Silma Ihram, Pioneer of Muslim Education in Australia.

 

Silma Ihram (b. Anne Frances Beaumont c. 1954) is an Australian pioneer of Muslim education in the West, founder and former school Principal of the ‘Noor Al Houda Islamic College’ in Sydney, and a campaigner for racial tolerance.

She was also the Australian Democrats candidate for the seat of Auburn in the 2007 state election, and the Democrats candidate for the Division of Reid in the 2007 federal election.

Ihram is the author of two books, the producer of an educational video in Arabic, and the subject of the documentary, Silma’s School. She has been described as “Erin Brockovich in a hijab”.  (Source:  Wikipedia)

Silma converted to Islam more than 25 years ago after travelling to Indonesia and has 6 children.  She established the Muslim Women’s Shop and Centre in 1979, and pioneered Islamic schooling with Al Noori in 1983.  She was also the Principal and founder (with husband Baheej Adada) of the Noor Al Houda Islamic College.

She holds Dip of Edu, Master of Ed Admin and is Secretary General of the Aust Cncl for Isl Edu in Scls.  She is the author of two books and the producer of an educational video in Arabic. 

For the past 13 years Silma has worked to establish the Noor Al Houda Islamic College – first in Condell Park, and then in Strathfield. Noor A Houda as such ceased to exist at the end of 2006 when it merged with the Australian International Academy. The school’s battle to survive and ongoing court case was featured in the documentary “Silma’s School” which aired on ABC Compass in 2006. Silma Ihram now teaches works as a consultant in the area of education & Muslim community relations. She is studying a research degree in ‘Understanding the development of identity in adolescent Muslim Lebanese youth’.  (Source:  http://www.silmapol.blogspot.com)

Tags: silma ihram