On Thursday 6 April 2023, Al Amanah College hosted its annual Careers Iftar for our Year 11-12 parents and students. The evening was held for students to interact with some of our graduate students in various careers and hear about their success stories and support students in making decisions about their future.
Among our officials who were present at the evening were the Chairman of Darulfatwa the Islamic High Council of Australia Professor Sheikh Salim Alwan Al Husseiny, President of the Islamic Charity Projects Association, Hajj Muhammad Mehio, Chairman of Al Amanah College Sheikh Fawaz Abboud, Elected MP Charishma Kalyanda, Principal of Al Amanah College Liverpool College Ayman Alwan, Principal of Al Amanah College Bankstown Campus Mr Basam Adra, Principal of Salamah College Mr Wissam Saad, Al Amanah College Board member Mr Abdul Ghannoum, Councillor Richard Ammoun (Liverpool City Council) and Coucillor Mell Goodman (Liverpool City Council).
The MC for the night was 2023 School Captain Omar who welcomed the guests for the evening and introduced Muhammad Kassem our year 8 student to make the call for the Athaan. Followed by Aman Shah, our Year 10 student who recited some verses from the Holy Quran. Principal Mr Ayman Alwan then took to the stage for an address and spoke of the values of education at Al Amanah College.
The ceremony was overshadowed by the recent passing of the Head Principal, Mr Mohamad El Dana. Mr El Dana was a revered figure who devoted his life to serving the Muslim community and the school. He was a visionary leader who took steps to ensure that the children and future generations were provided with a platform to learn their religion and excel in their knowledge. He established Al Amanah College, beginning with the Bankstown Campus in 1998, and later the Liverpool Campus in 2002. His contributions to the community will be long-lasting, and we pray to Allah to grant him Al Firdaws Al A^la. His legacy was honored on the evening with a video tribute and Mr Alwan presented the sons of Mr El Dana with a frame that shares words of thanks and appreciation to the head principal and an image of Mr El Dana to remain a memory of his valuable contribution to the community. His sons Omar, Talal, Hadi and Houssam all received the picture tribute on stage.
Chairman of Al Amanah College Shaykh Fawaz Abboud then presented a speech followed by Sheikh Salim Alwan who provided an enlightening religious lesson. Lastly, Elected MP Charishma Kalyanda (Liverpool City Council) delivered a speech about the positive role the school has played in the community and the importance of decision making and seeking early advice.
The College invited a unique panel of Al Amanah graduates who have continued their educational journey since leaving the school and have become successful members of the Muslim Australian community in their field. The panel was hosted by Mustapha Krayem and Nora Awad and included:
- Adam Dennawi (Graduated in 2007, studied an Advanced Diploma in Leadership & Management, with certification in Local Government Regulatory Services and Investigative Services, currently a Senior Building Surveyor with a Specialist Team in the City of Parramatta Council)
- Sarah Zahr (Graduated in 2012 Studied a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Teaching in Primary Education at Western Sydney University, Currently a Primary School Teacher and Numeracy Mentor at Salamah College)
- Mahmoud Alwan (Graduated in 2013 Studied a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering a Bachelor of Islamic Studies and a Bachelor of Arabic Literature at the Global University. Currently working as a Site Engineer and Sheikh)
- Yousef El Shafie (Graduated in 2015, studied a Bachelor of Civil Engineering with an extensive background in on site work, currently working as a Site Engineer with Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure)
The panel was asked a series of questions by Mustapha Krayem, and then also by current Year 12 students in regard to their careers and educational experiences.
The evening was closed by School Captain Omar Alwan who called the School Captains to the stage to award the panel members with a token of appreciation.
Al Amanah College wishes to thank all those involved in organising and catering for today’s event.
We extend our best wishes to our families and the Muslim community and wish them all Ramadan Mubarak and a happy and prosperous Eid Ul-Fitr.