Wajir Quranic School Faces Relocation Threat, Muslims urged to provide Support

Dugsis are the bedrock of a system of Islamic education 

Wajir – In 2021, hope illuminated the lives of two hundred students and over seventy orphans in Wajir with the establishment of the Tafheed Aslain Quraanul Kareem school. 

Founded and led by teacher Bishar Maalim, the institution became a sanctuary of learning and a source of solace for many young souls.

The school, however, has found itself in a precarious situation when the family who owned the land it was situated on returned to their hometown. 

The Quran schools, known as Dugsi, are mostly housed under makeshift structures and students operate in study circle very much popular in mosques.

In the absence of state funding to support Islamic education, the Somali community across Nothern Kenya assumes the role of educating their children. 

Study materials are made of readily available products. Charcoal for instance is crushed to make a black ink for writing.

Bishar Maalim, the founder and teacher of the Tafheed Aslain Quraanul Kareem Dugsi said he has been left with the daunting task of securing a new location. 

Mr. Maalim who has been the sole supporter of the school, voiced his concerns, saying, “This Islamic School is not just a place of learning; it’s a sanctuary for the future. We have orphans who depend on us for their education and well-being. I am deeply worried about the impact of this move on these children.”

The landowners have asked the Dugsi to relocate. The family said it understands the school’s significance and has extended a lifeline: they are willing to sell the land to the school.

However, this gesture comes with a substantial financial requirement. To secure the school’s future in the location, a significant sum is needed to purchase the land. The school, which has been a beacon of education and support for orphans, now finds itself at a crossroads.
Maalim Bishar has called for support from well-wishers and the broader Muslim community.

He emphasizes that the future of over two hundred students and more than seventy orphans hangs in the balance, and their education, which is instrumental teaching Islam, is under threat.

“The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. These children have dreams, and we have a responsibility to protect those dreams and make them a reality. I implore anyone who can assist us to come forward and help secure the future of our children,” he said. 

Dugsis are the bedrock of a system of Islamic education that flourished in many parts of Northeastern Kenya predominantly inhabited by Sunni Somalis.

Islamic historians say schools typical of the Somali Dugsi have existed in Middle East and Africa since the 7th century AD.

It shares a set of historical roots that can be traced back to Arabia and the education practice of prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The school has played a vital role in empowering young minds with education, Islamic values, and a sense of belonging. Its potential closure is not only a loss for the immediate community but also for the broader society, which benefits from the development of these future leaders.

As the community rallies behind Teacher Bishar Maalim’s plea for support, they hope to secure the financial means necessary to purchase the land, ensuring the continuation of the Tafheed Aslain Quraanul Kareem school and the promising futures of its students.

Salah Abdiaziz, a resident of Wajir said in a world where education is a priceless treasure, a collective effort of all members of the community is required. 

“Saving this school stand as a testament to the power of a community united in the face of adversity. Let us support the dugsi,” Salah said.

Quran schools have carved a niche for itself in mapping Islamic values.

Apart from offering an efficient elementary teaching of both the Quran and the Arabic language, many recognize these kinds of schools as a critical element of value transfer and Islamic socialization.

They provide Islamic education for children, thereby filling a clear religious and social role in the community, and acting as agents and preservation of change.