By Binay Singh, TNN, 2 Jan 2011
VARANASI: Over six decades to Independence and the Muslim community may still be lagging behind in the field of education. But, a number of Muslim women and girls-- particularly hailing from poor families-- are coming out to dispel the darkness of ignorance and bring about a new dawn for the coming generation of the community. They are doing the community proud by making sincere efforts at spreading literacy, especially among other girls and children.
"I started a madarsa under a tree with the help of the community in 2002. Then, there were only a handful of children studying in it. But, today, 150 students --100 girls and 50 boys-- are studying here," Razia Begum, the in-charge of Madarsa Gausia near Bari Masjid, Lohta, told TOI. Unlike most of the madarsas where mostly religious education is imparted, this madarsa imparts general education to bring the children of the Muslim community into the mainstream education. "We began this work to bring our children into the mainstream of the society," said Razia, a high school passout. "Besides formal education up to fifth class, the madarsa also runs vocational training centre for girls and women. The young women and girls above 15 are taught sewing at the centre," she said and added all the activities were run with the help of the community and a non-governmental organisation, Human Welfare Association (HWA).
Razia is not alone in writing a new future for the community. Like Razia, Jamila Begum also runs a madarsa-- Madarsa Kwaja Garib Nawaz-- at Raahimpur in Lohta. Around 130 students are getting formal education at this madarsa.
"The situation is changing gradually. The darkness of ignorance and unawareness has long prevailed in the community, but the things are improving now," Naushaba, a social workers associated with the HWA, said. She added that a number of girls were going to school and taking computer and other vocational training. "Since I also belong to the Muslim community, I know where the problem lies," she said and added with the spread of awareness, people started realising the importance of education. "Many Muslim girls have joined computer learning programme and other vocational training as they want to be self-reliant," said Naushaba, master in library science. Instead of looking for some job, she preferred to work for the society, especially for girls.
Definitely things are improving. One can see the change - Muslim girls, mostly from weaver families, throng the computer training centre in Lohta. Girls like Sultana wanted to get jobs to support their families as they thought poverty was the biggest hurdle in getting education. Guardians like Abdul Quadir and Hafiz Ahmadeen were also very enthusiastic about getting their daughters educated. "These girls are being given computer learning and education through Vidya Gyan Scholarships provided by the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation in partnership with the Shri Sivasubramaniya Nadar Educational and Charitable (SSN) Trust for Muslim and dalit girls," informed president of HWA Rajni Kant.
"People in general believe that the education level in Muslim community has risen. It is a good sign that the education level in Muslim community is increasing, but it is not enough. There is a need for better approach and vision to enhance the educational level further," secretary of Anjuman Intezamiya Madaris SM Yasin told TOI.
