Twenty two soldiers from Fort Belvoir now have a working knowledge of the Arabic language as well as a better understanding of Middle Eastern culture. And, they have the certificates to prove it.

On April 16 they became the second contingent of Fort Belvoir military personnel to graduate from the Islamic Saudi Academy's "Arabic as a Second Language." For the past 10 Saturday mornings they have been voluntarily enrolled in the course taught by Dr. Ibrahim Sakaji, chairperson of the school's Arabic as a Second Language Department.

"This course has not only been an excellent opportunity for the soldiers to expand their skills set, but also to expand their understanding of Middle Eastern Culture and traditions," said Captain James Richards, who headed the military contingent.

"What you have learned here over the past 10 weeks will serve you and your careers well into the future," Richards told the graduates.

"We view this course as one avenue leading to more understanding of our two cultures which better enables us to work together," Dr. Sakaji, a teacher for more than 30 years, said in opening the graduation ceremonies.

"We are very proud to have this partnership with Fort Belvoir. This is the second year we have offered the course," said ISA's Director General Abdalla Al-Shabnan, who was presented with a gift of appreciation from the class by Richards."Your leadership to bring our two cultures closer together has been remarkable. We have learned a great deal about Middle Eastern culture as well as gaining basic knowledge of the Arabic language," Richards told Al-Shabnan.

Also attending the ceremonies in the school auditorium at 8333 Richmond Highway were Deputy Assistant Secretary of The Army Dr. Lynn Heirakuji and the U.S. Army's Deputy Assistant for Foreign Languages Erol Smith. "We are very proud of what you have accomplished and grateful to the academy for offering this course," Heirakuji said.

ISA was first opened in 1984 in a building once used by the Fairfax County School System. The property is leased from the County. That lease comes up for renewal in June 2008.

The school's 900 student enrollment, covering kindergarten through 12th grade, is taught by a dual culture staff. More than 72 percent of ISA employees are American citizens, four are Canadians, and two are Saudis. The teaching staff is composed of a variety of religious faiths and ethnic backgrounds.

ISA's partnership with Fort Belvoir is only one of the school's many community involvements, but, one of which Al-Shabnan is extremely proud. The "Arabic as a Second Language" program received a commendation from the U.S.Military, which occupies a prominent place in Al-Shabnan's office.