The “My Language, My Identity” Initiative serves 1,368 students in Arab schools in Brazil

 on  أبريل 17, 2024

As part of its efforts to promote the Arabic Language, the International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO) adopted the "My Language, My Identity" Initiative. The aim is to provide Arabic Language and Islamic Education curricula for Arab schools and Islamic centers in the Federal Republic of Brazil for non-Arabic speaking children of Latin American Muslims. This initiative is carried out in collaboration with the International Curriculum Foundation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Association in Santana Do Livramento.

The initiative serves 1,368 male and female students systematically, qualifying them for enrollment in Islamic universities after completing secondary education. This is achieved through the distribution of 7,625 educational books in Islamic education and Arabic language curricula to students in 12 schools and educational centers in Brazil.

Furthermore, the initiative also aims to train 55 teachers of Islamic Education and Arabic Language. It provides an educational platform in Arabic, Spanish, and Portuguese for the benefit of the school's staff, replacing the random curricula that were previously taught. This shift aims to address the significant decline in academic achievement and the erosion of Islamic identity among the children of Muslims.

The educational materials are characterized by a high level of quality and acceptance within Arab schools. They serve as an important and well-thought-out alternative to address the educational weaknesses in the fields of Islamic education and the Arabic language. Additionally, they contribute to spreading Islamic culture through the path of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers.

The list of beneficiary schools, spread across various Brazilian states, includes the Brazilian Islamic School, Santana Do Livramento School, King Faisal Mosque School, League Mosque School, Omar ibn Al-Khattab School, Al-Farabi School, Medina School, Ibn Sina School, Tobatiyeh School, Crisiuma School, Moji School, and Dania School.

Moreover, the initiative relies on the use of technology in education through the utilization of electronic products. It represents the first interactive training platform specialized in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers, overseen by the International Curriculum Foundation in collaboration with the Association of Islamic Schools in Latin America. The educational materials include pages for teachers, interactive lessons, and vital resources for both educators and parents.

In addition, the platform includes an interactive educational enrichment library aimed at facilitating teaching, learning, and communication processes through an effective communication environment among the stakeholders in the educational process. This includes school administration, teachers, students, and parents, utilizing tools such as messaging and reporting features.

Upon registering on the platform, teachers can access regular free professional development courses on the latest Arabic language education curricula worldwide. These courses are conducted by top specialists in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, featuring distinguished experts in Arabic language instruction.

Furthermore, these courses provide an integrated educational environment, incorporating virtual classrooms, an e-learning system, ready-made test models, and diverse school reports for both administration and parents.

This initiative addresses every school administrator seeking to integrate modern technologies into Arabic language and Islamic studies teaching, every teacher looking for a well-designed curriculum and a comprehensive platform to facilitate the teaching process, every student desiring to learn Arabic using the latest technologies in a short time without difficulty or boredom, and every family committed to ensuring that their children learn Arabic effectively and instill Islamic values in them.

The Islamic Charitable Association in Brazil extends its sincere thanks to the IICO and Kuwait, both the government and the people, for their support of this initiative. While looking forward to the continuation of such impactful and purposeful programs, which serve as a strong pillar in the endeavor to save the Islamic community, strengthen Islamic civilization, and build a new generation of Muslims.

It is worth noting that the International Curriculum Foundation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a specialized expertise house. Established in the year 1421 AH/2000 AD as a non-profit organization that aims to serve Islamic schools worldwide. The foundation has gained leadership, acceptance, and widespread recognition in 6000 international schools.

In this context, one of the most important factors contributing to the spread of the Arabic language in this era is the adoption of it by institutions and organizations. They work towards integrating it into people's lives as a language of communication, knowledge, and culture, recognizing its pivotal role in preparing individuals to delve into Islam from its primary sources and origins.