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Non-Muslim
Students Reach Out to Muslims
CHICAGO, Jan 4 (IslamOnline
& News Agencies) - Non-Muslim elementary students in Shakopee Valley,
Minnesota, are reaching out to their Muslim counterparts with a message of
compassion and friendship, reported the Shakopee Valley News Thursday.
One week after the terrorist
attacks of Sept.11th, fourth graders at Sweeney Elementary send out words of
solidarity and comfort to their Muslim peers at the Al-Amal School in nearby
Fridley.
Since then there have been
several letter exchanges between the two schools.
Kimberley Smith, who teaches
fourth-graders at Sweeney Elementary, said that the children's actions have
shown her compassion and empathy.
In a letter to a fourth grade
teacher at Al-Amal School, Smith wrote: "In all my years of teaching, I
think I learned the most from my students that afternoon. They taught me the
kindness in the hearts of children. They showed me compassion and empathy, and
passion for doing what is right."
"I will be your friend.
Don't be afraid," wrote student Emma Callies in a letter to her Muslim
peers at Al-Amal. "The people that are trying to harm you are very dumb.
They are not very smart either."
"I am sorry that people
are being mean to you. I think that is very dumb," echoed Ludzack, 9.
"I will pray for you. Don't be scared, just think of nice things."
Salah Ayari, principal at Al-Amal,
was touched by the Sweeney students friendly gesture. In a letter to Smith, she
wrote: "It was indeed a great initiative on your part and a gesture that
can only contribute to better understanding and tolerance."
After requests from her
students, Smith applied for and received a grant of $200 from the Shakopee
Educational Endowment Foundation to bring pen pals from two schools together.
The grant will cover the expenses to transport the students from Al-Amal to
Sweeney and vice versa.
Similar exchanges between
Muslim and non-Muslim students have been observed in various parts of the U.S.
In October, 39 teenage students from Maria High
School in Chicago visited Universal High School and met their Muslim peers. Girls
from the two schools talked about their differences and similarities. More of
such exchanges are planned for the future.
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