Dear friends,
We are a group of youth who have been deeply devastated by the way COVID-19 has impacted our Pamiri-Ismaili community in Moscow. Therefore we have decided to take a step forward!
Currently, there are about 40,000 Pamiri-Ismailis in Moscow. Considering the fact that the majority of Pamiris in Russia are labour-migrants, they do not have access to state-benefits and/or any other forms of income due to "non-essential" work-termination. In addition to health and safety, this pandemic has inevitably touched their foyers, leading to the lack of basic sanitation and nutritional products. Being deprived of any form of income, our Pamiri compatriots in Moscow still have to pay rent, utilities, medical expenses as well as food and basic necessities.
UPDATE [24/04/2020] Having done a need-based assessment based on data presented by Noor Organization of the 40,000 Pamiri-Ismailis, 50% are currently jobless, and 2,600 are extremely vulnerable. As Noor has been able to extend help to only 400 people, in order to reach a wider group of vulnerable households, we have decided to increase our target to 15,000CAD. This decision was made as a result of the tremendous support we are receiving just within two days by which we are deeply humbled. This money will be used for food, medication and hopefully living expenses including a small percentage of rent and utilities for those highly prone to end up on the streets.
Once again, together we have proven that unity is power!
Having done intensive research with all the organizations that are currently working to help the Pamiri community, we have made a decision to distribute the collected funds between Noor Organization and Khayru Barakat . Since Noor has a wider outreach 75% of the donation will go to them. Noor has been working for the Pamiri community for 12years and continues to unite our compatriots through sports, cultural events, and educational services. During these difficult times Noor is lending a helping hand by providing those in need with food, medication, hotline for symptoms, connecting people with doctors who advise on getting tested and treatment. They also have services for children to continue to get their education and help persons with disabilities.
The remaining 25% will go to Khayru-Barakat, a group led solely by women and primarily focusing on helping women and children with food and medication. This not only empowers women to take initiative as leaders in our community but also ensures that victims of domestic abuse and violence which has been on the rise during quarantine are heard and are receiving assistance.
According to the Reuteurs, Russia reports record daily rise in coronavirus cases, which will continue to jeopardize the lives of the most vulnerable populations in weeks to come.
We are all aware of the ways the pandemic has revealed the essence of inequalities of our society. Hence, we will not dwell further on this subject, as this is neither the place nor the time to.
As a large number of our people reside in Russia, what we wish to do is ACT and HELP!
The idea of belonging to a community of which we are proud is among the main pillars of our daily being. We’ve shared the moments of excitement of Jubilee Games, the magnificent experiences of Jubilee Arts, and the peace of mind and soul found during the Didars. We’ve shared the happiness with our community, now is the time to share the sorrow. Now is the time to be there for this very community that has always been there for us.
Please accept our gratitude for all your donations- big or small, as every cent makes a huge difference during this uncertain time.
Kindly note that all funds are collected in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
If you have further questions please feel free to contact us.
Our group consists of:
Gulazor Gulmamadova: From Khorog, Tajikistan. Currently studying and living in London, UK pursuing her master's degree in Global Migration at University College London (UCL). She strongly stands by the sayings of Mawlana Ali who once said "Do not let your difficulties fill you with anxiety, after all, it is only in the darkest nights that stars shine more brightly.”
Dilrabo Khujanazar: From Badakhshan, Tajikistan. Currently, doing her master’s degree at the Institute of Ismaili Studies (Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities) in London, UK. She believes in what Scott Addams once said “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”
Zarina Mamadbekova: From Khorog, Tajikistan. Aga Khan Academy Mombasa, alumni Class of 2017. Currently living in Canada, pursuing her Bachelor Degree in Psychology and Political Science at the University of Toronto (UofT). "Difficult times shine a light on the power of community, it is then that we know the compassion and empathy of humankind knows no limits."
Binazir Mizrobova: Alumni of Sorbonne University, Currently working in Paris, France as a Financial Analyst. Her rationale for being a part of this campaign is inspired by the saying of Anne Franck "No one has ever become poor by giving”
Nilufari Miraziz: from Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Muslim Societies and Civilizations, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching under the program STEP (Secondary Teachers Education Program) at the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London, UK. She believes in the idea that “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” ~Anthony J. D’Angelo.
Rumiya Ismatova: from Khorog, Tajikistan, currently studying LLM in Banking and Finance Law at City, University of London. Volunteering has been part of her life since childhood, serving as her source of happiness and fulfilment. She believes in what Winston Churchill once said: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Sabrinisso Valdosh: from Khorog, Tajikistan, currently pursuing her master's degree in London at Insitute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations, Aga Khan Univeristy. Worked as a commercial account manager in Amadeus for 5years. She also has an MA in Economic Development and Governance from the OSCE Academy in Bishkek.
Gulru Azatshoeva: from Khorog, Tajikistan, currently pursuing her master's degree in London at Insitute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations, Aga Khan Univeristy and has worked with Youth and Sports committer for 5years and former AKF Afghanistan staff. She lives by the words of Henry-David Thoreau "Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
We are a group of youth who have been deeply devastated by the way COVID-19 has impacted our Pamiri-Ismaili community in Moscow. Therefore we have decided to take a step forward!
Currently, there are about 40,000 Pamiri-Ismailis in Moscow. Considering the fact that the majority of Pamiris in Russia are labour-migrants, they do not have access to state-benefits and/or any other forms of income due to "non-essential" work-termination. In addition to health and safety, this pandemic has inevitably touched their foyers, leading to the lack of basic sanitation and nutritional products. Being deprived of any form of income, our Pamiri compatriots in Moscow still have to pay rent, utilities, medical expenses as well as food and basic necessities.
UPDATE [24/04/2020] Having done a need-based assessment based on data presented by Noor Organization of the 40,000 Pamiri-Ismailis, 50% are currently jobless, and 2,600 are extremely vulnerable. As Noor has been able to extend help to only 400 people, in order to reach a wider group of vulnerable households, we have decided to increase our target to 15,000CAD. This decision was made as a result of the tremendous support we are receiving just within two days by which we are deeply humbled. This money will be used for food, medication and hopefully living expenses including a small percentage of rent and utilities for those highly prone to end up on the streets.
Once again, together we have proven that unity is power!
Having done intensive research with all the organizations that are currently working to help the Pamiri community, we have made a decision to distribute the collected funds between Noor Organization and Khayru Barakat . Since Noor has a wider outreach 75% of the donation will go to them. Noor has been working for the Pamiri community for 12years and continues to unite our compatriots through sports, cultural events, and educational services. During these difficult times Noor is lending a helping hand by providing those in need with food, medication, hotline for symptoms, connecting people with doctors who advise on getting tested and treatment. They also have services for children to continue to get their education and help persons with disabilities.
The remaining 25% will go to Khayru-Barakat, a group led solely by women and primarily focusing on helping women and children with food and medication. This not only empowers women to take initiative as leaders in our community but also ensures that victims of domestic abuse and violence which has been on the rise during quarantine are heard and are receiving assistance.
According to the Reuteurs, Russia reports record daily rise in coronavirus cases, which will continue to jeopardize the lives of the most vulnerable populations in weeks to come.
We are all aware of the ways the pandemic has revealed the essence of inequalities of our society. Hence, we will not dwell further on this subject, as this is neither the place nor the time to.
As a large number of our people reside in Russia, what we wish to do is ACT and HELP!
The idea of belonging to a community of which we are proud is among the main pillars of our daily being. We’ve shared the moments of excitement of Jubilee Games, the magnificent experiences of Jubilee Arts, and the peace of mind and soul found during the Didars. We’ve shared the happiness with our community, now is the time to share the sorrow. Now is the time to be there for this very community that has always been there for us.
Please accept our gratitude for all your donations- big or small, as every cent makes a huge difference during this uncertain time.
Kindly note that all funds are collected in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
If you have further questions please feel free to contact us.
Our group consists of:
Gulazor Gulmamadova: From Khorog, Tajikistan. Currently studying and living in London, UK pursuing her master's degree in Global Migration at University College London (UCL). She strongly stands by the sayings of Mawlana Ali who once said "Do not let your difficulties fill you with anxiety, after all, it is only in the darkest nights that stars shine more brightly.”
Dilrabo Khujanazar: From Badakhshan, Tajikistan. Currently, doing her master’s degree at the Institute of Ismaili Studies (Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities) in London, UK. She believes in what Scott Addams once said “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”
Zarina Mamadbekova: From Khorog, Tajikistan. Aga Khan Academy Mombasa, alumni Class of 2017. Currently living in Canada, pursuing her Bachelor Degree in Psychology and Political Science at the University of Toronto (UofT). "Difficult times shine a light on the power of community, it is then that we know the compassion and empathy of humankind knows no limits."
Binazir Mizrobova: Alumni of Sorbonne University, Currently working in Paris, France as a Financial Analyst. Her rationale for being a part of this campaign is inspired by the saying of Anne Franck "No one has ever become poor by giving”
Nilufari Miraziz: from Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Muslim Societies and Civilizations, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching under the program STEP (Secondary Teachers Education Program) at the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London, UK. She believes in the idea that “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” ~Anthony J. D’Angelo.
Rumiya Ismatova: from Khorog, Tajikistan, currently studying LLM in Banking and Finance Law at City, University of London. Volunteering has been part of her life since childhood, serving as her source of happiness and fulfilment. She believes in what Winston Churchill once said: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Sabrinisso Valdosh: from Khorog, Tajikistan, currently pursuing her master's degree in London at Insitute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations, Aga Khan Univeristy. Worked as a commercial account manager in Amadeus for 5years. She also has an MA in Economic Development and Governance from the OSCE Academy in Bishkek.
Gulru Azatshoeva: from Khorog, Tajikistan, currently pursuing her master's degree in London at Insitute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations, Aga Khan Univeristy and has worked with Youth and Sports committer for 5years and former AKF Afghanistan staff. She lives by the words of Henry-David Thoreau "Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
Co-organizers8
Zarina Mamadbekova
Organizer
Binazir MIZROBOVA
Co-organizer
Dilrabo Khujanazar
Co-organizer
Gulazor Gulmamadova
Co-organizer
Gulru Azatshoeva
Co-organizer