It is a scene that is likely familiar to many young Muslim families living in Orleans. Usually the conversation starts something like this:

“MashaAllah, your kids have gotten so big! Are they in school yet?”

“The older one is starting next year. Going to try for Abraar School or Ottawa Islamic School.”

“Oh, that’s a great idea MashaAllah, both schools are great. It’s just too bad they’re so far from here.”

“Yeah, we’ll probably be moving to Kanata, or maybe Barrhaven. It’s too far going all the way from here every day. We should really have a school in Orleans someday.”

“Agreed, some day InshaAllah.”