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Home | News | US Ambassador visits Jamia Al-Karam

 NEWS: 08/12/2005

View Photos from the Visit

Retford’s Jamia Al-Karam School hosted US Deputy Ambassador David T Johnson on an official visit last week. Accompanied by Retford’s MP Patrick Mercer, Mr Johnson arrived at Jamia Al-Karam and was received by Founder and Principal of the school Shaykh Pirzada and the head, Shabbir Ahmed.

Mr Johnson visited pupils in lessons and answered their questions as well as discussing the school and the situation of national and international affairs. The guests then attended an assembly in the school’s Mosque. Pupils from years seven, nine and ten presented recitals from the Quran and sang odes in praise of Prophet Muhammad.

Speaking at the assembly Mr Mercer described the school’s exam results as ‘absolutely outstanding.’ “Those results will be announced and when they do I suspect that you will be at the top end of Notts. I am extremely proud to have you inside my constituency,” he added.

Mr Johnson then addressed the audience to shed some light on the situation in America and also briefly explained the country’s foreign policy. “Some of you may have read the President’s second inauguration address in which he made a clear statement that he would focus on democracy during his second term,” he said.

“This does not mean we would do everything everywhere to advance democracy. However, it does mean that wherever possible we would strive to advance democracy.” Commenting on Islam and Muslims, Mr Johnson said it is the fastest growing religion in America. “My working encounter with Muslims came in Afghanistan and my experience was positive,” he said.

His speech was followed by a question and answer session where pupils put their questions and concerns to Mr Johnson. “This is indeed a unique opportunity and a great honour for Jamia Al-Karam to host Mr David Johnson,” said Vice Principal, Bakhtyar H. Pirzada.