In a leading initiative, Umm Al-Qura University received students from the Republic of Burundi - in the Great Lakes region of Central Africa - to study at the Institute of Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers. This brings the number of nationalities of female students to 15 from around the world.

Burundian female students joined the celebration organized by the Institute's administration to celebrate the reception of new students for the semester of 1441 A.H. on Thursday. The occasion also witnessed the celebration of the graduation of the second semester of the year 1439/1440 A.H.

The ceremony, which had several programs, was held at the University's headquarters in Makkah. It was attended by the University Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Sarah Al-Khuli, the Dean of University Studies, Dr. Hala Al-Amoudi, and a number of faculty leaders in the female students section. They listened to a song from the students who expressed the joy of graduation, They were then honored with souvenirs.

The Vice President of Umm Al-Qura University for Female Students Affairs, Dr. Sarah Al-Khuli, thanked the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which takes care of the children of Muslims in various parts of the world. She also welcomed the new students who joined the Institute of Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers. She said: "Welcome dear guests to the Kingdom, and welcome to Makkah, the centerpiece of the world. Our doors and hearts are open for you, and serving you is our pleasure."

She said during a speech at the ceremony: "The Institute of Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers is the artery that extends from the heart of Makkah to the world, to provide all the beneficiaries with authentic science and correct creed."

Dr. Al-Khuli directed a message to the graduates, saying: "I whisper to the graduates in their ears, congratulating them for graduation, recommending you to apply what you have learned, and to teach the people who are waiting for your return." She commended the efforts made by the Language Institute through management and members towards their scientific, material and moral support for female students.

The Vice Dean of the Arabic Language Institute for Non-Native Speakers, Dr. Samia Al-Raddadi, congratulated the graduates, inviting them to continue on the path of science, and be keen to make Da`wah (Call) to Allah in their countries. She noted that the period they spent studying will be a special memory for them, and will be an impetus for more contribution in scientific fields.

She thanked the Institute's teachers, who were credited with bringing the graduates to high levels of educational attainment. She extended her gratitude to the staff of the Institute who fulfilled all the needs of the graduates during their studies.

The student Kubra Niazi from Afghanistan delivered a speech on behalf of the graduates, praising all the care and attention she found, and reviewed the beginnings of the class in the study when education started with the alphabet, and how to articulate letters correctly, before they developed their level into the ability to study grammar, morphology, literary texts, and then the Islamic Creed.

She added: "So we walked through the garden of the Qur'an, Tafseer (Qur'an Interpretation), Hadith and its eloquence, and Fiqh (Jurisprudence) and its judgments. All that happened while we were delightful, cheerful, proud, and dignified. Now we have come to the toughest part, i.e., the farewell. So, how can we leave this place without thanking Umm Al-Qura University, our second home, and our virtuous vice dean, and Saudi Arabia and our teaching staff?"

The female student Tahiti Shahratzad from Tajikistan thanked and appreciated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which she described as the House of Islam and Peace. She added: "I see my heart bewildered and my tongue unable to utter thanks and gratitude to acknowledge the favor I will never forget in my life. I send all thanks and praise and sincere gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Everything the Kingdom offers cannot be offered by any other people."

The female student Wajida Rahma Nova from Tajikistan focused on the inspiration of World Teachers' Day to thank all those who work in the Institute of Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers for their efforts and time to advance the Institute.

It is worth noting that the Institute provides educational services to a large number of students belonging to non-Arab nations, including Britain, China, Russia, Pakistan, Senegal, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Guinea Philippines Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.