We, at Sheikh Zayed International Academy-Islamabad, had many reasons to be proud on Saturday, May 8, 2010 as that was the day that we paid tribute to an element of great strength to the Academy—that of our glorious ‘internationalism’.  There are an incredible twenty-three nations represented by the members of our student body, many of whom are the children of Ambassadors currently residing in the capital city of Islamabad.

Students from Playgroup to the Grade 10 level, all made stage presentations in the SZIA ‘International Day’ Function, a three-hour event that was held on the premises of the campus.   

At the programme, Mr. Fareed Ullah Khan officiated as the Chief Guest and Col. Abdulla Mohammad Ali Al-Kaabi, Military Attache of the Embassy of the U.A.E.-Islamabad was named as the Honourable Guest; as well, a number of Ambassadors and Diplomats graced the occasion, the presentation portion of which took place on the stage of the Academy’s ultra-modern Auditorium and included songs, cultural dances, skits, poetry-reciting, international costumes and music and a fashion show. This was followed by a specially-prepared multimedia presentation, a tour of display stalls which highlighted the traditions and customs unique to each of the countries being showcased and, finally, a grand buffet lunch that featured many delectable dishes of international cuisine.

The Principal, Wafaa Abdul Ghaffar, commented that “Our prime objective in staging such events as the one we held today is to inculcate a feeling of oneness with one another as we celebrate and pay tribute to the many different cultures that exist within our school community. Reinforcing children’s cultural awareness, as well as cultural acceptance, serves as a foundation for their seeking peace and harmony
when they are adults.”