| Eighth annual Essay, Speech Competition Held in Falls Church |
 |
 |
 |
| Community News - Community News |
| Written by Noor Tagouri, Muslim Link Staff Writer |
| Thursday, 04 February 2010 10:29 |
Hoping to encourage an appreciation of writing and communication skills among Muslim youth, the Mafiq Foundation sponsored its eighth annual Essay/Panel Contest (EPC). Held at Masjid Dar Al Hijrah in Falls Church, VA on Saturday, Jan. 16, the competition represented one of the many venues through which Muslim youth can showcase their academic achievements.  Dr. Kashif Munir, a judge of EPC for the past three years, emphasized that the competition was a “platform to practice communication skills” and “a great stepping stone, and way to gain confidence.” These words were a perfect depiction of the outcome of this year’s contest.The competition highlighted the skills of 114 students, ranging from first graders to high school seniors. With the selection of composing an essay, compiling a multimedia presentation or creating an artistic poster, the majority of the competitors submitted essays. A total of 79 essays, 16 multimedia presentations and 19 posters were scrutinized for judging. Starting at 9:30 a.m, there was a shy amount of people at the registration table. As time proceeded, the competitors arrived with their friends and family, ready to present what they had put together for their specific theme. In total, there were three themes, divided based on the competitor’s school grade level. The 1st – 4th graders were asked to create their project around the theme, “We are Allah’s Khalifa’s on this earth - What does this mean to you?” Middle school students showed off their skills around the premise of lessons learned from the leadership styles of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Finally, the high school students were enlightened with the knowledge that they were one-in-four Muslims in this world. Around this fact, their theme was how they would lead the world to be a better place for all. With their essay/speeches on repeat in their minds, the eldest group of writers presented in front of an audience of about 25 people. When asked, most competitors said they were anxious at the beginning of reciting their speech. Nevertheless, once they were a few sentences into it, the audience could sense the passion and exertion they had put into creating their well-prepared essays on how they would be a leader, ready to make the world “a better place for all.” Mrs. Christina Tobias-Nahi, director of Public Affairs for Islamic Relief USA was delighted to hear the youth’s concerns about the issues of improving the status of poverty, pollution and the issue of global warming in her first year of judging EPC. “It is very impressive!” she commented, referring to the ideas put forward in the speeches. The multimedia and poster competition allowed children and youth to display their creativity and thoughts; all the while, honoring the leadership manner of the Prophet (PBUH). Many gathered to watch the participants present their vivid posters, enlightening the audience on how to apply these leadership skills to our lives, as the Prophet (PBUH) once did. Throughout the entire day friends were made, knowledge was spread, and skills were enhanced. Parent, Ms. Kimberly King, could not stress enough what a blessing it was to have her two daughters participate in the EPC competition. She felt that it gave youth a way to strengthen their skills both Islamically and in communication. “There definitely should be more venues like this for [the youth,]” she said. By, 2:00 p.m the competitors were anxious to finally hear the top winning recipients of each competition. After enjoying a meal of salad, rice and chicken, the courtyard of the masjid was filled and the judges were ready to announce this year’s winners. The top winners would take home either an iPod or another electronic gift, while the honorable mentions would receive gift cards, along with trophies. This year’s essays will be published in Young Muslim Voices, Vol. 3. According to Mostafiz Chaudhury, an organizer of EPC and the president of Mafiq Foundation, the future goal of EPC is to, “Expand it to a national level and establish an institution that promotes writing and speaking among Muslim youth.” The parents, judges, family members and friends were all proud of the youth’s efforts. “Our children are the living messages we are [delivering] to a time and place we won’t be.” Judge Zahra Ahmed quoted from a parent. By participating in EPC, the deliverers of the message will become stronger in their communication and stronger in their deen. --------------------------- Results: Level 1 Results |
| Montgomery County Muslim Foundation Iftar Dinner
Fri, Sep 3rd, @6:30pm - 09:30PM |
| Masjid Al-Rahmah Ramadan Community Program & Iftar
Sat, Sep 4th |
| Dar-us-Salaam Special Iftar with Dr Altaf Husain
Sat, Sep 4th |
| PGMA Workshop on Islamic Wills
Sat, Sep 4th, @2:00pm - 05:00PM |
| MCC Special Iftar Program: Second Dinner September 7th
Tue, Sep 7th, @6:00pm - 09:00PM |
| MCC Special Iftar Program: Third Dinner September 8th
Wed, Sep 8th, @6:00pm - 09:00PM |
| MANA Presents: Bridging the Generation Gap
Sat, Sep 25th |
| ICM International Food Festival & Bazaar
Sat, Oct 2nd, @11:00am - 03:00PM |
house wife - so no churches are allowed next to Oklahoma city bomb site?!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations - Mashallah. God bless you and your dear family members.
glad tidings - I was glad to run in to this article the web, way to go grads, and du'as to the st...