Fear, Emptiness, and Enthusiasm
The month of Zilhajj marks the end of the Islamic year, a month in which the Hujjaj will have an excellent opportunity to reflect over the years they have passed of their lives so far and set out a vision for the years to come. At the same time, we are approaching the last month of this year's SIM calendar, a time when thoughts of reflection over the past year begin to emerge and at the same time planning starts for the next year, waiting round the corner.
The key words at the outset of 2008 were Maintenance and Consolidation, where we wanted to continue to ensure a smooth and effective running of the core activities as well as further establish the new and recent initiatives that have formed part of the expanded SIM portfolio. With the blessings of the Almighty, we feel that we have moved in the right direction during the year to achieve what we set out to do. In addition, we have recently further enhanced our services and invested significant efforts by bringing in a few more initiatives, with a view to add further value to the youths of our community, (please see separate article: Beyond 16).
As we evaluate the year passed, three key words come to mind: Fear, Emptiness, and Enthusiasm. At all levels, we shoulder responsibilities in various capacities. When assessing our performance, a feeling of fear always shadow us when trying to establish the success of our delivery, and this fear is related to whether we managed our responsibility with the right intentions, justice, and maximum effort to the best of our abilities - in the eyes of The Almighty. Furthermore, the year is crowded with planning & execution, options & decisions, and events & activities. As we approach the end, an element of emptiness filters through our bodies and minds, in terms of energy spent but also reflecting over the fact that more was needed to be done and achieved. Finally, this very feeling of reaching higher levels elicits the feeling of enthusiasm and eagerness, to continue to work for His Pleasure and His Pleasure only.
These very factors rekindle the flame of SIM and its volunteers year after year, making it the institution it is today.
S&D
Shafique Govani
Principal, SIM
21 SIM Students bring home A*/A in Islamic GCSEs
Once again, SIM students brought home excellent results from this years Islamic GCSEs.
All in all, 25 Students sat either Unit D or K, or a combination of both. 10 of our Students scored an A* and 11 Students scored an A.
SIM is extending congratulations to all students for their fantastic achievements. Also, SIM acknowledges the efforts and hard work put in by the teachers and the parents.
Beyond 16
Generally across our community, there has been a gap when it comes to offering Madressa education beyond the age of 16. At SIM we have for a number of years tried to deliver various products to start filling that gap. Alhamdulillah, we have over the years introduced a number of initiatives that are gradually filling that vaccum.
PPDP
SIM piloted a new initiative starting October 2007 for boys aged 16-19 (Class 12/13) - the Personal & Professional Development Programme (PPDP). After a successful pilot run for one year, SIM decided to extend the Programme to a 2yr scheme.
What is the purpose of the PPDP?
The PPDP was established to fill the gap between students traditionally leaving Madressa around class 13 (at time of GCSEs) and the time they graduate from university. This is a critical time for students when they are subjected to many influences and choices (personal, social, academic, career wise). The PPDP was designed to equip students with certain critical life skills, provide a platform to engage in spiritual introspection and also address the challenges they face as young Muslims. The ultimate objective being they become well-rounded ambassadors of our faith and value system when they enter university and working life.
What has Year 1 focused on?
Over the two terms, a range of core life skills were introduced – Leadership, Team Building, Time Management, Debating/Analytical, Presentation and Public Speaking. We also introduced a process of Self-Analysis of one's inner strengths/weaknesses and goal setting encompassing spiritual, personal, family, health, academic and career goals. Another component of PPDP has been how to write effective UCAS forms/cover letters/CVs, preparation for interviews and corporate assessment centres. The focus has been to equip students with the know-how by providing "experiential learning" (learning by doing) and we have tried to make the classes as interactive as possible.
What will Year 2 be about?
We will have more advanced leadership/management games/training; We will introduce negotiation skills; There will be an extension of Self-Analysis as this proved to be very popular last year amongst students; There will be more of a focus on current affairs issues pertinent to young Muslims; We are also looking into a mini-business skills project; There will also be a stronger emphasis on career planning and one to one assistance/guidance to help students gain work experience and leverage off the network of professionals in our community.
Education is an empowering method of causing change. It plays a significant role in personal human development by developing the learning capacity of individuals. However, personal development tends to be perceived as a separate discipline on its own. It is believed that the focus on the common qualities in an individual will form a foundation upon which similarities and differences can be bridged to build cultural coherence. Spiritual knowledge could provide the paradigm shift required, however, the importance given to this in the past has been minimal or has been ignored. If spirituality or peace education is taught, it would be considered as wisdom related knowledge for personal development as the knowledge would help to mould and shape one's personality for improved
social well-being.
Taking the above into consideration SI Madressa has recently started a new module for girls in the age group 16-25. The aim is to develop self awareness within them, pulling out their own qualities, enhancing character building and taking them towards spiritualism and God consciousness.
The classes are conducted by various senior ladies lecturers in form of interactive discussions between the students and lecturers. Some of the topics discussed so far include time management, sanctity of hijab, and achieving success through purity.
To achieve success in the life in the hereafter, one has to go through the glitters of this world by making it a temporary abode and taking its challenges through perseverance, purity of soul and complete faith in The Almighty and this is what we want to achieve in these classes.
M'egg A Difference – SIM students raise £3,500 for ZCSS
In answer to the plight of children in Indian slums, the Shia Ithna Asheri Madressa launched the 'M-egg a Difference' drive in June, 2008.
In order to instil the importance of charity and giving in the hearts and minds of the youth, SIM Cares challenged Madressa students to fill Cadbury's Mini Eggs tubes with £1 coins (after they had eaten the chocolates!!).
The funds raised would enable the Zaynabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme (ZCSS) to support a school in India providing free education for children from deprived families.
Donning their creative caps, the children came up with innovative and inspiring ways to raise money. Some offered to recite various surahs for the thawab of marhumeen (for a fee, of course!), while others got involved in sponsored bike rides, cake sales, car washes and penalty shoot-outs.
At the end of four fun-filled weeks, £3,500 was collected - a fantastic achievement!
Many thanks to all parents for their encouragement and support, helping us to really 'M-egg a Difference!' to other young Muslims crying out for help, thousands of miles away.
Dates for your Diary
Sun 16th November Exams: Class 1-4 (Fiqh)
Sun 23rd November Exams: Class 1-4 (Tareekh) & Class 5-11 (Akhlaq+Tareekh)
Sun 30th November Exams: Class 1-4 (Akhlaq) & Class 5-11 (Fiqh)
Sun 7th December Exams/Assessments: Class 1-4 (Qur'an)
Sun 14th December Madressa 2008 Presentation Day
Sun 18th January (2009) SIM year 2009 start/enrolment