This week marked a significant milestone in the project as I conducted the pilot of the first module of the sex education curriculum with a group of grade 12 students. The setting was intentionally kept small and intimate to encourage open discussion and allow for a more personal interaction with the content.
Pilot Session:
The pilot module focused on foundational topics such as consent, respect in relationships, and the basics of sexual health, all framed within the context of Islamic teachings. The students were attentive and engaged throughout the session, and their reactions ranged from curiosity to thoughtful reflection. During the discussions, it became clear that they appreciated the opportunity to learn about these topics in a setting that respected their religious and cultural values.
The most interesting part of the session was the open discussion that followed. Students began asking more nuanced questions about how these teachings applied to their everyday lives, especially in a Western context. They also discussed the challenges they face in balancing their cultural identity with the pressures of modern society. Their insights were profound, and it was encouraging to see them grapple with these important issues so thoughtfully.
Post-Class Socializing:
After the session, a group of students invited me to join them at a Yemeni café nearby. I happily accepted, eager to continue our conversations in a more informal setting. Over cups of fragrant tea and plates of delicious food, the students were more relaxed and candid. They joked around, shared personal stories, and opened up about their experiences in ways they hadn't in the classroom.
During the café visit, as the students excitedly referenced the latest TikTok trends and viral memes, I realized I had officially crossed into "old" territory. At one point, I had to ask, "Wait, so is 'yeet' still a thing, or did that get retired with the dab?" The students burst out laughing and reassured me that "yeet" was still very much alive—though they might have just been humouring the elder in the room! It was a humbling and hilarious reminder that staying connected with the younger generation means being open to learning from them, not just teaching them.
Dinner with the Leadership Team:
Later in the week, the leadership team at Rise Academy extended a warm gesture by inviting me to dinner at a beautiful restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The view was stunning, with the sun setting over the waves as we discussed the progress of the project. The leadership team expressed their appreciation for the work being done and shared their thoughts on the initial reactions from the students and the community.
They were pleased to hear about the positive feedback from the pilot session and were particularly interested in how the students engaged with the material. The conversation also turned to the broader implications of the project, with the team discussing how this curriculum could serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges.
Overall Experience:
The week was filled with meaningful interactions and memorable experiences. The pilot session provided invaluable insights into how the curriculum might be received on a larger scale, and the students' openness during our café visit gave me a deeper understanding of their perspectives.
The dinner with the leadership team was not just a professional engagement but also a moment to reflect on the beauty of the environment I was working in—both the physical beauty of the Pacific coast and the warmth and support of the community at Rise Academy.
Overall, this week reinforced the importance of connection—whether through structured lessons, informal conversations, or shared meals—and the role these connections play in making the project truly impactful.