(IP) –Students of he Islamberg Children’s Academy (ICA) recently received a letter from US President Barack Obama, in response to missives sent by the children some weeks prior. The students proudly read the letter, which was signed by the President, encouraging the youth to stay in school, to complete their education and to move on to make strides to improve this nation. “This was a remarkable moment for our school and for each individual student,” says ICA Principal, Maryam Rahim. “The experience was truly unforgettable.”

High school English instructor, Tashriyha Greene, challenged her 6th-10th grade students to write a letter to President Barack Obama as a class assignment. The students were reluctant at first because they were sure that they were not going to receive a response from President Obama. “Through interaction with my students, it became apparent to me that, as is often found with children of their ages, 11 to 15, they felt as though their voices would go unheard,” says Mrs Greene. “They were reassured, being reminded that when you put forth your best intentions good things will arise. I wanted them to know that the President of the United States would respond to them because they are important enough.”

 After being coaxed by their teacher, who convinced them that the letter would reach his desk, the students began to write.Their concerns ranged from avoiding the lures of taking the same path of other misguided youths to inviting President Obama to an interfaith event hosted by the United Muslim Christian Forum to discuss world peace issues. They also spoke about improving the infrastructure of the surrounding neighborhoods and the importance of improving of schools in the United States. After completing the assignment, the children were no longer discouraged but were excited to think that their letters would be received.

In the first few weeks after the letters were sent, the excitement about the letters waned, but their hopes did not diminish. Conversations about improvement through education continued. Frequent talks about career choices and the students’ own effect on their local  and global community ensued as, according to the school principal, the students are “bright, energetic” and “eager to learn and better themselves and the world around them... Whatever the outcome, I always remain proud of the accomplishments of our children.” Then one day, to the surprise and joy of all, the children held in their hands a response from President Obama, bearing the presidential seal.

Principal Maryam Rahim says, “We foster an environment which is patterned after the teachings of our guide, El Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani, that allows teachers and students to feel as if there are no limitations regarding education. This ‘no-limits’ policy spurred one of our teachers to plan such an innovative assignment.”