As one nears the Al-Barkaat Malik Mohammad Islam English School in Kurla in the morning, one can hear the Karate teacher give instructions to the tiny tots.
The school, which fuses modern education with tradition, is a welcome change say parents, who are glad that the school is affordable
MUMBAI: As one nears the Al-Barkaat Malik Mohammad Islam English School in Kurla in the morning, one can hear the Karate teacher give instructions to the tiny tots. Then slowly, an unusual scene greets your eyes — children in traditional Muslim headgear are mouthing Karate sounds in tender voices, while the teacher gives instructions in pure English and the parents look on proudly.
The Al-Barkaat Malik Mohammed Islam English School is a school with a difference. It’s the first English medium school which is also imparting Islamic teaching at affordable fees in the locality.
“I want to give my son the education I was deprived of. Since he has started going to this school, I have seen a positive change in him,” says Mumtaz Khan, home-maker, whose husband runs a cable business. Residents from Kurla, Wadala, Sewree, Sion and Ghatkopar have started sending their children to this school. Parents say the Al-Barkaat has opened new doors for Muslims and will help clear misconceptions about them.
“I send my daughter here because modern education and learning English along with Islamic studies is the need of the hour for a child. I am confident that my daughter will be better prepared for higher studies compared to people like me, who studied in Madarasas,” says Sayed Shaikh Hussain, an Islamic scholar from Darul Uloom, Deoband.
The Al-Barkaat also started the Central Board School Certificate course two years ago. Right now, they offer schooling till the fifth grade and have applied for affiliation to the CBSE this year. Initially, they began with 300 students but today, there are around 700 children studying there.
“We want to provide a stable foundation for the children — that will help them in becoming global citizens. The fact is that there is no English school imparting both Islamic and modern education at affordable fees,” states Shagufta Khan, principal. Al-Barkaat’s fees stands at Rs500 per month. The school enrolls children from all strata of society and has kept Islamic studies optional for non-Muslims, as they received enquiries from parents of other communities about this course.
“The school welcomes children of all communities. The Islamic studies are optional for non-Muslims. However, the headgear is compulsory for every student,” says Shagufta.
The school also has a child psychiatrist to guide children, parents and has even started an English course for parents to cope with their child’s education. “My son studies in the first grade and I have started sending him for tuitions as I do not know English. But things are looking up as the school is intent on helping us out,” says Janabi Razah, a home-maker.
The trustees believe that their school has the first generation of Muslim English learners and is making sure they get the best deal possible.
k_neeta@dnaindia.net
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