[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 130 (Wednesday, September 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE ISMAILI GOLDEN JUBILEE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2007

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
commend the Dallas Shia Imami Nizari Ismaili Muslim Community for 
reaching a Golden Jubilee landmark on July 11, 2007.
  As a prominent community, the Ismailis have contributed largely to 
the cultural diversity and economic development in Texas. Under the 
guidance of His Highness the Aga Khan, the Ismailis are represented in 
the fields of engineering, science, medicine, education, and 
entrepreneurship.
  In 1967, the first international non-profit institution ofthe 
Ismailis was established by the Aga Khan in Europe. Since then the Aga 
Khan Development Network has grown into nine agencies, globally 
representing the fields of micro finance, education, economic 
development, health, and cultural preservation.
  These agencies have created 300 schools in the world, educating 
62,000 students and employing 5,000 staff. It has opened 200 health 
centers, caring for nearly 2 million and employing nearly 10,000 staff 
It has also opened a university in Central Asia, transformed a park in 
Egypt, and continues to raise funds for the poor through an annual 
world-wide Partnership Walk.
  The Ismailis are devoted to improving the circumstances and 
opportunities for the poor around the world. The Aga Khan Development 
Network serves as a catalyst for these endeavors. Their mandates range 
ITom education and health to structural design, disaster reduction, 
development, and renewal of historic cities.
  On behalf of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, I am honored 
to congratulate the Ismaili Community on their Golden Jubilee. Their 
efforts towards global humanitarianism make them an invaluable member 
of the Dallas area.

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