2026 Abdelkader Education Project (AEP) Forum

The Abdelkader Education Project (AEP), in collaboration with the City of Elkader, will host its annual AEP Forum on Saturday, October 17 at 2:00pm in Elkader’s historic Opera House. This public event will include presentations, conversations, and panels that focus on education, history, and culture related to AEP, Elkader’s Sister City Mascara City (Algeria), and Emir Abdelkader.

AEP is a network of individuals and organizations, developing educational resources and opportunities for engagement in the life story of Emir Abdelkader. AEP is an advocate for cultural understanding, educates future leaders, and promotes the Emir as an ethical leader and model humanitarian.

This program will include the following guest speakers: Ambassador Sabri Boukadoum, Algerian Embassy, Washington DC; John Kiser, Philanthropist and author of Commander of the Faithful: The Life & Times of Emir Abdelkader and The Monks of Tibhirine, Sperryville VA; William Lawrence, Director of North African Area Studies Program at National Council on US/Arab Relations, Professor at American University, Washington DC; Najeeba Sayeed, Peacemaker, Healer, Scholar, El-Hibri Endowed Professor of Interfaith Studies and Executive Director of Interfaith Institute, Augsburg University, Minneapolis MN; Abdelkader Global Citizenship Prize winners; and Abdelkader Education Project board members.

Join us for inspiration through stories, theatre, and music! Following the program, we will move downstairs to Elkader City Hall for refreshments and networking.

This is a free public forum. Donations to benefit AEP (501c3 non-profit) are always welcome.

To learn more, contact kathy@abdelkaderproject.org or visit www.abdelkaderproject.org.