IRES Engages Educators with “Staying Clear of Pitfalls” Program at SAHLA Symposium, Meets Alberta Education Minister
Calgary, AB – May 11, 2025 – The Islamic Restoration Society – IRES proudly participated in The Southern Alberta Heritage Language Association (SAHLA)’s 2025 Languages Education Symposium on Saturday, May 10th. This event provided a valuable platform for IRES to present its proactive “Staying Clear of Pitfalls” program to an engaged audience of language school principals and teachers from across Southern Alberta.
A highlight of the day was the opportunity for IRES’s Project Manager to meet with the Honourable Demetrios Nicolaides ECA PhD, Minister of Alberta Education. During this interaction, our Project Manager shared information about IRES’s mission to empower Muslims to reach their full potential and detailed the “Staying Clear of Pitfalls” program, emphasizing its relevance for youth across all communities.
“Staying Clear of Pitfalls”: Empowering Youth to Make Positive Choices
The “Staying Clear of Pitfalls” program, a key initiative of IRES, is designed for all ethnic and mainstream organizations with access to high school-aged youth. The presentation at the SAHLA symposium aimed to equip educators with insights and strategies to support young people in navigating life’s challenges constructively.
Drawing on principles that promote well-being and responsible decision-making, the program focuses on:
The Importance of Positive Influences: Highlighting the crucial role of family, mentors, and educators in guiding young individuals.
Wise Choices in Friendships: Emphasizing critical thinking and understanding the potential impact of peer groups.
Value of Education and Community Involvement: Showcasing positive avenues for personal growth, belonging, and contribution.
Understanding Boundaries and Consequences: Providing clarity on societal expectations and the results of one’s actions.
Seeking Support and Guidance: Encouraging open communication and the utilization of available resources when facing difficulties.
The goal is to proactively empower young people with the knowledge and resilience needed to make positive choices, steering clear of potential dangers that can negatively impact their future. As IRES Chaplain Malik Muradov has previously stated in the context of this program, “Prevention is just as important as the support we offer… It’s vital to reach young people early and provide them with the tools and understanding they need to make positive choices.”
IRES: Restoring Potential, Building Brighter Futures
The Islamic Restoration Society – IRES is a charitable non-profit organization committed to helping Muslims reconnect with their Islamic community, heritage, and teachings. Through education, mentorship, and community support, we foster personal growth, resilience, and a strong sense of identity. Our mission is to reduce crime and criminality, lessening the burden on society. While our primary focus is on supporting Muslim inmates, our preventative programs like “Staying Clear of Pitfalls” are designed for the broader community, reflecting our belief that every individual has the potential for positive change and contribution.
IRES operates as a non-political organization, firmly rejecting radicalism, extremism, and violence, focusing solely on its core mission.
Collaborating for Community Well-being
Participating in events like the SAHLA Symposium allows IRES to connect with key stakeholders in education and youth development. We believe that by working together, organizations can create a stronger support network for young people, helping them build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
Book “Staying Clear of Pitfalls” for Your Organization
IRES is dedicated to extending the reach of the “Staying Clear of Pitfalls” program. If you are involved in an organization that works with high school-aged youth, whether a school, community centre, or cultural group, we encourage you to reach out to us to book this important presentation for your event. Together, we can help empower the next generation.
