First International School Experience: Lessons Learned and Next Steps 🌍🎒

Bismillah: In September 2010, we decided to enroll Syauqi in an international school for the first time. It was a big step for our family, moving from the familiar environment of homeschooling to a more formal educational setting. We were excited about the opportunities but also cautious about how it would align with our Islamic values. 🌟

The Experience of Transition 🌱

• New Environment, New Challenges: The transition to an international school was a significant change for Syauqi. He was exposed to a diverse environment with different teaching styles, cultures, and perspectives. While it was exciting, it also presented challenges in maintaining the Islamic foundation we had nurtured at home. 🏫
• Balancing Faith and Education: We were determined to ensure that his Islamic identity remained strong. We continued our daily Quranic lessons at home and regularly discussed how the values he was learning in school could be understood through the lens of our faith. This helped bridge the gap between school and home, reinforcing the Integrate pillar in our educational approach. 📚
• New Friends, New Perspectives: Syauqi made new friends from various backgrounds, which enriched his understanding of different cultures. This experience also gave us an opportunity to discuss the importance of respecting others while staying true to our Islamic principles. 🌍

One memorable moment was when Syauqi came home and told us about a school project on world religions. He was excited to share what he knew about Islam with his classmates, and it gave us a chance to discuss how to represent his faith proudly and respectfully. 🌟

Reflecting and Moving Forward with Iqrasaurus 🦖

This experience highlighted the importance of balancing modern education with Islamic values. While the international school provided a broader perspective on the world, it was crucial for us to continue grounding Syauqi in his faith. This transition reinforced our commitment to integrating faith with education, no matter the setting.

As Allah says in the Quran:

"Indeed, this Quran guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward." (Surah Al-Isra, 17:9) 🌟

This verse reminded us to stay focused on the Quran as the guiding light in all aspects of life, including education.

A Peek Into Our Conversations 🗨️

Syauqi: "Daddy, we learned about different religions at school today. Can I tell my friends about Islam?"

Daddy Ikram: "Of course, Syauqi! It’s wonderful to share what you know. Just remember to do it with kindness and respect, so your friends can see the beauty of Islam."

Ummi Ziehan: "And if you have any questions, you can always ask us. We’re here to help you understand your faith better."

Syauqi: "Thanks, Ummi! I want to show my friends how amazing Islam is." 🌟

End Note: Balancing school life with Islamic values is essential for nurturing a strong, confident Muslim identity. Join us next time as we discuss how we balanced books and beliefs by integrating traditional schooling with Quranic values. 📚🌟