'We want our kids to learn about Islam'
Sohail and Kanwal Khan, whose two children study at an Islamic school, dismiss suggestions of marginalization and say their kids are learning more than others.
RAVEENA AULAKH
Four years ago, Sohail Khan admitted his two children at the
London Islamic Centre
. In these four years, 44-year-old Khan, a project manager with Skills International, a company which helps new immigrants integrate in society, has had no reason to regret the decision. His wife, Kanwal, who works at Masonville, says their children are happy and learning more than others.
Their son, Yousef, 9, is in Grade 4 while their daughter, Imaan, 7, is in Grade 1.
In an interview, the Khans, originally from Pakistan, talk about the pros of education at an Islamic school--as they see it, there are no downslides to it.
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For Sohail and Kanwal Khan, it was vital their kids, Yousef and Imaan, learn about Islam--that's why they put them in a Muslim school. |
Q: Why did you choose a religious school over a public school for your children?
Sohail: I wanted a safe, controlled environment for my kids. I wanted to be sure they were secure in the eight hours they would be away from home.
Q: Sohail, you were born in Canada. Did you study at an Islamic school?
Sohail: I went to a public school but honestly, those were different times. Public schools are no longer safe. I've heard hair-raising stories of what goes on there. So, when it was time to take the decision, there was no debate. My wife and I wanted Yousef and Imaan to study at an Islamic School.
Q: What are the other reasons that weighed in favour of an Islamic education?
Kanwal: I liked the fact that I, as a parent, have a say in the curriculum. For instance, I don't want my kids to learn about same-sex marriages. And so, they won't. I'll explain it to them when the time is right.
Another reason why we chose London Islamic Centre was the strength of each class. There aren't more than 20 students in one class. That way, teachers are able to give individual attention to students.
Even the principal knows every student by name.
But most importantly, they are learning so much more.
Q: What makes you say that students at the Islamic Centre are learning more than those at public schools?
Kanwal: Well, the school follows the basic Ontario School Board curriculum but along with that, students also learn about Koran, Arabic as a language and the history of
Islam
. That way, they learn an additional language and about their religion and culture.
You know, they already know more about Islam than I do.
Q: Why should religious education be so important?
Sohail: What's wrong with it? I'm a Muslim and I do want my children to know and learn about Islam. I want them to study the
Koran
and be able to interpret it. Also, I want them to keep in touch with their faith and culture.
Q: It sounds like there's a lot more workload for students.
Kanwal: It is, but they are used to it. We've also hired a tutor who helps them. And I think extra workload helps them prepare better for university education. It's more workload for me too. If my children were studying at the public school, I wouldn't be working. I only work because we pay hefty tuition fee at the school and to the tutor. But we don't mind.
Q: Doesn't educational segregation result in overall isolation for children? Doesn't that worry you?
Sohail: Not at all. I know of youngsters who studied at Islamic schools and then went on to a public school or university without ever feeling isolated. They are a part of the same society.
Also, it isn't as if they don't have any interaction with other children. There is no question of marginalization.
Q: Are Yousef and Imaan happy at the Islamic school?
Kanwal: Oh yes. Everytime they are naughty, I threaten to put them in a public school. That seems to work well.
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