AKHBAAR Volume 13 - August 2019

AKHBAAR / Volume 13
A Two-Day Mountaineering and Rock Climbing Course
The Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board
(AKYSB) for Hunza organised an intensive
two-day course on the basics of
mountaineering and rock climbing in the
village of Passu. The initiative was aimed at
training members of the Jamat’s youth,
particularly females, with an interest in
mountaineering and rock climbing.
A total of 28 participants enrolled in the
course and were taught the basics of
mountain climbing through presentations,
demonstrations and practice. Experienced
instructors coached them in using mountain
climbing equipment, tying ropes and other
aspects of mountaineering.The participants
came from the districts of Gulmit, Chipurson,
and Gojal Bala. Demonstrating great interest
and enthusiasm, they described the course
as a wonderful experience, as well as a
challenging one, which helped them
appreciate the skill and endurance required in
mountaineering. The course was organised in
collaboration with Shimshal Mountain Guides
and with the support of the local AKYSB team,
Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, and Community
Emergency Response Team volunteers.
Events such as this play a crucial role in
Talented participants under training
promoting athletic activities and drawing out
individuals with an aptitude for such sports. A
representative of Shimshal Mountain Guides
commented that their institution would
continue to conduct such trainings in order to
encourage talented individuals.
Understanding the Qur’an: A Certificate Programme with ITREB
ITREB for Pakistan organised a two-day
certificate programme on Understanding the
Qur’an by Attash Sajwa and Piyar Ali Ghulam
Haider in Karachi. 85 participants from the
Southern Region took part in this event,
including REC teachers and youth from the
Jamat.
The programme explored approaches to the
Qur’an with an aim to understanding different
perspectives on revelation, intercession, and
the compilation of the Qur’an, along with a
discussion of significant Qur’anic verses
included in prayers. The speakers
emphasised the plurality of interpretations,
each of which is bound by its own time and
space. They encouraged attendees to
approach any interpretation from within its
own historical and social context before
considering how it may apply to their own
situation.
A participant stated, “We learnt that we
cannot be judgmental about anyone’s
point-of-view. this programme also taught us
that we need to understand others and
respect diversity. This session has broaden
my understanding about the historical
context of Qur’an.”
Another participant quoted, “this session in
particular has helped me understand the
diversity among different ethnic beliefs.”
Speaker addressing the participants
Blossom Hike in Hunza
A sound mind and healthy body are key to a
good life. Keeping these goals in mind, the
Ismaili District Boy Scouts Association
organised Blossom Hike 2019 in Hunza. The
25-kilometre hike from Dalat, Aliabad to
Duiker, Altit was completed over the span of
two days. 60 participants from five local
councils of Hunza collected and organised for
the hike. The mountain treks were surely a
challenge but they were worth the reward as
stated by one of the participants. Another
participant described the hike as, “A learning
experience where we found out that it is
essential to work alongside each other in
challenging and difficult tasks.” The event did
its part to promote healthy living in the Jamat
and to encourage spending time both in
nature and in the community.
Boy Scouts promote collaboration and teamwork at the hike in Hunza
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