Understanding the complexities of growing up in today’s world, the Boston Islamic Interfaith Society (BIIS) offers a unique after school program for kids and teens. We aim to provide a safe, enjoyable environment that fosters learning, friendship, and a sense of community, supporting the well-rounded development of our younger generation.
What We Offer
We go beyond the traditional after-school experience, offering a blend of technology, business, health, and religious classes. Our program is a dynamic journey of self-discovery, fun, and learning, aimed at enriching students with a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge, all while creating joyful and memorable moments.
Core Elements of Our Program
BIIS offers comprehensive religious studies for students of all faiths. Qualified teachers ensure a well-rounded understanding of different religions, promoting tolerance and respect.
At BIIS, we prioritize understanding Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. We ensure that Muslims learn about their faith, Christianity, Judaism, and other belief systems. This approach fosters open-mindedness and a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Inheriting our Faith from the earliest Christianity, our educational approach emphasizes love, forgiveness, and compassion. Through understanding the teachings of Jesus Christ, BIIS aims to instill values of empathy, forgiveness, and tolerance in alignment with Christian beliefs. These values are integral to fostering a respectful and inclusive community.
At BIIS, we draw from the rich traditions of Judaism and our shared theological, ethical, and cultural history. core principles of justice, community, and responsibility. We live by the ways of all the Jewish Prophets and design all our afterschool youth programs based on what we think they would do. Through the lens of Jewish teachings, we encourage our students to embrace justice, engage in community service, and commit to ethical living. We’re not just fostering a community that respects and includes everyone; we’re actively nurturing young people who are equipped to make a real difference in the world around them.
BIIS goes beyond conventional education by imparting behavioral teachings often overlooked in traditional schooling. We address crucial aspects such as empathy, conflict resolution, tolerance, and ethical decision-making. These teachings empower individuals to navigate complex social situations and contribute positively to society. This holistic approach fills the gap left by standard education systems, enriching the moral fabric of our students’ lives.
Unique Behavioral and Health Education
BIIS goes beyond conventional education by imparting behavioral teachings often overlooked in traditional schooling. We address crucial aspects such as empathy, conflict resolution,tolerance, and ethical decision-making. These teachings empower individuals to navigate complex social situations and contribute positively to society. This holistic approach fills the gap left by standard education systems, enriching the moral fabric of our students’ lives.
We are deeply committed to the overall well-being of our students. To emphasize this, we have developed a health education initiative that encompasses a wide range of informative and supportive classes. Key areas of focus:
We will offer personalized counseling sessions, where students can discuss health concerns in a safe and confidential environment. Our skilled staff are equipped to guide students on a variety of health-related topics, ensuring students receive the support they deserve.
We provide a series of workshops structured to cover a range of important health topics. These include safe sex practices, nutritional guidance, mental health awareness, and more. These workshops are designed to be interactive and engaging, providing students with practical knowledge that they can apply in their daily lives.
Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, our program includes sessions on mindfulness, coping strategies for anxiety and depression, and building resilience. Included in this will be one-on-one sessions for students to talk about their mental state.
Youth Development at BIIS
Our youth development program at BIIS is designed to nurture individuals with core values essential for a balanced life. We emphasize the significance of respecting parents while addressing pressing societal issues. Guiding our youth through challenges like gun violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, and physical abuse forms a crucial part of our curriculum.
In particular, we are dedicated to supporting the youth of Boston, especially those residing in urban areas facing multifaceted challenges. We recognize these individuals’ hurdles and strive to provide a supportive environment that equips them with the tools and knowledge to navigate these adversities. We aim to empower these young minds, fostering resilience and offering guidance amidst difficult circumstances.
Students engage in diverse activities like field trips, cooking and cleaning classes, college preparation, community service, and martial arts courses. Multilingual education in Hebrew, Arabic, or Chinese broadens their horizons.
Our 18-week High School Diploma Program offers a second chance for those who didn’t complete high school or have unrecognized diplomas. In just 18 weeks, students can earn an accredited diploma, unlocking better job opportunities and access to higher education.
Our ESL program equips non-native speakers with the language skills needed to succeed in school and life. Through immersive learning and personalized instruction, students quickly gain fluency and confidence, empowering them to thrive in both academic and everyday environments.
Technology and Business Education
At BIIS, our youth development program is thoughtfully designed to encompass a comprehensive technology and business education curriculum. We are committed to advancing our students’ knowledge and proficiency in the digital domain. Our program will offer an array of specialized classes that delve into various aspects of technology and business. Key areas of focus:
Students will have the opportunity to learn coding through a structured and progressive curriculum, aimed at developing their technical skills and logical thinking.
We emphasize a deep understanding of both current and emerging technologies. Recognizing the pivotal role of technology in our modern world, we are dedicated to ensuring our students are not only familiar with but also proficient in navigating the digital landscape.
Courses in business education will be integrated, focusing on fundamental principles, entrepreneurship, and innovation. These sessions aim to instill a strong understanding of business operations and strategy.
To supplement classroom learning, we will host workshops and seminars led by experts in the fields of technology and business. These sessions are designed to provide practical insights and real-world applications of the concepts learned. Our program will also include project-based learning activities that encourage students to apply their knowledge in practical, real-world scenarios.
Global Exposure:
International trips to Italy, Israel, Turkey, and Senegal allow students to experience diverse cultures firsthand.
These elements are crafted to empower youth with a well-rounded, globally conscious, and value-driven education.