January 24th, 2025

By Alishba, Azka and Sanja, students at Glenview Park Secondary School

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) at Glenview Park Secondary School hosted their first Islamic Heritage Event in October, welcoming around 200 guests from 11 Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) schools.

The event’s goal was to bring people together while celebrating Islamic history, culture, and contributions. MSA volunteers greeted the guests and set a positive tone for a day filled with education, entertainment, and cultural appreciation.

Students heard from professionals on their career journey; balancing work with personal obligations; insights on Islamic spirituality and self-growth; and exploring leadership roles and entrepreneurship. A student spoke about the contributions of Muslim inventors.

“We’re really happy with how it all came together,” said Alishba, MSA co-president. “It was great to see students from different schools learning about the rich heritage of Islamic culture.”

“Our aim was to create a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of their background. Hearing that people left with new knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the Muslim community makes it all worthwhile,” added Azka.

Sanja recited, “Ayatul Kursi,” a powerful verse from the Quran, to begin the event. The recitation gave a calm and peaceful impression to the room. Another student volunteer shared a land acknowledgment in Arabic, which was really special. Azka recited a nasheed, a form of religious poetry setting a serene mood.

After the talks, students explored the exhibits and gallery, visiting booths featuring henna art, button-making, Arabic calligraphy, and more. Students also participated in an interactive Jeopardy game that tested their Islamic knowledge. Following the activities, everyone gathered to enjoy a meal together. Alishba noted that the atmosphere was incredibly friendly and welcoming.

Lastly, they held a raffle draw, and some lucky winners received wonderful prizes. Alishba and Azka thanked attendees for participating enthusiastically in Glenview’s first Islamic Heritage event. It was a great way to end a memorable day filled with learning, connection, and celebration.

#StudentVoice Series

This article is written by a WRDSB student and is part of the Student Agency and Voice program. Student journalists embody WRDSB’s commitment to creating space for students to tell their stories. They are ambassadors for their peers as they share their personal experiences and stories about their schools and communities in their unique voices.