MADISON, Wis. — With thousands of Afghan residents still residing at Fort McCoy — many activists in Dane County remain concerned for those children and their higher education futures.
It's why a new effort in the works at Madison's only Islamic school could help bring the classroom to this community.
"What we're hoping is as we start to learn and identify the families, the Afghan families that are resettling to the area, that we can begin to connect with them very quickly," Madinah Academy of Madison Board VP Sarah Slosher said.
The effort is also helping them connect with Dane County's former top cop.
"Something struck a tone with me that we needed to do something," Retired Sheriff Dave Mahoney said.
Now serving as American Family Insurances's Director of Protective Services, Mahoney oversees strategy and support for the division. He wants his company’s commitment — through collaboration and a large laptop donation.
"This plays directly into the vision of American Family Insurance, which is to inspire dreams, protect dreams, and restore dreams. That can be no greater dream, to come to America and to be free," Mahoney said.
Muslim Businessman Masood Akhtar believes this is only the start of something much bigger to come, as these families are introduced into society.
"This is an opportunity that has been given to us to make a change," Akhtar said.
He is currently working with the Wisconsin Dept. of Public Instruction to create a virtual curriculum taught from Madinah Academy.
"They [Madinah Academy] are not just focused academically but Islamically, which all these kids will need," he said.
When it comes to those laptops, Slosher imagines them loaded with quick Quran links, English learning essentials and fun math games.
"How can we make it easier? Build those skills and get going with their schooling so they can get right into their education and workforce as they grow up," she said.
"This is a good example of what America can do…and what America is famous for," Akhtar said of the novel effort.
All as this trio teaches us all a lesson on loving thy new neighbor.
You can learn more about the exciting project and how to contribute by reaching out to Akhtar here: MAkhtar@cleantechpartners.org