For the 67 Team MTP members, the past year has been exciting as well as challenging. As soon as the community leaders at the Dubai Conference in October 2006 gave the go ahead for the launch of MTP, Team MTP swung into action, and here we are, less than 12 months later, students have arrived to study at The Islamic Institute for Postgraduate Studies in Seyyida Zaynab (AS), Damascus.

• The Curriculum Team (Eastern) finalised the subjects that will be taught, and which books will be used. Students will go through in-depth modules on the Quran and its exegesis, Sciences of Traditions, Islamic Theology, Jurisprudence, Principles of Jurisprudence, Logic, History, Philosophy and Ethics.
• The Curriculum Team (Western) finalised the contemporary Western academic subjects in 34 identified areas, which will seamlessly form an integral part of the studies at the Institute.
• The Arabic Language Team developed and tested a unique module aimed at teaching Arabic with a goal of enabling an understanding of Qur’an, Hadith (Traditions) and Islam, and being able to use the language in every day life and daily cultural as well as educational situations.
• The Accreditation Team selected the most positive UK University and has submitted to the University the first draft of The Academic Regulations for MA in Islamic Studies.
• The Institute Team finalised and published, in French and in English, the four year programme, the Student Selection Criteria, the Student Application Form and the Institute Code of Conduct.
• The Campus Construction Team searched for and purchased the most suitable plot of land in Seyyida Zaynab (AS) in Damascus, identified a dynamic architect who went on to submit a six phase project of construction, and selected a contractor for the Campus Construction.
• The Communications Team published in English and in French, articles, brochures and magazines as well as conducting seminars and presentations, publicising MTP to the worldwide community members. Presentations were also made to the WF Executive Councillors in Karachi and Dar es salaam.
• The Human Resources Team produced Job and Person’s specifications for key positions and trained a team for carrying out interviews. Those who applied for positions were given a psychometric test to assess development needs prior to their interviews.
• The Legal Team finalised the staff contracts and the Institute Organisation and Consultative Structure.
• The Administration Team established an office in Damascus and has created streamlined Systems and Processes for the smooth running of MTP.
• The 19 core members of Team MTP met over the August Bank Holidays and discussed in depth all aspects of MTP and agreed on procedures for dealing with anticipated challenges that may be faced by the Institute in the coming year.
• The World Federation Secretariat Staff at Stanmore and Harefield provided the dedicated logistical support that made it all possible.

Team MTP will rejoice and celebrate with the community, Saturday 8 September 2007 (25 Sha’baan 1428), the day The Islamic Institute for Postgraduate Studies in Seyyida Zaynab (AS), Damascus, started training the Aalims to serve our community. However from the next day team members will be busy:

• The Curriculum Team (Eastern) has to signoff the Second Year Lesson Plans and start working on the Third Year Lesson Plans.
• The Curriculum Team (Western) has to signoff lesson plans for the course introductions and the Second Year Lesson Plans.
• The Arabic Language Team has to monitor module delivery and amend course books as necessary for the following years.
• The Accreditation Team has to shadow the Institute progress, suggest systems for delivery improvement, finalise the validation document and recommend an External Examiner.
• The Institute Team has to monitor systems and processes, proposing any changes that may be necessary.
• The Campus Construction Team has to monitor the construction of the First Phase of the Project and organise the opening ceremony.
• The Communications Team has to organise seminars for undergraduates and graduates in North America, Europe, Malaysia and Reunion.
• The Human Resources Team will need to produce Job and Person’s specification for further positions that will have to be filled during the year.
• The Legal Team has to pursue the Registration of the World Federation in Syria as an NGO.
• The Administration Team has to monitor the functioning of the Damascus Office and suggest changes necessary to improve performance.
• The 19 core members of Team MTP have to meet in March and August 2008 to discuss and to decide upon core issues, and to finalise the composition of the Course Committee.
• The World Federation Secretariat Staff at Stanmore and at Harefield have to continue their unflinching support of Team MTP.

Jaffer H Dharamsi
Muballigheen Training Co-ordinator
The World Federation of KSIMC
7 September 2007