Mosques become centers of learning: an innovative educational initiative empowering local students
In the quiet Akbarnagar district of Hyderabad’s Old City, young boys and girls with their school bags make their way to a two-storied mosque decorated with floral battlements. They leave their shoes outside and climb to the first floor in single file. Here they put down their bags, take out books covered in brown paper, and walk towards the small study tables on the prayer rugs. Three young men are waiting for them with wide smiles at the blackboard. Once the masjid imam finishes the Asr (evening) congregational prayers, classes begin.
Mosques become centers of learning
In the Akbarnagar area of Hyderabad’s old city, mosques have been converted into part-time schools, or maktabs, that teach subjects such as mathematics, science, English and Telugu. Started by a group of technicians, this initiative offers free education to children from local government and budget schools. | Video Credit: Nagara Gopal
When you think of a mosque, he probably thinks of liturgy and Arabic. However, the network of such places of worship has morphed into maktabs (part-time schools) that teach mathematics, science and English.
“All the children are from the neighborhood. We have about 2,500 students in a network of 50 mosques in Telangana. The idea was to give them a solid foundation in various subjects. Many parents struggle to pay school fees. It is far from paying private school fees. This is free,” says Syed Munawar, general secretary of The Quran Foundation (TQF).
Munawar, an IT professional, founded Mohalla Education Centers in 2021 with his colleagues. “Classes start either from Asr (early evening prayer) to Maghrib (sunset prayer) or from Maghrib to Isha (night prayer),” he says.
The children attending the classes are students from either government schools or small private schools, commonly known as budget schools, which have spread across Hyderabad. Their parents are either self-employed or skilled workers. Akbarnagar reflects this socio-economic diversity. Taxis are parked in front of the small houses, suggesting that some of the residents are involved in concerts, while next to them there are larger, newer houses, including one belonging to a prominent local businessman.
Nabila, wearing a headscarf, sits across from her siblings Arshad and Nabiya. He glances at his English book, which contains pages of neatly handwritten letters of the alphabet. “I like coming here after school because I learn a lot. I can remember what I learned,” she says, quickly adding, “My mother told me not to sit with my brother.”
In another corner, Mohammed Sameer, who is chasing B. Com. (Computers) teach children the Telugu alphabet. “It wasn’t like I didn’t learn Telugu in school earlier, but it was difficult. After taking classes in the mosque, it’s much easier to understand and remember,” says Mohammed Rehan, an VIII student. class who has been attending Mohalla Tuition Center for almost a year.
Parents get updates on their children’s performance via WhatsApp. Regular personal interactions are also organized. Small prizes are awarded to motivate better performance and regular attendance. “The support of the steering committee is key. While committee members in many centers had queries, they were ready to provide free space once we explained the concept to them,” says Syed Ali Luqman, another TQF member.
Masjid-e-Moti Khan in Yakutpura hosts another Mohalla school centre. At the entrance, a message board displays the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad emphasizing the importance of sharing ilm (knowledge), written in the Nastaliq script. A transcription is available for those who cannot read Urdu.
“We are looking for tutors who can teach reading, writing and who are able to understand how to help with comprehension. Those who want to teach apply using a Google form. We test their communication skills and knowledge of the subject. We conduct a written test and also ask them questions. We have a monthly meeting where progress and learning are measured,” says Mohammed Rahmath, another technician working as program manager of Mohalla Tuition Centre.
TQF members believe that this is a benefit for students, parents, teachers and masjids. Stakeholders have similar goals; everyone wants educated children with a bright future.
Published – 13 Jul 2024 08:13 IST