World Partnership Walk Presentations at the following Jamat Khanas:

- Fraser Valley - 23^rd April, 2004

- Abbotsford – May 7^th, 2004

- Lions Gate Headquarter – May 14^th, 2004

World Partnership Walk Presentation at the Northview Golf and Country Club. Presented to a crowd of 150 non-Ismaili parents – May 11^th, 2004

Why I am participating in the World Partnership Walk 2004

Brian Giebelhaus photo

Sahir Shivji has single-handedly raised more than $2,200 for World Partnership Walk.

Ya Ali Madat,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell you why I am so excited in participating in the World Partnership Walk.

My name is Sahir Shivji and I am seven years old. There are four main reasons why I am participating and raising funds for the World Partnership Walk.

The first reason, why I am participating in the Walk is because it is an Ismaili community effort, and I am very proud to be part of this community.

It all started with the Ismaili walk last year where we as a family decided to participate.

My parents explained to my sister and I, the importance of the project and the United Way. It felt so good that the money was going to children of my age and younger in our own larger community.

Then a few Fridays ago, I heard the speech given to us by Nahida in Khane……I knew I was into something exciting…..because this time I was going to raise money by myself and try to explain to my classmates, family and friends how lucky we all are and that we should do our best and Help Overcome Poverty Everywhere (which stands for HOPE).

I felt very sad to hear about the story of the Kisumu family. Imagine no food, no clothes and no TV to watch the Canucks!!

For only $50 a year, the family can have food and running water, while I spend over $50 on a game boy SP or a PS2 game. What a shame!!!

The second reason, why I am participating is because World Partnership Walk has touched us in so many ways, without even knowing about it.

My parents and grand parents who were born in East Africa, have had the privilege to use services like the Aga Khan Hospitals, Medical Clinics, and Schools.

The third reason, why I am participating is because I wanted to feel the pain of the children that they would feel when walking for miles and miles to get water from the water wells, or walk to school.

And the final reason, why I am participating in the World Partnership Walk is because I get to meet my friends from Camp Discovery and from other Jamat Khanas, I also get to eat delicious food, and enjoy listening to beautiful music.

It feels like going to the PNE for Khushali celebrations.

I would like to share an idea of how I will continue to raise awareness for Global Poverty: I have decided, since I have enough toys, for the next little while during my birthdays, I will ask for money instead of presents.

I hope to do this until I dream of even a better idea. Oh! and all the Kushiali, Idd and Navroz money will be headed for the same pot of HOPE as well.

I hope I have given you the power and strength to make your ideas blast off into the world of HOPE and for those that have contributed through me or through my fellow participants - thank you very much for your support and generosity.

I will end by reciting a line from Mowlana Hazar Imam's Firman made in Bombay, 26th November, 1967 "...In other words, it is up to you in the future to remain united and strong, and to show the same spirit to the people who are not of our jamat"

Ya ali Madat

You might not have understood some words, such as:

Jamat - Community

Jamat Khana - Community Gathering

Naida - Member of World Partnership Walk, She has given me the opportunity

Khushiali, Idd, Navroz - Like Christmas

Aga Khan Hospitals… - Services available in poor countries, all around the world.