PERGURUAN AL-AMJAD ISLAMIC SCHOOL

Perguruan Islam Al-Amjad, commonly known as Al-Amjad Islamic School, is a progressive Islamic educational institution in Medan, North Sumatra. Established in 2016 by Yayasan Haji Hasballah Yunus, the school initially served early childhood and basic education levels (playgroup through junior high) before expanding to include senior high school in 2019. Guided by the motto “enriching knowledge based on Islamic values”, Al-Amjad combines Indonesia’s Kurikulum Merdeka with its own character-building program and strong Islamic instruction. A hallmark of its approach is the Wafa method, a right-brain learning technique for Qur’anic study. The school emphasizes literacy, reflective journaling, spiritual routines, and provides modern facilities such as science and computer labs, a mosque, and sports amenities. Its students consistently excel in national and international competitions, and many graduates enter top universities.

A distinctive feature of Al-Amjad’s global engagement is its partnership with Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) in the SEA-Teacher program, an initiative of SEAMEO that enables international student-teachers to conduct placements in Southeast Asia. Al-Amjad has hosted several cohorts of pre-service teachers from the Philippines. In August 2018, six students from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) undertook a month-long practicum at SMP Al-Amjad. In 2023, more participants from the Philippines completed teaching placements at the school. In January–February 2025, three students from Central Luzon State University (CLSU) joined the program and completed a one-month assignment, which concluded with a closing ceremony at FKIP UMSU. Most recently, in July 2025, three students from the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) carried out classroom observation and teaching practice at Al-Amjad, culminating in cross-cultural exchanges and discussions on potential research collaborations.

Through these international exchanges, SEA-Teacher fosters mutual learning: visiting students gain real classroom and cultural experience in Indonesia, while Al-Amjad students are exposed to global teaching approaches, English-language instruction, and intercultural understanding. The school’s active role in this program highlights its commitment to educational excellence, international cooperation, and the development of globally minded young Muslims.