Stories & Testimonials

There are so many incredible stories of impact and testimonials from participants and volunteers in the programs and services supported by the Diamond Jubilee Fund, thanks to your generous contributions. Read on for a few heart-warming examples.

Program: Enhanced Learning Centre, British Columbia

Meet Rafi and Samim, participants in the Enhanced Learning Centre program in British Columbia. The Enhanced Learning Centre is designed to assist newly settled families and youth improve their English written and verbal skills.

With a love for music and aspirations to become astronauts when they grow up, Rafi and Samim’s teacher, Joyce Wong, encouraged the boys to write a rap song for their hero – Astronaut Captain Chris Hadfield. The project was a fun way for the students to apply what they had learned over the year at the Enhanced Learning Centre.

Imagine their surprise to learn that not only had Captain Hadfield received and read their raps, he sent them a personalized note and autographed picture! His message: “Pursue your dreams!”

A triumphant and pivotal moment for the boys and their teacher, Joyce Wong.

Program: Vocational Training, Economic Planning Board  
Region: Quebec

“I recently graduated with a certification in the health industry. I have elderly parents. I am deeply committed to taking care of them and becoming the breadwinner of the family. I was earning minimum wage at the time that I registered for the Vocational Training program through the Economic Planning Board. They provided me guidance on my career and also some financial support to put me through the health program. After completing the program, my income immediately increased by 45% and I have the potential to much more. It has completely changed my life. I feel so empowered, have more confidence, and am motivated to work even harder, so that I can provide for my family.”

“I am a father with young children. The Vocational Training program provided support for me to enroll and graduate from a patient care program. I now have a recognized certification from a Canadian educational institution, where over 98% of graduates will find work. This would not have been possible without the support of DJF funding to support programs like Vocational Training.”

“I am young student who feels a deep sense of responsibility to my family. I have always wanted to be a nurse, and with the help of the Vocational Training program, I was placed in a nursing program. Within 3 years from now, I know that both mine and my whole family’s life will change.”

Program: Summer Internship Program
Region: Montreal

"The summer internship program had a significant impact on my career as a software engineer. Landing the first internship is always the hardest, and this program helped me do just that. With the experience, I gained, I was able to land another internship, which I am confident I wouldn't have been able to do [without this program]."

A young murid, married with young children, had a hard time breaking through the job market. He had submitted several hundred resumes for employment in his field of work with no success. He was accepted into the Summer Internship Program and gained valuable work experience. Upon completing his Internship, this young man received 3 job offers in just one week!

Program: Bait-ul Ilm
Region: Canada-wide

Student Testimonials

“BUI helps me answer any questions I have at school. BUI is helpful and I learn a lot of stuff. I like how BUI is so interactive.”

“The BUI program...made us appreciate our faith and what we represent as a community. I have learned that every choice I make should really be informed by my faith.”

“BUI has not only guided us to be able to express ourselves and our faith to the external community, but has enabled us to look within and transform the way we see ourselves, and the world. We’ve all taken a journey through years of ancient history, through the time of the Prophets and first Imams in  our education, and have ultimately ended up before you today, enlightened and appreciative of our faith, embracing our identity as Shia Ismaili Muslims with pride.”

Parent Testimonials

“My child enjoyed the classes when they discussed and learned about faith... They learned what is taqwa and shukr. Her concepts about faith are getting stronger.”

“My son LOVES coming to BUI. The teachers are so engaging and have such an amazing way of teaching core concepts without it seeming like they are being "taught". Even as parents we are amazed and inspired by how they share core concepts.”

Teacher Testimonials

“Growing up I was inspired by one of my BUI teachers who made me want to return week after week. Today I am a teacher and what I have come to realize is that I return week after week because of my students.”

“I love being part of the BUI community and playing an integral role in a child's religious education development. I take a lot of pride in seeing how the BUI system has evolved and become more professional, with regular and continuous improvements always being made.”