In 1984 a vision took root. Islamia College started as Habibia Girls College in Rylands Estate. It was under the guidance of a community board. The school began humbly with two grades and 47 students. They gathered in a storeroom of Habibia Masjid.
Today Islamia College stands proudly in Rondebosch East. It is a campus of five schools. There is a pre-primary school. A primary school exists here. Also, there are separate high schools for girls and boys. A Hifth Academy completes the picture. This academy combines Quranic memorization with academic learning.
Islamia College now educates over 1699 students. It employs 120 educators. There are also support and non-academic staff members. The college excels in academia. It also shines in sports, humanities, and technology. Islamia College holds a high rank among Cape Town’s educational institutions. It is registered with the Western Cape Education Department as an independent school.
Islamia College strives for excellence. It aims to provide a holistic education. This education aligns with Islamic principles. The college wants to empower students. It enables them to live harmoniously in a multicultural society.
The school is structured into five institutions. Each has its own principal. These principals form the Islamia Governing Council or IGC. The CEO of Islamia College is also part of the IGC. The IGC ensures the school runs smoothly. It handles education, maintenance, and development. Communications are also part of its responsibilities. Subject Heads of Departments report to the principals.
The Board of Trustees makes key decisions. The administration office manages finance. Operations, marketing, and IT relations also fall under its purview.
Islamia College has distinctive qualities. Shared values and a strong community define it. Good relationships are fostered. All these create global citizens. The environment helps develop leadership skills. Academia and sports offer opportunities. Islamia nurtures a strong Islamic upbringing. It aims to produce ambassadors of Islam in various fields.
Islamia College expects students and educators to be proud. They should honor their religion and heritage. They must respect everyone’s rights. Equal opportunity and fair treatment are essential. High standards are upheld. Everyone should act as models of excellence. This applies both inside and outside the school. They fulfill the requirement of exemplary universal behavior.
In 1996 Islamia College hosted the Sixth World Conference on Islamic Education. Delegates came from Malaysia and the Middle East. Visitors arrived from the UK, Uganda, Nigeria, and the USA. They spent a week in deliberation. Many resolutions from these conferences are enacted at the College.
Islamia College’s mission is clear. It promotes holistic education. It empowers students. The vision shapes well-balanced individuals. They are independent thinkers. They are conscientious human beings. They follow divine guidance. They emulate prophetic examples. They play a constructive role in society. These individuals are compassionate and informed.