Alumni
The Institute of Ismaili Studies has, over the past two decades, been involved in educating and preparing human resources in a variety of fields, both within and beyond the Ismaili Muslim community. To this end, four significant programmes have been implemented and, thus far, in excess of 250 individuals have graduated from these programmes.
In 1980, the first Waezeen and Teacher Education Programme (WTEP) was implemented. This programme was designed to equip students with knowledge of the history and philosophy of the Ismaili Tariqah within the larger context of the Muslim tradition. Approximately 75 individuals from around the globe graduated from this training programme.
In 1982, the IIS sponsored 11 students to undertake an intensive course in Advanced Curriculum Planning followed by a special one-year diploma course in the Development of Instructional Materials for Muslim Education at the University of London’s Institute of Education. These individuals then joined both the IIS and various Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Boards to undertake the writing of primary level religious education curriculum materials for Ismaili Muslim children globally.
The IIS collaborated with McGill University in Montreal on a joint programme of study leading to an MA in Islamic Studies. The programme was concerned with the balanced study of Islam – involving faith and culture – throughout its history and geographical spread, recognising its diverse dimensions and manifestations. It also attempted to understand how Muslims seek to deal with issues of concern to their societies and how they relate – or seek to relate - their heritage to the conditions of the modern world.
The current human resource development initiatives of the Institute include the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities and the Secondary Teacher Education Programme.
The Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities is a three-year post-graduate programme. This includes a two-year residential component comprising a course of study at The Institute of Ismaili Studies followed by a third year non-residential component during which students pursue a Masters degree in a field of study resonant with the goals of the Graduate Programme at a degree-granting university.
The Secondary Teacher Education Programme is a two year course of study for both practicing and prospective teachers. In collaboration with the University of London’s Institute of Education, the programme prepares individuals to support the implementation of the secondary religious education curriculum being developed by the IIS for Ismaili communities worldwide. The experience gained from classroom teaching and master’s-level studies will also prepare course participants for future careers as educational leaders either within the AKDN network or at other educational institutions.
The graduates of all of these programmes comprise the Institute's alumni body. Many amongst the IIS alumni have continued their research and studies in fields as diverse as social anthropology, Islamic studies, Iranian cinema, Islamic law, public health, art history, media studies, etc. Other graduates have pursued professional careers in institutions and organisations, including the IIS, primarily in the areas of research, education, and development.
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