The hijrī month of Shawwāl al-Mukarram which corresponds this year with the Gregorian June/July, marks the beginning of a new academic year at Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah.
Students return to the campus after a two month end-of-year break, with renewed determination and vigour to tackle the academic year ahead.
Apart from the returning students, each year sees the induction of a new batch of students in daraja awwalā (first standard) across all four campuses. This year the induction proceedings focused on life skills.
At the Nairobi campus the new admissions and their parents had an eventful weekend. Following a warm welcome with roses and chocolates, a brief orientation was conducted in al-Īwān al-Barakāt outlining the many activities to take place.
First among the activities was a hifz assessment session. In order to secure an admission to Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, prospective students are required to complete a predetermined quota of hifz (memorisation of the Holy Quran) before being considered for a place in the institution. The hifz assessment session aimed to gauge the quality of each student’s memorisation in order to help faculty map out an appropriate course for each individual student’s progress once enrolled.
This was followed by one on one interviews with the students as well as their parents, conducted by experts in the field of education, medicine and child psychology.
Then came the skill test. Students were assessed on their proficiency in various skills including life skills and personal skills. From paring a piece of fruit to changing a light bulb, to conducting oneself properly in society, the skill test cast a wide net.
Finally came the health check up assessment. Prior to enrollment, students were required to do a complete medical examination in their countries of residence. The medical reports they brought were examined by in house doctors in al-Mahal al-Shifa Aljamea’s campus clinic where any concerns were addressed.
Having now completed the enrollment process, the young generation of newly inducted students look forward to a long and fruitful educational journey at Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah.
