Time and Knowledge Nazrana

On a sunny September evening, 3 TKN volunteers, Almas Rajwani Rawji, Habiba Halari and Sadru Dhanji gather in a cozy meeting room to reflect on their TKN experiences with the Rahe Kamyabi Initiative (RKI):  Road to Success.  

 

RKI is a national initiative in Canada through the Settlement Portfolio of the Shia Imami Ismaili Council.  A mentorship program for members of the Central Asian Jamat, RKI aims to bring individuals together in a mentor-mentee relationship in order to develop competence in areas such as goal setting, financial and career planning, time management and communication skills all the while being mindful of the Canadian context within which these skills need to be used.

 

Firoz Noorani, Vice-Chairperson and lead for RKI in the Prairies likens the program to planting a seed for mentees and their families, the benefits of which can be reaped long term if the seeds are planted well and taken care of.  Upon hearing the stories of these 3 committed TKN volunteers, it is evident that the garden in which these seeds are planted has its own set of weeds.   Challenges however are part of the journey of mentorship as becomes evident in the conversation.

 

Almas, a social worker and community development worker, freely discusses the immense need for RKI mentees to gain expertise in budgeting and prioritizing skills and that in fact mentees have “never had to understand budgeting in Canada”.  Her mentee, who she affectionately refers to often in her reflection, was highly ambitious to apply his learning.  Almas’ contribution of knowledge and skills being met so positively by her mentee has been the highlight of her TKN experience.  The two and their families have developed a strong and lasting friendship.  

 

On the other hand, is Habiba’s experience with her TKN assignment.   “I was very happy when I got this assignment and felt I could contribute as I had been part of another mentorship program with another committee in the community in which I had a mentee for 6 years, so I had the right skills”.  This happy feeling however was eventually met with some disappointment as Habiba encountered challenges in providing mentorship.   Although Habiba continues to feel she did her very best to build a relationship and guide her mentee, life circumstances prevented her mentee from being able to achieve her goals.  Habiba realizes though that real and sustained positive change requires time and that it is not going to be seamless.  The journey requires effort so seeds can take root.  Habiba reminds mentors that this is important to keep in mind and to not give up as the mentor also comes out as winner through what one gains in the experience, which is as valuable as one’s contribution.  

 

Sadru , a family physician by profession has been involved in serving the community in various capacities over the years.  Something about TKN however moved him to get engaged.  “We hear at one time in our history, people used to serve directly with the Imam and although our service today in some respects is occurring in that way, service through sharing our knowledge reminded me of this part of our history”.

 

All 3 feel very grateful for having the opportunity to contribute to RKI through their TKN assignments.  According to Firoz Noorani, their reliable and dedicated contribution has made a difference in the lives of mentees, their families and the program itself, thereby helping to navigate the lived realities of challenges within which seeds of hope and success can be nurtured.