On the evening of Thursday, 3rd July 2025, Australian Islamic Education Services (AIES) held its Mid-Year Volunteer Dinner embracing the theme “Plant a Seed”, honouring the incredible contributions of our Islamic Special Religious Education (SRE) volunteers.
Gathered at the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) Head Office, the event brought together a room full of dedicated SRE volunteers—men and women committed to nurturing the next generation with the light and knowledge of Islam.
Among the evening’s attendees were Imam Shadi Alsuleiman, President of ANIC, and Br. Mazen Fahme, AIES Coordinator, both of whom delivered heartfelt words of appreciation and encouragement. They reminded us of our shared mission: ensuring that every Muslim student in public schools has access to authentic Islamic education that preserves and strengthens their identity.
It was a night filled with unity, reflection and renewed purpose. Words of inspiration moved the room and the sense of collective da’wah – working together for the sake of Allah SWT – was felt deeply by all.
“We may not see the fruits of our work in this lifetime, but we are responsible for planting the seeds today.”
In the spirit of this message, each volunteer was gifted a lavender plant, a symbol of the seeds they are planting in the hearts and minds of young students. These plants serve as a reminder that small acts of sincerity can blossom into lifelong faith and knowledge. Volunteers also received goodie bags as a small gesture of appreciation.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to volunteers who have consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to the AIES SRE Program. These individuals have exceeded expectations through their dedication, demonstrating unwavering commitment to providing Islamic education to the students.
While these certificates recognised remarkable contributions, the evening was a celebration of all our volunteers. Whether teaching one class or many, every effort was acknowledged, appreciated and honoured.
