promoting a positive school environment, including the relationship between the school’s board and principal. Ahmed Khorshid, a teacher trainer and curriculum developer of the New Horizons school system, enjoyed the presentations made by fellow educators. “I’m here to benefit from different experiences of different colleagues. I appreciate the variety of presentations,” he said. The day ended with a luncheon and final sessions. The luncheon included presentations of the essay contest winners that had been announced among schools in the weeks before the Forum. There was also a speech by former students and parents. Hadeer Soliman is now a first year law student, having attended Islamic schools and University of California, Irvine as an undergraduate. She said that, throughout college, she realized the importance of Islamic education because it provides spiritual education, allowing one to make a decision as an adult, with role models and love of the Quran. “I grew up loving the Quran and loving the message,” she said. The second speaker spoke as a parent: Dr. Eba Hathout’s son and daughter attended Islamic Schools in Southern California, and now attending Harvard University, one as a medical student. She spoke words born out
of love and gratitude for Islamic schools. Finally, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqui also spoke of the importance of having Islamic schools that are strong in their curricula and values. Although most schools do not have a high school, those that do, such as City of Knowledge School in Pomona, have high rates of college attendance, with many going on to universities in the University of California (UC) system, such as UC Irvine and UCLA. Shahida Alikhan of New Horizon’s Los Angeles branch’s Sunday school, was impressed happy with the outcome of the convention. “It takes a lot of effort in getting things
Islamic Horizons March/April 2013
together, but it’s worth it, and there’s a lot of weekend schools,” she said. Vendors of Islamic books and materials were naturally on hand at the Forum. Weekend Islamic Schools, ISF Publications, and Jarir Books were among the vendors showcasing their books and educational products. “It’s nice to see teachers come and look into new books for students,” said Abdullah Khatib of ISF Publications. The Forum was sponsored by Minaret Academy. ISNA, Aldeen Foundation and Merit helped organize the conference. As the Forum is brand-new, there are plans to include schools from nearby states like Oregon and Washington. Yet the vibrancy and whole-hearted attendees will surely go back to their respective communities with newfound appreciation, and utmost love for their jobs, and most importantly, Islam.
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Eman Shurbaji is a freelance feature writer from Bakersfield, Calif.
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