Choosing Taufik's school.

It was another wonderful day. Simply because I was feeling so happy from having made that ever important decision of selecting the best school for Taufik, one that was within our budget. I can feel Allah's (SWT) hand in this so strongly. Taufik, inshaAllah if nothing goes wrong, will be enrolling into Pan Asia International School. An international school based on the American curriculum (it's one big con amongst all the pros, but I guess USdollars is cheaper than Pounds Sterling) with beautiful infrastructure, a happy, clean and joyful atmosphere. Most importantly, it is an Islamic school that celebrates the Ramadhan, Eid Ul Fitr, teaches Arabic, Qur'an, Solat and enables Taufik to befriend an international muslim community.

It is to me incredible that the school is approximately 2 and 1/2 years old and Taufik being that very age. There are only two Islamic International schools here, and I cannot stress enough how 'timely' this school is for me. I hope that it will give Taufik a good start in his life.

The journey in coming to this decision was a lesson in itself. How my heart yearned (and still yearns) to enrol Taufik in a beautiful school using the UK National Foundation curriculum. I believe that British education instil in their students a life long love for learning. They pursue knowledge and education out of a love, passion, and enjoyment of it. And I had set my heart on International Park Place, a gorgeous brand new school, excellent environment and a principal with calibre and owners with a vision. But though we could just afford it, it would stretch our finances a tad uncomfortably. I told myself that if our economic situation improved we might move to IPC, but let's see how it goes first with Pan Asia.

The Singaporean curriculum came under serious consideration because of their excellent achievement in science and maths, and the high pressure in their environment builds character (or destroys it too?), not to forget the exposure to Mandarin. But the choice for me is very clear, I prefer a child who loves and enjoys learning, derives pleasure and happiness from it, rather than a child pushed, prodded and pressured to perform. Where is the joy of learning? What misery it is to endure years and years of education under such stresses. But if it was slightly cheaper, or nearer Taufik could well have been in a Singaporean school.

I saw soooo many schools. I fell in love with some, felt sad at the state of some, was inspired by a few. I couldnt afford many, the few I could, many didnt meet my requirements, I was afraid that I would never find that perfect combination of being affordable and yet ambitious. But...I think I have found it in Pan Asia. Please ya Allah, bless this decision of mine.