Continuous Review and Development

Whilst ensuring that the main objective of SI Madressa - imparting the basic and fundamental knowledge and practices of our religion - we have also witnessed yet another dynamic year with new schemes and initiatives.

IT / Web

One of the main areas of development during this year has been the IT and Web, both the internal and external infrastructure. The website has been furnished with a new design and layout, with the objective to build on to and enhance the current resource base offered, which is widely used both locally as well as worldwide. In connection to this, there are a couple of exciting new initiatives that have lifted off the ground, with the aim to put them into place early next year. Furthermore, our communication with the parents and the community has become even more frequent than previously, primarily through e-communication. In addition, we are working on IT-solutions which will encourage more active internet and computer participation amongst the students, making it more appealing, attractive and fun to learn.

Notes Development

The current SIM syllabus is a product with a solid foundation and extensive reach, both in terms of the content as well as usage. The notes have been reviewed on an ongoing basis where needs have arisen. This year, the process was stepped up one level, and a more systematic approach has now been put into place. In 2008 we will witness a fair amount of modifications in certain areas, both in terms of allocation of the content as well as the content balance in a given subject area. Furthermore, the presentation and layout has also been worked on, in an attempt to make the material more user and learning friendly. Also, some of the content has been omitted to give place for some new content. For the 2008 edition, these changes will be more visible in the Fiqh notes, whilst the larger part of the other departments' amendments will be implemented in 2009.

New Initiatives

Whilst a large part of the education is based on theoretical knowledge, a fair amount of practical methods and approaches are used as well. To increase the latter aspect, two new initiatives have been embarked upon this year. 'SIM Cares' has the aim to allow a space within the structure to practically apply the lessons of Sadaqa, Muslim Brotherhood, Serving the Ummah, Generosity, and so on, learned within the core subjects. 'SIM Creative' has been set up to promote creative skills amongst our children. This would include an array of things ranging from essays to creative projects.

Strengthening External Relations

Part of our portfolio at SIM is to maintain and build on to external relations. One of the recent exercises we carried out in this regard was to communicate to the schools the actual meaning and reason behind fasting. These letters were well received and the common feedback was that the schools welcome this kind of communication from our part in order to increase their understanding of our practices.

Furthermore, SIM was represented in a series of TV programmes broadcasted in Iran, portraying various aspects of life here in the West.

Recitation of the Holy Qur'an

As part of our ongoing efforts to further enhance the recitation levels of the Holy Book, SIM undertook a pilot programme this year in class 7 for both boys and girls. The first half year was allocated to recitation only in these classes, and at the evaluation after the summer break it was established that the programme had been fruitful and it will Inshallah continue in 2008 as well. On the boys' side, class 7 will again be in focus, whilst class 5 will be targeted on the girls' side. In addition to this, a programme will be rolled out in class 1-4, enhancing the already existing Qur'an recitation modules amongst the younger students. Finally, the Quran Chart scheme was rolled out last year to encourage daily recitation, regardless of level, and Alhamdulillah the scheme has taken off well. The objective next year is to promote and encourage this scheme even further.

Involving Parents

A new department has been set up, with focus on parents in general and mothers in particular. One of the initiatives under this department is the magazine Muslim Mums which was launched earlier this year, and which has now come under the fold of SI Madrassa.

One of the main aims of this magazine would be to offer an additional Islamic viewpoint with regards to the many issues, interests and concerns that affect the women. With the ever-expanding popular media, many of the issues are already dealt with. However, they are addressed from viewpoints that emerge from within the cultures and influences of a western non-Muslim society. This magazine would tackle many of the common issues and themes but would be heavily influenced by our cultures and Islamic viewpoints. Through the content of the magazine, the goal would be to capture and promote the maternal, intellectual, spiritual and social interests of the women. Furthermore, a number of other programmes under this department are in the pipeline and will Inshallah be launched over a period of time.

Finally, I would like to thank all individuals and parties involved in enabling and facilitating the progress at SIM and let us pray that during 2008 we are able to reach new heights.

S&D

Shafique Govani
Principal

Ramadhan Qiraa'athon 1428 - Motivating the Children

To motivate our youth to maximise the Holy Month of Ramadhan this year, SIM Cares, a new initiative under the SI Madressa, launched a sponsored Qur'an recitation scheme. Its aims were two-fold: encourage the youth to increase Qur'an recitation in Ramadhan and raise youth awareness, compassion and involvement in aiding impoverished Muslims around the world. Working in conjunction with Stanmore Jaffery's, the charity focus of the scheme was Ramadhan Relief, under the WF.

With great gusto and passion, teachers within the Madressa introduced the scheme to students in classes 5 and above. It was then extended to all youth in the community – with a modified scheme open to children under 10 years. Youth were encouraged to show they cared enough about the plight of needy Muslims to help. One dedicated participant alone raised over £1000! The scheme also encouraged youth to truly make Ramadhan a month of Qur'an – as a result, some managed to complete the recitation of the entire Qur'an!

The participants raised an admirable sum of approximately £3000. However, the participation was lower than what was anticipated and if the commitment of a few could achieve such stunning results, how much more could we have raised if the children had participated in larger numbers! In lightening the suffering of many, these children and the parents and teachers who encouraged them, deserve all our appreciation and duas.

Dates for your Diary

Sunday 6th January Madressa New Year Starts & Enrolment/Registration
(For details on registration/enrolment + enrolment form, please visit www.madressa.net)

Sunday 13th & 20th January Madressa closed during Muharram

Sunday 27th January Madressa resumes

Sunday 24th February Madressa closed for Ashra-e-Zainabiyyah