The University of Texas at Austin and Aga Khan University (Pakistan) have just established a 5-year exchange agreement that includes an expansion of the UTeach-Liberal Arts’ Muslim Histories and Cultures Program, a training program for Texas high school teachers that was first established in 2004.

“Our hope is that the collaborations will help to dispel many of the myths and stereotypes about Islam that persist, and foster greater understanding between Texas and the Muslim World”, stated Richard Flores, senior associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

More than 80 secondary teachers from Austin, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Fort Worth, Plano and Houston have participated in the program.

The program will be expanded under the new agreement. Teachers learn about Muslim history and cultures in seminars and workshops, and then write their own lessons to use in the classroom.

In addition to training of secondary teachers, the agreement also includes research collaborations, special events and lectures, and faculty and student exchanges.

Aga Khan University operates 11 campuses in 8 countries, including Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda, Syria, Egypt and the United Kingdom. The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, founded Aga Khan University in 1983. It is a non-denominational university open to all, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, gender or national origin.

In its first two decades, the University focused on the fields of health and education. The University has now established a Faculty of Arts and Sciences in its plans to become a comprehensive university.