Speakers Discusses Islamic Education in the U.S. through DVC

July 20, 2010

A group of invitees listen to speaker’s overview of the Islamic Education in the U.S. through DVC (State Dept.)

As part of Public Affairs (PAS) Kathmandu's ongoing outreach program to Muslim communities in Nepal, U.S. educators Ms. Farhana N. Shah, a teacher at Montgomery County Public Schools and the Muslim Community Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Ms. Laura Abdur-Rahman, the principal of Al-Rahmah School, a private Islamic school in Baltimore, Maryland, discussed Islamic Education in the U.S. via digital videoconference (DVC). PAS programmed the DVC with the Teacher Educators' Society of Nepal (TESON). The guests included a member of the Constituent Assembly, a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal, doctors, engineers, madrassa principals, religious leaders, educators, a book publisher, and journalists.

Approximately 50 individuals attended the event, including 12 females. At least five teachers from outside the Kathmandu Valley traveled two days to attend this program. The objective of this event was to strengthen dialogue with Muslim communities in Nepal, create networking opportunities amongst Nepali educators, and raise awareness of Islamic education in the United States. At the event some of the guests observed their evening prayer, Namaj.

Ms. Shah gave an informative presentation on the Muslim Community Center of Maryland. She discussed their various educational programs, background, and day-to-day operations. Ms. Shah then discussed the elements necessary to establish an Islamic Sunday School, especially the financial, curriculum, needs assessment, and leadership components.

Mrs. Abdur-Rahman gave a presentation on the law and application process for opening a private school in the state of Maryland. She then discussed the Al-Rahmah School, its academic and extracurricular program, history, long term goals, and funding. Audience members learned about its community services, such as its medical unit, burial services, and Arabic language classes.

A lively question and answer session ensued. Audience members engaged the speakers directly on questions related to discrimination against Muslims in the U.S., the role of parent / teacher associations, and resources offered by their respective institutions.

In conclusion, Amanda Jacobsen, Cultural Affairs Officer, informed the audience about the resources offered at the American library, five American Corners across Nepal, a USAID internship available to students, the U.S. Education Foundation, and cultural grant opportunities offered by the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).