Did you know that Elkader, Iowa was named after a 19th century world-renowned Muslim hero? Abd el-Kader was a philosopher, intellectual, humanitarian, poet and scholar and was tolerant of all faiths. What began as a local Elkader essay contest honoring their namesake has now evolved in a statewide education project and scholarship opportunity for Iowa high school juniors and seniors. Interested students must write an essay that evaluates the significance of Abd el-Kader’s life in light of current events in America and throughout the world. Click here for a brief background on the project and here for the registration sheet.
Teachers/mentors coaching essay students will be invited to a free two-day seminar in the Spring of 2011 (dates and venues to be determined). The seminars will be conducted by Barbara Petzen, Education Director of the Middle East Policy Council (MEPC) in Washington DC. She has taught non-partisan workshops on how to teach about the Middle East and Islam to educators in 45 states and over 200 cities across the U.S.
Please share this information with your guidance counselors, talented and gifted coordinators and English and social studies teachers. Questions about the Abd el-Kader Education Project and Essay Contest can be directed to Kathy Garms at kathygarms@yahoo.com or (563) 245-1022.
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