first envisioned almost 7 months ago. A youth initiative aimed at encouraging youth development, Lock-In was a groundbreaking event proposed by the youth, organized by the youth and intended for the youth. It was mainly a forum to encourage youth leadership in the community. An overnight stay at Upanga Jamatkhana, the Lock-In consisted of sessions and discussions with a steady stream of jokes, games, fun activities and learning experiences. The event comprised sessions that were highly interactive. A focus on healthy living underlined the event (Sundance Film Festival award-winning movie ‘Supersize Me!’ was shown). Cultural diversity and tolerance were also major issues addressed (Alwaeza Salimah Haji took the helm on this). However, the main focus of the night was on leadership within the Jamat, and specifically, how the youth of the Jamat can contribute to leadership. An institutional coherence session served to make the participants aware of how much planning is required to allow an event to take off. This session was facilitated by none other than current leaders in various institutions. Alkarim Hirani- Economic Planning Board Farah Hirji- Ismaili Women’s Association Zahra Nathoo- Jamati Education Committee Shemina Peera- Jamati Health Committee Azmina Nanji-Ismaili Tariqah Religious Education Board

Another session conducted by the Youth Connections team itself shed light on Ismaili Youth Leadership all over the world. The message was clear: Youth in other coutries are taking the initiative to help their societies. Why not us?

Tanzanian youth have a laid-back philosophy that counts against us. This conclusion was reinforced by an eighteen minute movie compiled by the team consisting of interviews with respected community members.

Objectives of the Lock-In -To implement projects, under multiple institutions such as the YCF to promote a sense of synergy within institutions. -To introduce the concept of Youth leadership development for the youth, facilitated by the youth themselves. -To create pathways for the youth to develop their potential and build capacity within the youth body. -To promote youth self-awareness.

Youth Connections

The Mother Of YConnect: Alwaeza Salimah Haji

Dependable Liason and Pillar of Support: Mrs. Shelina Walli

The Team:

Imran Khakoo

Omar Aziz

Mehak Tejani

Alamin Aziz

Farnaz Gulamhussein

Fehzan Dhalla

Nagina Rajwani

Alnoor Hasham

Nasreen Hassanali

Imran Khakoo's Speeches for Voice your Thoughts 2006 (18th November 2006)

Hillary Clinton “What we have to do… is to find a way to celebrate our diversity and debate our differences without fracturing our communities.” Good evening, Ladies and gentlemen. My name is Imran Khakoo. I am up here because I believe. I believe that each and every person here tonight is unique, Is different from everybody else in a way that no one can even imagine. Look around you. How many people do you see who look exactly like you? That’s what I thought. We’re all different, and not just in a physical way. That’s the reality. We cannot avoid it, nor can we do anything to change it. Diversity… is inevitable. So why is it that there is so much violence, animosity and distrust based on this simple fact? Why is there so much bloodshed when people have a different opinion, a different approach, a different outlook? Look at the Rwanda Burundi conflict. Look at the Cold War. Look at all the major conflicts in the world today based on the simple fact that there is a difference in opinion. There seems to be a basic error in our logic. We’re different. We think differently. So should we kill each other over it? If this remains the case, Ladies and Gentlemen, then the Human Race is headed for extinction. My question to you is, are YOU prepared to let that happen? Hillary Clinton once said, “What we have to do… is to find a way to celebrate our diversity and debate our differences without fracturing our communities.” Senator Clinton says celebrate your differences, celebrate them. Talk about them. Debate them. Peacefully. Constructively. Recognize that we all have different opinions and also recognize… that it is natural… to be different. One shining example of a country that’s carried out Senator Clinton’s advice is Canada. Canada’s population is amazingly diverse- but it’s still a wonderful, accepting atmosphere for everybody. How did they achieve that? They achieved it by recognizing that in diversity lies strength, and never weakness. There can still be a future for the Human Race if we celebrate our differences and talk about them. There’s still hope for acceptance, for harmony, for peace. And if we’re all here tonight, shoulder to shoulder, in this hall, If we’re sitting beside people we’ve never seen before, and never thought we’d ever have the honour to meet, If we’re making friends, building bridges amongst ourselves, or just cheering on our teams, That is testament to the fact that we can all be different, and still be one. Malcolm S. Forbes, "Diversity as the Art of Thinking Independently Together. " Good evening, Ladies and gentlemen. My name is Imran Khakoo. I am up here because I believe. I believe that each and every person here tonight is unique, Is different from everybody else in a way that no one can even imagine. Look around you. How many people do you see who look exactly like you? That’s what I thought. We’re all different, and not just in a physical way. That’s the reality. We cannot avoid it, nor can we do anything to change it. Diversity… is inevitable. So why is it that there is so much violence, animosity and distrust based on this simple fact? Why is there so much bloodshed when people have a different opinion, a different approach, a different outlook? Look at the Rwanda Burundi conflict. Look at the Cold War. Look at all the major conflicts in the world today based on the simple fact that there is a difference in opinion. There seems to be a basic error in our logic. We’re different. We think differently. So should we kill each other over it? If this remains the case, Ladies and Gentlemen, then the Human Race is headed for extinction. My question to you is, are YOU prepared to let that happen? Malcolm S. Forbes, the deceased publisher of Forbes Magazine, once defined Diversity as the Art of Thinking Independently Together. Think independently, but together. How? The Late Mr. Forbes wants us to open our eyes. He says Think independently. You know you’re going to form your own opinion if you think for yourself. You know you’re going to be different from everybody around you if you think for yourself. Think independently anyway. But eventually, think together. Put all these different little thoughts and beliefs, together, to form a powerful result. Recognize that this jumble, this storm of individual thoughts and beliefs is a vast resource, a beautiful blessing. A multifaceted solution to a problem, each facet being derived from a different background, a different situation, based on a different set of beliefs. All these tiny facets come together to form a valuable gem of a solution. Recognize that we all have different opinions and respect each other for them. Also recognize… that it is natural… to be different. Think independently, but together. One shining example of a country that’s carried out Mr. Forbes’ advice is Canada. Canada’s population is amazingly diverse- but it’s still a wonderful, accepting atmosphere for everybody. How did they achieve that? They achieved it by recognizing that in diversity lies strength, and never weakness. Ladies and Gentlemen, there can still be a future for the Human Race if we work together on this. There’s still hope for acceptance, for harmony, for peace. And if we’re all here tonight, shoulder to shoulder, in this hall. If we’re sitting beside people we’ve never seen before, and never thought we’d ever have the honour to meet. If we’re making friends, building bridges amongst ourselves, or just cheering on our teams. That is testament to the fact that we can all be different, and still be one.

Youth Connections Gavel Club Logo!

Well, it is a bit late... but we like listing all our achievements up here, so I'll just get on with it. 9th November 2006: YConnect Gavel Club Logo Unveiled!

YConnect releases new medication

It's true, isnt it?

Even helps with Wet-your-pants-in-front-of-audience syndrome!

Image Source: The Big Ol' Internet

Shahzeen Rashid's Speeches for Voice your Thoughts 2006 (18th November 2006)

Mother Theresa: If you judge people, you have no time to love them. Imagine our world being full of peace, harmony, tranquility. A diverse world. A world where everybody is accepted for who they are. Imagine our world being ‘A peaceful global village’ where differences bring people together and help them to understand each other better. When a person judges another, when a person compares that person to another…what are the qualities used to judge that person? Which qualities do we look for when we judge others? Usually, it is the physical appearance of a person which fixes an image in the mind of another. For example: It is how a person dresses, how he / she looks, what skin colour he / she has and so on. But why should one person judge another? Why should a person evaluate another according to his / her physical appearance? Mother Theresa very appropriately stated that, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” I totally agree with that. If people start to evaluate people in the way they dress, the way they do things, or the way they are – they will always be judging these people – comparing them with themselves, others and anything else. Hence, there is no time for these people to get to really know the people that they are always judging. There is no time to appreciate them and their actions. There is no time to offer friendship, no time to like that person, no time to appreciate their inner self, who they really are, the part that is really worth knowing. A person’s inner character can not be understood unless they are taken and accepted for what they are, no matter who and how different they really are.In fact it is these differences that will truly unite us and bring us together. It is through these differences that we shall get to know each other better. It is through these differences ladies and gentlemen, that we shall be able to accept each other, like each other, love each other. This is the only way in which we can stop judging others and get time to love them, thus creating a totally peaceful diverse world of people. People that all speak, smile and do in one language – the language of humanity –DIVERSITY! Thank you.

Quote by Mikhail Gorbachev: "Peace is not unity in similarity but unity indiversity, in the comparison and conciliation of differences."

Imagine our world being full of peace, harmony, tranquility. A diverse world. A world where there is unity in diversity. Imagine our world being ‘A peaceful global village’ where the differences bring people together and not take them apart.

Peace can be described in many ways. However, this quote by Mikhail Gorbachev offers us an entirely extraordinary meaning of peace.

Mikhail Gorbachev very appropriately states that, “Peace is not unity in similarity but unity in diversity, in the comparison and conciliation of differences.”

Basically, what that means is that peace will arise when everybody is united. But - we should be united not only with people that are similar to us, but we must be united with people of all different kinds, acknowledging the differences that remain between us but at the same time also willing to resolve and reconcile them.

By ‘people similar to us’ I mean the people that we readily make friends and mix with -the people that we take as our ‘equals’.

However, I totally agree with Mr. Gorbachev and believe that if we only mix with people that are ‘similar to us’, we’ll never be able to settle our differences with each other. There will always be a barrier of hostility separating the people similar to us and the people who are not very similar to us. Thus, there will be no peace in the world.

Therefore, if peace is to remain with us, in our cities, in our countries in our nations – then we have to mix with everybody; no matter how they dress, no matter how and which religion they practice, no matter what their gender is, no matter which ethnic groups they come from, no matter who and how different they really are…

This is because it is these differences that will truly unite us and bring us together to create a peaceful, free of discrimination world where everybody is equal and accepts each others differences, seeing them as something that joins everybody else together. A totally peaceful diverse world of people. People that all speak, smile and do in one language – the language of humanity – DIVERSITY!

Thank You.

Speech by Rahil Jivani for Voice your Thoughts 2006 (18th November 2006)

The term “Melting pot” was first used in American literature in the writings of Hector St. Jean de Creve Coeur which was first seen in 1782. ‘melting pot’ quite simply is a metaphor for a mixture of different substances that ultimately become one and the same thing. We can tell no different, what was once unique is now gone. Everything is the same. Everything is one. People up to the time of Jimmy Carter, had one fixation, had one dream, and that was the American dream [which at that time in the inner core was a uniform ideology of one race]. Jimmy Carter the 39th President of the United States of America who was in office from 1977–1981 had the courage and the presence to bring about a new idea, a new concept. He gave the people something new to think about. He gave them the idea of unity through Diversity. Jimmy Carter said, "We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams." Today by us all being here is an act of defiance, is an act of celebrating, our differences is an act of destroying the once so called ‘melting pot lifestyle’. Today I would like to call upon the thinking and the likes of Jimmy Carter, Hilary Clinton, Mahatma Gandhi, Malcolm S. Forbes and so many others who embraced diversity and who tried to show us, its positive impact to the society. Jimmy Carter uses the definition of the melting pot as blending all our differences and forming a single unit from all the different people that simply have one outlook. One may think that he wants people of the same race, same mentality, but he then goes on to demonstrate a different idea, an idea about how we, the people are all different, just like a mosaic that consist of millions of colors, tons of designs, which all in conjunction create the beautiful work of art. But wait, the one thing here, to note is, that the art work, the mosaic under the surface constitute of millions and millions of combinations and components but yet in one way or the other they are exceptional and unique in every way. This implies although all of us maybe human beings of different races we comprise of different dreams, different aspirations, different hopes and different desires, we are simply, different people of one and the same race and that is MANKIND. In accordance to Jimmy Carter and my own beliefs, I think that MANKIND is the mosaic, is that work of art. We are people who look so similar on the surface but yet beneath it all are utterly unique. We the people should accept our differences and embrace them. We should understand that by us being so different we are able to create a strong mould, we are able to make our life a much better place. Jimmy Carter also once said, "we must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles." For these principles make us who we are, they create our beliefs and they are integrated into us. These principles make us different! Our differences are our gifts to the world. Being different, and yet coexisting in a world in which we are unified by a larger concept of humanity, allow us to create a mosaic, a mosaic that is in every way beautiful. We create something that is beautiful by simply being ourselves. This beauty has allowed us to recognize our true intellectual capacities and has created space for further potential progression to be realized.

Alkarim Lalani's speeches for Voice your Thoughts 2006 (18th November 2006)

Indirah Gandhi - "You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist" Indirah Gandhi says that “you cannot shake hands with a clenched fist”. Where the clenched fist is a metaphor for anger or prejudice. It makes quite a lot of sense how can a clenched fist shake a hand (demonstrate example). She also means that, when there is conflict or segregation between two people, can they possibly unite? In order to unite we need to adopt an accepting and non biased approach to life. It is this attitude that will bring the world forward! In today’s world there is so much prejudice, anger and conflict that mass segregation is inevitable. The main issues that we deal with are racism, sexism and status issues. I mean to actually believe some one is better than another person because of the color of their skin, their religion, their gender, their sexual preference or their economic status is just plain stupid! How can you truly say I am better than you because you are different? To make matters worse and to act on these differences with anger or conflict is immoral. It is our perspective that makes us like this. For example: One day there was a school of fish traveling from one area of the ocean to another. All these fish were orange in color except one which was pink. One of the orange fish thought this pink fish didn’t belong and started to turn the rest of the school against it and forced the pink fish to leave the journey with the rest of the orange fish. One day the same instigating orange fish went into an area of the ocean where only pink fish were present. These pink fish saw the orange fish as an outcast and then forced him to leave their territory. In today’s world this attitude causes differences which cause conflict and actually moves our world backward. So much can be achieved by being united, by sharing views, ideas, beliefs, traditions. In fact, it makes us more appreciating, accepting and knowledgeable holistically. If we can adopt Gandhi’s attitude then we will have nothing to lose but everything to gain. Mahatma Gandhi - "I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stifled." Mahatma Gandhi is famous for his fight for independence in India. During the time when this quote was spoken, Gandhi was helping India overcome the British rule and fight against the oppression of Indians and their culture He says “I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stifled”. This image is a metaphor for him and his culture. He conveys that he doesn’t want to be oppressed along with his culture without any hope of liberty. He also says that he wants “the cultures of all lands to be blows about [his] house” which is a metaphor for his encouragement of diversity. He wants there to be differentiation between people because he acknowledges that different cultures bring with them different perspectives, traditions, values and other aspects which in turn affects the outlook of others. When he says that he refuses “to be blown of [his] feet” he says that even though he appreciates diversity he doesn’t appreciate forceful assimilation into a culture. He quite simply makes it known that he doesn’t want to become like any one else. Gandhi’s views are actually very open and accepting. Not only that but he appreciates others and their culture. It is this attitude that will bring the world forward! In today’s world there is so much prejudice that mass segregation is inevitable. The main issues that we deal with are racism, sexism and status issues. I’m sure Mahatma Gandhi was appalled when hearing about world issues today, I mean to actually believe some one is better than another person because of the color of their skin, their religion, their gender, their sexual preference or their economic status is just plain stupid! How can you truly say I am better than you because you are different? In today’s world this attitude causes differences which cause conflict and actually moves our world backward. So much can be achieved by being united, by sharing views, ideas, beliefs, traditions. In fact, it makes us more appreciating, accepting and knowledgeable holistically. If we can adopt Gandhi’s attitude then we will have nothing to lose but everything to gain.

YConnect Gavel Club wins InterCommunity Public Speaking Competition! (18th September 2006)

Voice your Thoughts 2006!

18th November 2006

We all smile in the same language...

It was a busy night. It was a large crowd. It was a big event. Adrenaline was surging, emotions were running high. Hundreds upon hundreds of people were packed into the Darkhana Jamatkhana hall... people from so many communities sitting shoulder to shoulder, wondering why, oh why, there was nobody on the stage.

It was at that moment... that the participants came in. Heads turned, various Thumbs Ups flashed high. This was it.

After week(s) of preparations, representatives from 4 communities were ready to show the best they could do.

The four teams, of seven participants each, were designated the colours of the Tanzanian flag: Blue, Green, Yellow and Black.

Yep. We were the Greens. The YConnect Gavel Club had been given the honour of representing the Ismaili Community.

The Three Rounds:

Round One: Quotes by Famous People (3 minute talk)

Round Two: Themed Skit (5-7 minutes)

Round Three: Spontaneous talk (1 minute)

It was a memorable event, with all the communities present having a chance to showcase their talent. It was a platform where excellence reigned. Creativity, confidence, and indeed, brilliance were the highlights of ALL the performances.

And yet, our very own Team Green won with a landslide victory!

A memorable night indeed!

PARTICIPANTS:

Mehak Tejani

Farnaz Gulamhussein

Rahil Jivani

Imran Khakoo

Shahzeen Rashid

Shezlina Haji

Alkarim Lalani