By Salma Ahmed in year 8

On the first of April 2011 Al-Muntada Girls School had a grand opening ceremony to celebrate a new floor being added to the school premises. All of the pupils came to attend the event, so did the governors of the school and a few of the parents.

The atmosphere was festive and the children were all excited at the prospect of seeing the new school floor. The morning kicked off to a great start as everyone made their way upstairs. There were many gasps as everyone entered the room where the event was being held. The room was vast, spacious and beautiful decorations hung everywhere. You could see how much effort had been put into it by the teachers and pupils.

The event began with recitations of the Quran from a couple of the students. They read amazingly well and their tajweed was immaculate. It was delightful.

Celebrations continued as many of the teachers gave out incredible speeches that were both heart warming and emotional. Sitting there with everyone it felt like we were all part of one big family. The students also presented great poems (which is below) and presentations.

Wonderful Nasheeds were sung by the year 7 girls and their beautiful angelic voices filled the air. They sung their hearts out to their full extent. It was so good the audience even shouted out “encore, encore”.

Our special guests, the school governors also enlightened us with their speeches. They spoke to us about how Al Muntada had started off as a tiny committee but had grown into a successful organisation. It had not grown overnight but it had grown with the help of both the teachers and students. A sense of unity filled the air as the students acknowledged the governors words.

The ceremony ended with light refreshment being served. It was an amazing day and I’m sure many of the Al Muntada pupils would remember this day as a great success; although it would not have been possible without the hard work and collaboration from the teachers. A special thanks to them.

I know I can

I look around, what do I see?

People all around, staring at me.

They are wondering who I am and what I think, they wonder why I don’t wear short skirts that are green, yellow or pink.

They want to know what I do when I rush inside to pray.

They are confused about why at prayer time, I don’t stay out and play.

But on the inside, do they see?

There is plenty they don’t know about me, like my favourite book is the Quran.

And the one I dislike most is the shaytaan.

My Lord is my Creator, I pray to him to make my path straighter.

To help me reach heaven, where I hope to meet more than seven of the great Prophets, the Messengers of Allah.

If I get there, I won’t care about my money or my car.

That should answer the people questions; they can make their comments and suggestions.

But I am happy with who I am, I have the strength to be me, I know I can.

By Amani Ikhlas Year 7