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Report by Brother Imran Damani (2003 Boy Participant) on the 5th GCSE Study Skills Course held 20th – 23rd December 2003 in Birmingham
Yet again have the Council of European Jammats proven how unique they are by holding a fifth GCSE study skills course for years ten and eleven students at the Zainabiyya Centre (Hujjat Imambara of) in Birmingham. Only through experience was the course fluent and on time from start to finish, something contradictory to our Khoja traditions.  Apart from the Birmingham participants, all pupils were to rendezvous at the Stanmore Imambara where refreshments would be served and baggage was to be loaded onto the coach. Once all had arrived and were ready to depart, the coach set off towards our destination. It proved to be a long and tiring journey but alhamdulillah we all reached there safely.
After waking up several people, we unloaded the coach and settled into our rooms. The introductory session followed shortly which included meeting the volunteers and teachers and also the rules and regulations. It also consisted of some original and pre planned jokes from Muhsin (Dharamsi) Uncle. Every student was also provided with various revision guides, past papers, clip boards, stationary and a bag all labelled with our individual names.
A science quiz between all forty-eight pupils followed where everyone was aiming to beat the clock as dinner (Spaghetti Bolognese) was straight after.
Soon after dinner was the first time COEJ had introduced the “surgery” system where students were allowed to ask any questions in separate subjects such as Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and so on. This proved to be a success and a great help for the pupils with any queries. It was to the sports hall shortly after where snooker/pool and table tennis was available but this was to be the final event of day 1. Before we knew it, it was lights out.
Day 2 and 3 began with Arif Hashim’s (kicking to get) getting us out of our sleeping bags for fajar namaaz. By 9:30 the cooks had breakfast served and we were all ready to begin our first set of full days. Seemingly randomly split into four classes, we all started our lessons, which included great techniques for revision, time management, dealing with stress and in depth revision for all compulsory subjects. In between were short breaks where everyone was off to the sports hall for a quick “around the world” tournament at table tennis. At midday was lunch and once revitalised all students took the test for the 4 day quiz in which a pound for each question was up for grabs. All students were plugging away but there was to be only one winner, which would be decided at the end ceremony.
The last day was the regular pattern as the previous days, a daily routine which some may say started to feel like school but a bit more laid back. Even though lights out for many was a bit “too early” the day sure proved to be tiring and before we knew it the last day drew nearer and nearer. It started a bit earlier compared to the previous days as we had to cram in breakfast as well as lessons and the closing presentation.
The day had gone extremely quickly and the coach journey was nearing. The overall winner for the courses quiz was a year 11 student, Kazim Nurmohamed, from Birmingham who won a total of 90 pounds. Each person was given a certificate alongside a group photo we had taken on day 2. Once the rooms were emptied and the bags were all packed, we headed for the capital. It proved to be a longer journey than before due to road works but three and a half hours later, we all rejoined our families and the course had been completed. Many thanks must go out to the administrators, instructors, mentors and chefs. May Allah reward them all. Amen
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