Q1: Dear Sadaf, please tell us about you
My name is Sadaf Babwari. I am 24 years old and am from Wisconsin, United States (a very diverse area with very cold weather), where I studied Biology with a minor in Spanish. I have always loved Spain, its language and culture. Currently, I am living in Madrid for a year, working as a conversation assistant, teaching English to primary level students. So far, I have been loving it!
Q2: What has motivated you to teach Ta‘lim classes?
My primary motivation and inspiration for giving Ta‘lim classes have been the Farmans of Mawlana Hazir Imam. He has always said if we are fortunate enough to have received knowledge, we should share it with our brothers and sisters if we can. I grew up going to jamatkhana and to Ta‘lim class every week and also taught a little, once I was older. I am fortunate to be part of a family where a lot of stories about faith were passed on. I have some great memories; I learned a lot and now I wish to pass that on. I was approached and asked if I could teach a class while in Madrid, which made me very happy and I said yes immediately. It has been an incredible opportunity for me to be more involved as part of the Madrid jamat, where everybody is very kind and welcoming. Also, listening to the stories, the progression of the Madrid jamat through the years, its diversity – because there are many interfaith families – and seeing how you guys have thrived until today, is amazing.
Q3: How has the experience been so far?
Thus far, I have had a really great experience. I did not know what to expect but have met really intelligent and kind people that have been working very hard to organize these classes. At first, I was very nervous, because Spanish is my third language (I am fluent in Urdu and English), and I am not yet fully fluent. I was not sure I could live up to the expectations but the classes have been going very well. I teach pre-primary – ages five to six – together with Manzoor. He is such a nice guy, very smart and very helpful, full of incredible stories! On average five to six students come to our Ta‘lim classes, which I would say is a huge success. It’s the first time ever in the history of the Spain Jamat that these classes are formally organized and I can’t believe I have been given the opportunity to be a part of it.
The classes are held, virtually, once a month and I am very happy to see the students every time. You can see the progression over the months. The students are feeling more comfortable with us as we are with them. They have also mentioned how much they enjoy classes which is the best thing we can hear as teachers. This has also been a great time for me to practice my Spanish, as that is the language the classes are taught in.
Q4: What aspect do you enjoy the most?
My favorite parts of the classes are seeing the excitement of the students and hearing them retain the knowledge and interact with us. Since this is the first time in Spain that classes with students from different cities are happening, we didn’t quite know what to expect. But so far, they have been enjoying it and they continue to attend. I love listening to their answers and their thought processes: it makes me happy! It has been a while since I’ve worked with this age group and I’ve learned from them as well! It reminds me of my own Ta‘lim classes, and remembering all the stories and teaching them is really fun.
Q5: Which message would you like to send to the parents?
My message to the parents is one of gratitude. The classes would not have been possible without their open mindedness, their help to set up the zoom calls and ensure their children are present in every class. We can teach for the duration of the class but the guidance at home from the parents is what really maximizes the experience for the kids. And that has been happening and we really appreciate it! I hope as well that the parents are able to feel the sense of community, no matter where we live, we all are a part of it.
Q6: What would you like to say here to your students?
My message for the students is to love learning! My students are quite young to fully understand the power knowledge has but I want them to enjoy their classes, to make memories and to feel a part of the community. I want them to know there are children like them, even if they live in other cities and in other countries, they have many things in common! We thank them for attending classes and can’t wait to be able to continue this, InshAllah, for years to come!
Ya Ali Madad, Sadaf, thanks for your time, seva and enthusiasm. We are really lucky and grateful to have you and Manzoor teaching the pre-primary students of Spain Jamat!
