On June 6, a grand occasion was held to mark the completion by Jeddah’s Al-Waha International School of a decade of exemplary academic performance. Throughout those years the school has successfully upheld its motto, “Lord! Increase my knowledge.” The celebration on last Thursday evening was a proud moment for the Al-Waha family as all the staff and students gathered in a spirit of academic togetherness. The event was attended by Khaled Al-Maeena, editor in chief, Arab News, Dr. Abdullah Nadwi, patron, Al-Waha International School and Jeddah’s other renowned dignitaries.

On the occasion, Al-Maeena said, “Our children are our future. Al-Waha International School gives affirmation to the concept that children educated in a wholesome environment where tolerance is taught, will be able to succeed in whatever they choose, anywhere.”

It all started 10 years ago with the clear vision and strong desire of Dr. Nadwi to provide an education blending Islamic virtues with an internationally accepted curriculum. Dr. Nadwi encouraged a group of educators, including his son, Zia Nadwi, to give a physical shape to this dream. Thus was born Jeddah Montessorie School. This was a non-profit organization catering to the needs of the struggling expatriate community hailing predominantly from the Subcontinent.

Jeddah Montessorie went through much transformation. Now it has reached the stage where it is an educational institution recognized by the Saudi Ministry of Education and known by the name of Al-Waha International School. The school has also achieved recognition as an attached center of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate.

The evening started with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an followed by the Saudi national anthem. The tiny-tots of Al-Waha presented a tableaux on the theme “Let peace and harmony prevail in the world.” The little children enthralled the audience with their confidence while parading costumes from all over the world. This was followed by the presentation of “King Midas Golden Touch.” This play, as we all know, conveyed the message that greed leads nowhere. The audience was delighted to see that the young students clearly understood the moral of the tale.

The most complex performance from Lower School students came from those in Grade II. They put on a tableaux called “Healing the World.” The budding artists fired the imagination of the audience concerning the state of our disturbed world. After the tableau, Al-Maeena commented on the challenges that will have to be faced by young adults in the difficult global environment we are creating. Muhammad Marwan received a loud round of applause when he represented the Palestinian nation in typical Palestinian attire.

The students of the Middle and Upper School presented a Shakespearean musical, “The Tragedy of King Lear,” conceived and directed by Sabitha Raheem. It was a well-choreographed and beautifully coordinated play involving a 63-member cast and crew. Diverse emotions ranging from filial love to sacrifice were depicted in this grand musical.

The play brought out the best of the children’s talents. Osama Farooqi’s performance in the “Tempest” scene received a standing ovation. A.G. Danish, a parent sitting in the audience, said, “It felt like Osama Farooqui has evolved into King Lear. I do not see the boy anymore.”

Reem Saeed who portrayed the king’s daughter Cordelia kept the audience on edge throughout the show. She was love, devotion and beauty personified.

Speaking after the performance, Dr. Nadwi reflected on the weeks of hard work put in by the Al-Waha family to make the evening a success. Dr. Nadwi remarked that it was this spirit of unity that has made Al-Waha a close knit organization where each and every member is important and significant.

“The responsibility for carving out the future for the students of this school lies in the hands of the teachers,” said Dr. Nadwi. “This is the reason why they are called the backbone of our school and teaching as a profession is considered the noblest of them all.”

The eventful evening was fully enjoyed by all. It was a relaxed and purposeful get-together where the message of peace, harmony and unity was brought to life by those who will be responsible citizens of this beautiful Earth tomorrow.