Parent
Br. Abbas Arsalan (Parent)
The purpose of the program is excellent, as it provides a unique opportunity for young boys to open up and express their feelings in a safe space—a chance they rarely get elsewhere. The teacher is very good, bringing a lot of value to the lessons with his knowledge and approach. Recently, the added structure and enforcement of the syllabus have made a noticeable improvement, creating a more focused learning environment.
However, one drawback is that the lesson times feel a bit too long, often seeming like we’re just filling time. Overall, it’s a beneficial program with a few adjustments that could make it even better.
Sarah (Parent Attended Pilot, Program Sem 1 YR 1, and Sem 2 YR 1)
As the mom of a tween and teen, I was looking for something to help my daughter navigate the dreaded middle school years, while also building her confidence. I was thrilled when I heard about the Girls Rising Strong pilot program and immediately signed up. I loved that it is an evidence-based program specifically designed to meet the unique needs of girls in this age group, which are often overlooked. It covers a wide range of practical and relevant topics, teaching them the life skills and tools they need to be successful in middle school and beyond. From navigating friendships to the importance of a growth mindset, the instructors coach the girls through each topic with interactive activities, which helps them retain the material while also making it more fun. I’m excited to see my daughter’s growth by the end of the year and for the sisterhood they are developing together in this program.
Sr. Ola (Parent)
As a Muslim mother of four young daughters, I have invested considerable effort into researching effective parenting strategies. My journey began with a wealth of resources: books on various parenting methods, psychology, and prophetic parenting, along with workshops and seminars. I even acquired my husband’s great uncle’s renowned book, “Parent-Child Relationship,” available in many languages tailored to different cultural contexts.
With a background in education and ongoing graduate studies while teaching middle school, I have attended numerous conferences and seminars. However, nothing truly prepares one for the challenges of raising children, especially in today’s rapidly evolving world marked by technological advancement and moral degradation.
When I first learned about this program, I was thrilled. Youth programs in the U.S. are relatively new and often short-lived, particularly those for younger children or pre-teens. I had seen workshops organized by Sister Sana and expected something similar. To my delight, I was profoundly impressed by the program’s structure and the depth of research behind it. From the introductory session for parents, I knew I had stumbled upon a rare and valuable opportunity. I found myself reflecting on the potential for Sana to expand this program nationally.
Working with younger youth and raising my own children, I resonated with nearly all the insights provided by Sana. I encountered new concepts and fresh perspectives on familiar ideas. The seminar was engaging and rich in content.
The parent booklet is a high-quality, fully colored reference guide filled with practical activities, conversation tips, and resources. It’s a unique toolkit designed to enhance communication with children and support our parenting journey.
Instilling confidence, self-esteem, and strong character in young Muslims is challenging, especially when these values are not always taught or modeled effectively in society. This program addresses these needs and is vital for both parents and children. I am grateful for the year-long commitment to fostering a stronger, smarter, and more confident generation, God willing.Parent (Of a 7th Grader)
The Girls Rising Strong program has been amazing for my daughter. She started out anxious and nervous but soon gained confidence. The supportive environment, along with the friendships she formed with the other girls, had such a positive impact on her. It’s been wonderful to see her grow and believe in herself.
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