Areesh Rehmani: Exploring diverse cultures through languages and science
Areesh Rehmani, a Grade 6 student at the Aga Khan Academy Maputo, is a determined and dedicated student. An active learner and passionate sportsperson, he is significantly involved with academic, leadership and sports activities. Not only is Areesh curious to learn about scientific innovations and technological growth, but he is also enthusiastic to learn new languages and gain knowledge about diverse cultures.
One of the languages Areesh is learning is Portuguese. He proudly shares, “Learning Portuguese has had a very good impact on my life. I am now able to communicate well, and when visitors come to my school, I can converse in both languages (English and Portuguese).” Speaking both languages not only helps Areesh communicate with the local community, but also allows him to deepen his knowledge and learn from members of other communities as the Academy receives many visitors from Britain, Spain, Portugal and other countries.
Areesh also enjoys mathematics and science lessons. He explains, “Learning about new things has made a great difference. It is wonderful that now I am learning things that I previously did not know.” He speaks fondly about a science field trip he attended. The field trip was focused on educating the students about the cell theory in biology. He says, “We saw real cells. These living cells were put into slides, and after observing them, we had to draw them.” Areesh particularly loved this innovative way of learning. He continues, “Doing this activity, I realised how I enjoy drawing too. And since this was something I had never done before or seen, it was really fascinating.”
On asking him how he likes the Aga Khan Academy Maputo campus, he says, “I really like the campus – especially the library. It is such a colourful space because it has so many books. I also enjoy the IT room because we can use computers to learn. The science lab is also my favourite, as here we can do many experiments, and I find science extremely engaging.” Some experiments that Areesh and his classmates have conducted include researching different organisms, using microscopes and conducting experiments to solve problems about mass and time.
He believes classroom lessons such as these have also allowed him to become a better team player.
“I would define myself as a sportsman. I feel I am an active person. I enjoy sports activities like cycling, playing football, tennis and others. I have also played many football matches.”
Areesh believes that sports make him more focused, and he is also happy when he is able to maintain a balance between sports and academics. Areesh has also participated in an inter-school football tournament where he was awarded the "Man of the Match Award".
“I was speechless, but also very grateful for such a wonderful opportunity.”
In the future, Areesh hopes to visit the other Academies and learn more about other cultures and communities. Although learning about diverse cultures and languages excites him and is his passion, he believes that his career goals are more science and sports-inclined. He aspires to be either a software engineer or a footballer. He says how earlier he wished to be an astronaut, but has realised how much he enjoys building new models. One day, Areesh hopes to use technology to create a positive impact in society.
Areesh believes the Aga Khan Academies (AKA) Learner Profile has helped him define these ambitions and has improved him as a person. He affirms that adopting the attributes of the AKA Learner Profile allows him to be a better student and a helpful person. The profile teaches him how to be more collaborative, and he is always ready to help any of his classmates with difficulties in academics or in other areas.
“The AKA Learner Profile helps me, and I learn more when I have the Learner Profile. In the Middle Years Programme, we have a whole group and we stay together. We have a united class, and we are all very helpful and kind towards each other. Unity is the first step to success. Nothing can be done without unity. We all help each other and we grow together.”
By Khushboo Shah
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