March 31, 2019
Written by Daud Shad
Abdelkader Education Project (AEP) was founded in Elkader, Iowa in 2008 “to revive the courageous religious and moral legacy of Emir Abdelkader el Djezairi.” If you’re interested in getting involved with AEP, here are five ways to get started:
Read
AEP co-founder John Kiser wrote a wonderful biography of the Algerian hero and humanitarian Emir Abdelkader called Commander of the Faithful: The Life and Times of Emir Abdelkader. Add that book to your reading list to learn about the emir’s exceptional story and courageous leadership. If one book simply isn’t enough, check out a list of other’s you can read here: https://abdelkaderproject.org/bibliography/
Compete
This year, AEP has introduced a new contest with cash prizes for educators. After reading about Emir Abdelkader, educators incorporate what they have learned into lessons plans that they implement in their classroom. AEP hopes to make a difference in the world through education, and what better way to do that than in schools? More information and sample lesson plans can be found on our website: https://abdelkaderproject.org/educator-contests/
Practice
Emir Abdelkader is a role model for a world still plagued by sectarian violence, hatred of the Other, and apathy towards foreign, and even local, plight. Think about the legacy of Abdelkader in these areas and consider how he would respond to tragedies happening today. Take a piece of his example and apply it in your daily life. For example, you can do regular research into US involvement in foreign conflicts and then call your representatives to urge action towards peace.
Write
To think about the intersection of spirituality and leadership, counter misconceptions about other cultures and share lessons from Emir Abdelkader on our common humanity, write for AEP’s blog! Writing for the blog is a great way to have your writing published online and inspire your community through your words. If you’re interested, contact info@abdelkaderproject.org.
Engage
AEP has an annual forum held in different cities across the country (last year it was in Washington, DC to celebrate the organization’s 10th Anniversary). The forum is an awesome place to meet community leaders, writers, activists, and people just passionate about human rights. The 2019 forum will take place in the Fall, with more information to come later. If you can’t attend the forum in person, consider holding a similar event in your community. AEP would love to guide you in the process!
To stay up-to-date with the Abdelkader Education Project, subscribe to our newsletter! Scroll down to the bottom of this page and sign up for our mailing list. Previous newsletters can be found here: https://abdelkaderproject.org/aep-news-bulletin/.
Daud Shad is a 2016 Abdelkader Global Leadership Prize essay contest and continues to be inspired by the incredible life of Abdelkader as a compassionate leader and a human rights defender.]]>
