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FOR WOMEN’S STUDIES The Lady Aisha College is an advanced studies finishing school for young Muslim women. Located in Cape Town, South Africa, the largest Muslim city outside of the traditional Islamic world, the College offers a one-year Women’s Studies course that aims to equip the students with knowledge of themselves and their world. The basis of the syllabus is the need to educate, ennoble and create free-thinking Muslim women who retain their intrinsic nature as women and have the ability to act with authenticity in each moment. Our course is intended for young Muslim women who have completed their secondary education and wish to gain a deeper understanding of themselves prior to entering further education, business and/or marriage and motherhood. At this crucial time it is vital to strengthen the spiritual, intellectual, creative and familial elements of the young woman’s life. Through the course at The Lady Aisha College we aim to encourage the students to become independent women who are able to act with authenticity in all circumstances, and to take responsibility for their actions. Our intention at The Lady Aisha College is to restore the real, vivid, transformative tradition of Islam as a living blueprint for life, relevant in every age. This will necessarily involve discarding certain misconceptions, which have been foisted onto the Muslims from the West by media and Western education. ! ! ! !

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The Lady Aisha College comprises a teaching staff of highly educated, cultured and experienced Muslim women from the UK, Spain and South Africa, including the renowned translator and scholar, Aisha Bewley. They are affiliated with communities who for many years have consistently and internationally engaged with the noble task of Da’wa and have, amongst countless ventures, established and continue to support the Ihsan Mosque in Norwich, UK, The Great Mosque of Granada, Spain, and The Jumu‘a Mosque of Cape Town, South Africa. The College is an international school which welcomes students from all over the world. We wish to create an environment in which women can meet to share their experiences and knowledge, and where they can make connections beyond nationalities, continents and backgrounds and experience the diversity of the Ummah.

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THE CURRICULUM The mainstream education at primary and secondary school all over the world underestimates and overlooks the unique value and contribution of women to society. The Lady Aisha College fills this educational void by addressing the differences between men and women with a curriculum that is designed specifically for young Muslim women, that confronts the issues that are important in their lives. By studying the nature of woman it allows the young woman the possibility to recognize within herself and others that which can empower her and that which can hinder her. The college has a unique curriculum that undertakes to transmit a rediscovery of certain aspects of the European intellectual and creative tradition. We aim to engender a discriminative ability in our students so that they may remain fully grounded in the deen of Islam whilst having the discernment to take from the best of Western culture. The College celebrates each student´s unique qualities and emphasizes the possibilities for women to fulfil their potential in their homes and as leaders in their communities and broader society.

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COURSE CONTENT WOMEN IN HISTORY The study of certain crucial periods of history has been omitted from conventional education, and the method of studying history itself often lacks meaning. By studying these events in a way that emphasizes both the social event and the characters in it, the Lady Aisha College provides illumination and context, allowing the young woman a much broader and in-depth understanding of her present.! The Roman Matron Contemplating the history of Rome is essential as it is the matrix of Western civilisation, and therefore is a key to understanding our current society. Through looking at key personalities we see the way in which women had great influence over the outcome of events and were active participants in politics. We will focus on the role of the Roman Matron, which allows us an enriching insight into the time, and a window onto understanding ourselves today. An additional class in Mythology is offered as a foundation to understanding this civilisation. The Great Fitna of the First Community This course consists of an in-depth study of the book Defence against Disaster by Qadi Abu Bakr ibn al Arabi. The intention is to illuminate what happened during the great fitna, as well as the huge historical resonance of it in the Umma. We will particularly concentrate on the role played by Sayyidetina Aisha, radiallahu anha. This course is taken at the end of the year once the students have acquired the necessary knowledge and discrimination before broaching this defining historical and political event in the history of Islam.

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WOMEN IN LITERATURE We have chosen to study two renowned playwrights and thinkers who have not only shown a deep understanding of the female psyche, but who, in their works, have displayed profound insights into the enduring challenges women face to preserve their authenticity in the face of societal and political pressure. Through the study of the female characters in their plays we can explore archetypal personalities and dilemmas that a woman must confront if she is to know and trust herself and be able to take responsibility for her actions and decisions. Women in Shakespeare Shakespeare’s profound understanding of human nature, its drives, the way we relate to each other and our interaction with politics and power will be explored by studying several key female characters in his plays. His plays enable us to examine the diverse archetypes of women and to follow the consequences of their actions to their inevitable outcomes. To gain mastery of the English language and a deeper empathy with the characters, the students will also dramatize parts of the plays. Women in Ibsen Ibsen’s plays present human beings caught in the psychological and economic contradictions of modern society. Through them, Ibsen explores the feminine psyche as it is captured within the conventions of family and society and shows the decisive part women play in them.

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WOMAN AS WIFE AND MOTHER Natural Childbirth and Body Consciousness Research shows that the experiences of procreation, pregnancy and birth have a farreaching effect on the development and emerging consciousness of the child. The modern interventionist and anxiety based approach to birth through induction, monitoring and particularly caesarian section robs the mother and child of a deep knowledge and has a large impact on the consciousness and cognitive development of the child. This module reconnects women with the intrinsic knowledge inherent in their bodies’ natural rhythms and approaches the birth process as an opportunity for profound wisdom. Fitra Practices Around Birth This module covers the importance of the traditional, forty-day post-birth fitra practice of mother and baby remaining confined to the home, which consolidates bonding between mother and child and allows the mother to regain her strength. We examine post-birth healing practices that are vital to the recovery of the mother and the wellbeing of the baby. We also explore dietary concerns and the importance of breastfeeding. The ‘Power Partner’ In this subject we revisit marriage away from the modern romantic concept and encounter the nature of marriage as an agreement between two people. We look at marriage as a collaborative relationship that allows transformation both in the personal sphere and outwards into the community. We explore the need for the woman to keep intact her own unique spiritual identity and to hold to what she knows to be true in order to preserve an active and independent course through her life. We also look at the importance of the woman maintaining her independence without compromising her loyalty to her husband. Melanie Klein and School Melanie Klein was a psychoanalyst and contemporary of Freud, and the initiator of play therapy with children in the 1950s. Her work shows us the significance of the early childhood years and the need for the child to be imbued with a sense of internal security through the parents, particularly the mother. In this module we aim to gain a greater awareness of the implications of how we relate to our children.

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WOMAN IN THE HOME Household Management This module stems from the recognition that to go into the world with her femininity intact woman must come from a place of connection to both nature and the home. In this subject we re-learn the traditional aspects of homemaking such as cooking, the kitchen as a productive centre and the use of seasonal produce. We lay great emphasis on the importance of the shared meal table (fast disappearing in the modern age) and the vital renewal that is brought to the home by inviting guests to eat and stay. We shall learn the art of kitchen gardening and preserving through which we connect with the natural world around us. Making Beautiful This is the art of bringing beauty to ourselves and to our surroundings. We aim to connect the young women with the importance to herself, and potentially her family, of creating a home which is a place of rest from the busy-ness of the world and which nourishes both those living in it and guests who come to it. In this subject we also learn how to care for our bodies and the importance of how we dress and carry ourselves. We examine health and well-being and taking care of every aspect of ourselves and will study aspects of nutrition and diet. We shall be learning the traditional creative skills of sewing, knitting, crochet and pottery, which enable us as women to create within our homes. We shall also be holding weekly exercise classes and walks in the beautiful surroundings of Cape Town.

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ADDITIONAL SUBJECT Business And Home Industry! Students are encouraged to prepare an economic plan that will enable them to partially fund themselves during their time at the College. The intention of this is to inspire them to create economically innovative and sustainable home industries in their respective communities. They will work together on a project to acquire the basic skills needed to start an enterprise, research the marketplace and promote a business.! ! !

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CULTURE AND COMMUNITY The Lady Aisha College is situated in the city centre, in the heart of an historical part of Cape Town. It is an environment in which women can meet to share their experiences and knowledge, and where they can make connections beyond nationalities, continents and backgrounds. Each day the students will take turns to make and serve the Morning Coffee and Lunch to their fellow students and the teaching faculty. This aspect of service is a key part of the teaching of the College. The College is open to Muslim women of all nations and encourages those from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for scholarships. Cape Town The region of the Western Cape on the southern tip of the African Continent is an area of exceptional natural beauty, moderate climate and rich fertility. Cape Town, dominated by the majestic Table Mountain, enjoys magnificent stretches of coastline on both the Indian and the Atlantic sides. It is home to a well-established and respected Muslim community with a long history in the Cape. It is said that Cape Town is the largest Muslim city outside of the traditional Islamic world. There are some 240 Mosques scattered all over the city, some of which are several hundred years old. There is a noticeable Muslim presence in the streets of the city. Cultural The College will play host to visiting lecturers, as well as arts and cultural events open to the wider community in Cape Town. Students will participate in trips to local exhibitions, gardens, and places of cultural interest. Students have access to the South African National Library, National Gallery, National Museum, the Planetarium, Public Gardens and other museums and institutions of interest which are all within walking distance of the College.

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TEACHERS Hajja Aisha Bewley is one of today’s most prolific translators of classical Arabic texts into English. Her works include the rendering into English of the Noble Qur’an as well as the seminal Al-Muwatta’ of Imam Malik and Ash-Shifa’ of Qadi Iyad. She is also an author in her own right. She lectures on the Fitnat-al-Kubra and Islamic History. Hajja Saida Praena is a practicing doula in Granada, Spain. She hosts antenatal workshops and lectures internationally on the birthing process. She has obtained a vast knowledge of traditional midwifery techniques and post natal care which have been lost in modern gynecological practice. She teaches Basic Midwifery and Fitra Practices around Birth at the College. Aliya Duncan-Poole has a degree in Film and Media from the University of Cape Town. She majored in script writing. She teaches Women in Shakespeare at the College.

Hajja Aisha Wright is an editor at Madinah Press, Cape Town, and a parttime community radio presenter.! An accomplished cook, she has been a proponent of home industry for many years. She teaches Household Management at The Lady Aisha College.

Hajja Aisha Zubillaga de Ojembarenna has an honours degree in History from the University of Madrid and a Masters Degree from the University of Cape Town. She previously worked as Vice Principal of a high school in the Basque Country, Spain. She teaches Women in Ibsen at The Lady Aisha College. Asiye Ivedi trained as a chemical engineer at Zurich University, Switzerland. She has worked in refugee camps and aid projects and has spent many years teaching art and craft to young women. She currently runs a jewelry business in Cape Town. She teaches The Power Partner and Household Management at the College.

Ruqayya Bryce is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina, USA and majored in History and Political Science. She has a continuing passion for history and teaches The Roman Matron at the College.

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Hajja Farah Hernandez has taught ceramics in schools throughout Cape Town and currently works and teaches from her studio. Selected as an Emerging Creative for the 2013 Design Indaba, Cape Town, she exhibits her work in a number of local galleries. She is head of Creative Arts at the College and teaches ceramics.

Hajja Khadijah Martinez is well known public speaker on Islamic issues and her articles have been published in several Islamic newspapers. She has fostered and educated young women for many years and hosted Islamic educational trips for girls and women. She is the Matron for the College and is in charge of the pastoral care of all the students.

DIRECTORS Hajja Rabea Redpath has been at the forefront of calling particularly Europeans to the Deen for the last four decades. She has consistently taught, mentored and lectured in respective matters, as well as fostered numerous young women.

Hajja Rahima Brandt is a History of Art honours graduate of the University of East Anglia, UK. Prior to coming to South Africa she was the managing director of a successful health supplement company, during which time she helped facilitate the fostering of a number of young teenage women in her Scottish home.

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ACCOMMODATION Students are housed in the homes of families who are well-known and affiliated to the administrators of the Lady Aisha College. Host ‘mothers’ will encourage and support the girls to look after themselves through exercise, a healthy diet (to include home cooking), good grooming and by the cultivation of positive self-esteem. Since host mothers are acquainted with the college syllabus, the homestay is an arena in which students can discuss what they are learning, as well as put aspects of the Household Management and Making Beautiful modules into practice. Knowledges and skills learnt at the College may thus be nurtured and consolidated, and the inculcation of adab (refined behaviour) more readily absorbed. Participation in the general running of a household as well as keeping clean and tidy their personal space will be encouraged. No less important, of course, is that the homestay is an arena where the girls can laugh, watch movies, listen to music, socialise and simply enjoy one another’s company.

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! FEE!STRUCTURE!2014! !

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Non-residential fees per annum

R27 000

Full boarding fees per annum

R50 000

For those students who are unable to meet the fees we offer a limited number of full or partial scholarships. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and those students considered suitable candidates will be put forward for scholarships. Students will be considered for this firstly on the basis of their Letter of Intention and reference, then on their academic achievements. Full Non-Residential scholarship

R27 000

Half Non-Residential Scholarship R13 500 Full boarding scholarship

R50 000

Half boarding scholarship

R25 000

Bank details for The Lady Aisha College Bank: Nedbank Account number: 9017918715 Branch code: 720026 Type: Savings account ! ! !

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TERM DATES 2014 1st term Autumn holidays 2nd term Winter holidays 3rd term 1st part Ramadan (free days) 3rd term 2nd part 3rd term Spring holidays 4rd term

3 February to 10 April/ 11th to 20th April/ 21 April to 20 June/ 21 to 29 June/ 30 June to 17 July / 18 July to 3 August/ 4 August to 11 September/ Total weeks 12 to 21 September/ 22 September to 27 November /

10 weeks 11 days 9 weeks 11 days 3 weeks 17 days 6 weeks 10 weeks 11 days 10 weeks

160 Buitengract St, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa www.ladyaisha.org [email protected] Tel: +27 84 213 2250 NPC Reg No: 2013/081052/08

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THE LADY AISHA COLLEGE

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APPLICATION PROCEDURE Requirements •

Letter of Intention Please write a brief biography, including what your interests are, what you think you could bring to the college in terms of skills and personal qualities, why you would like to come to the College and what your expectations are in attending The Lady Aisha College.

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Reference from a teacher or person of authority in your community.

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Your academic record. ie what certificates you have attained in school or further education institution.

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You must be Muslim to attend the College.

Once you have been accepted through this first process we will require certified copies of your Birth Certificate and Academic Record. !

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