'Gateway to the east'

8:28am Saturday 3rd May 2008

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A unique school that aims to break cultural barriers and dispel negative stereotypes of Islam has been praised by students and parents as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Watford Arabic School was founded in 1983 by Dr Abdel-Ghaney Saleh to help people of all nationalities, cultures and religions learn the Arabic language and about Islam in an informal and friendly setting.

There are now 70 pupils, aged seven to 70, at the school, which meets each Sunday at Watford Grammar School for Girls, in Lady's Close.

Dr Saleh jokes the school is like the "United Nations", where pupils with wide-ranging backgrounds can learn side-by-side without religious or political tensions and a strong emphasis is placed on respect, cohesion, tolerance, understanding and harmony.

During its 20th anniversary celebrations in 2003, Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill described the school as a "jewel in Watford's crown" that has broken down cultural barriers and dispelled negative stereotypes about Islam.

Caroline Tapster, Hertfordshire County Council chief executive, was also impressed with the school during a visit in 2007.

She said: "It was a real joy to see the enthusiasm and commitment from the students and the skill and dedication of the teachers. It was clear to me that the school is very much reaching out into the community."

Mayor Thornhill gave further praise to the school during Watford Borough Council's Audentior Awards earlier this year, when Dr Saleh was presented with a special 25th anniversary achievement award.

Parents and students have also spoken highly of Dr Saleh.

Zubair Hussaini, 35, from Pine Grove, Bushey, was one of the first pupils at the school 25 years ago. Now his two children, Sumayyah, six, and Hafsah, five, are students themselves.

Zubair said: "My parents brought me along. It was enjoyable and must have had a good impact because I have brought my children here since."

Originally from Germany, Sabine Beck takes her ten-year-old son Youssef to the school, so he can learn about his Egyptian father's heritage. Youssef is also learning German.

Sabine, 47, of Carisbrooke Avenue, Watford, said: "My husband is Egyptian so I would like Youssef to get to know the culture and language."

Dental surgeon Sophia Mustafa, 38, has two children at the school - Aneeka, 11, and Shamoun, eight. She is from Pakistan.

Sophia said: "I found kids were not learning respect for their elders and were answering me back.

"They go to a very good school but they were failing as far as manners were concerned.

"I brought them here and their manners have improved."

Abdur-Rahman Raines, from Bruce Grove, Watford, who converted to Islam 30 years ago, added: "Dr Saleh has been going for 25 years and not given up. He's there no matter what. Here people can be culturally themselves, rather than be forced to fit in.

"We're extremely grateful to Dr Saleh for everything he's done. He's here through thick and thin and quite an ambassador for society."

Born in Egypt, Dr Saleh, 70, came to Watford in 1974 as a printer and was a lecturer at West Herts College. He also held the position of chairman of the Watford branch of the Institute of Printers.

Dr Saleh, of Whippendell Road, said: "We've survived 25 years. We're serving the community the best we can. We ask them what they want us to teach and that's why the school is flourishing. Like Watford is a gateway to London, the school is a gateway to the east.

"This is my life. I'm so proud of this, more than my PhD. Any person can do a PhD but not everyone has the vision, dedication and driving force to do this."

For more information about Watford Arabic School, telephone 01923 245670 or email agsaleh38@hotmail.com.