Important: This article has been prepared to address some questions that have arisen. It seeks to answer those questions to assist, however the questioning itself is posed from the wrong perspective. The solution to the schooling problem is simple for a Muslim who is prepared to sacrifice dunya for deen. Our kids, particularly girls must be taught at home and in an insulated environment wherein they are not exposed to the prevailing fitnah, in any of its forms. This is the responsibility of the parents.
There is no necessity for our children to become 'professionals' and achieve high 'careers' in the western world when in the process they will lose their deen. Instead it is our responsibility to first practice, protect and spread deen, then to establish our own educational structures, where deeni taleem is the epitome and the other fields of worldly knowledge are imparted under the umbrella of Quran and Sunnah.
Understand that the entire educational system is geared towards creating slaves for the business owners. That is why investing, entrepreneurship and sound money management is not taught in schools, instead it is taught to the kids of the elites who are not interested in their kids becoming "doctors and engineers". They teach their kids to become business owners, while we have been brainwashed into making our kids slaves of their system.
The current situation is that we want our most intelligent childrent to try to get into medicine, and the less intelligent to do other professions, and then the one who couldn't do anything to become an aalim and if he cant do that then he has to sit in the shop, and hardly anyone thinks about farming and agriculture as its regarded as low and a sign of poverty
The reverse should be idealized, the most intelligent and capable should be competing to to get accepted for becoming ulamaa, the minimum is all our children should become huffaadh of Quran. The value of being in business must be emphasized and the great need for agriculture and farming must be impressed upon our children, because through business and agriculture the muslim ummah will be independant and able to set their own terms.
Let the kuffaar go to university and become the professionals, and then come to work for YOUR children instead.
Summary:
The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill in South Africa proposes changes that could significantly impact madrasahs (Islamic religious schools) and homeschooling families. The bill may require these educational institutions to register with the government, adhere to the national curriculum, and undergo increased oversight, potentially limiting their autonomy and ability to provide religious education. Concerns have been raised about the current education system's lack of accommodation for Islamic practices, issues of educational inequality, and challenges such as teenage pregnancy and student well-being. Homeschooling offers more parental control and integration of religious teachings but faces similar regulatory challenges under the BELA Bill. Advocacy groups are actively working to defend educational freedoms and parental rights, emphasizing constitutional protections for freedom of religion and human dignity.
Introduction
The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill proposes significant changes to South Africa's education system. Its implications extend to various educational approaches, including the madaaris offering full-time classes without formal school enrollment and homeschooling families. This write-up examines how the BELA Bill affects these educational avenues, explores concerns about the current education system's alignment with religious values, and compares the potential impact on homeschooling.
1. The BELA Bill's Impact on Madrasahs
Registration and Compliance
- Mandatory Registration: Madaaris may be required to register with the Department of Basic Education, subjecting them to government oversight.
- Curriculum Alignment: They might need to incorporate the national curriculum alongside, potentially reducing the emphasis on religious studies.
- Autonomy Concerns: Increased regulation could limit madaaris' ability to operate independently and maintain their deeni focus and maslak
Source: Department of Basic Education, BELA Bill Draft Amendments, 2022.
2. Perceived Anti-Religious Elements in the Education System
- Secular Curriculum Focus: The national curriculum's secular nature promotes an extreme atheistic world view that is actually anti-religious and is a vehicle for shaytaans attempt to destroy imaan and Islam
- Inflexible Schedules: School timetables do not align with salaah times, jumuah and days of significance
- Dress Code Conflicts: Policies may not adequately respect religious attire, such as hijab, niqab, keeping a beard, trousers above the ankles
Source: South African Human Rights Commission, Reports on Religious Rights in Schools, 2018.
3. Evaluating the Success of the Current Schooling System
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Literacy Challenges: A significant percentage of students struggle with reading proficiency by Grade 4.
Source: Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), 2016.
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Matriculation Concerns: While pass rates are reported, the quality and preparedness of graduates remain issues.
Source: Department of Basic Education, Annual Results Report, 2021.
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Educational Inequality: Disparities persist between urban and rural schools, affecting educational outcomes.
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Homeschooling: Studies have shown that homeschoolers perform the same or better than those who attend traditional schooling
4. Issues of Abuse and Teenage Pregnancy in Schools
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High Teenage Pregnancy Rates: Over 33,000 schoolgirls became pregnant in South Africa in 2020, some as young as 10.
Source: Statistics South Africa, Recorded Live Births Report, 2021.
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Safety Concerns: Reports of abuse and harassment highlight the need for better protection mechanisms in schools.
Source: UNICEF South Africa, Safe to Learn Initiative.
5. Psychological Impact on Students
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Mental Health Struggles: Academic pressures contribute to increased anxiety and depression among students.
Source: South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mental Health Matters, 2020.
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Bullying: A significant number of learners experience bullying, affecting their well-being.
Source: Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention, National School Violence Study, 2016.
6. Parental Rights and Involvement
- Limited Influence: Parents may feel they lack control over the curriculum and moral education.
- Compulsory Attendance Laws: These laws may conflict with parents' preferences for alternative education methods.
- Engagement Challenges: Socio-economic factors can hinder parents' participation in school governance.
7. Advocacy and Legal Actions
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Religious Organizations: Some groups have advocated for Muslim communities' educational rights.
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Legal Challenges: Policies perceived as infringing on religious freedoms have faced legal scrutiny.
Source: Constitutional Court of South Africa, Cases on Religious Freedom in Education.
8. Lowering the Compulsory Schooling Age
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Developmental Readiness: Starting formal education at age 5 may not suit all children's developmental stages.
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Health and Support Needs: Younger students require specific support that schools may not be prepared to provide.
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Equity Concerns: Early compulsory schooling could exacerbate inequalities for disadvantaged families.
Source: South African Early Childhood Review, 2019.
Comparing with Homeschooling
1. BELA Bill's Impact on Homeschooling
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Increased Regulation: Homeschooling families may face mandatory registration and oversight, reducing educational autonomy.
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Curriculum Requirements: Enforcement of the national curriculum could limit personalized and values-based education.
Source: Pestalozzi Trust, Analysis of BELA Bill's Impact on Homeschooling, 2021.
2. Autonomy and Religious Freedom
- Customized Education: Homeschooling allows integration of religious teachings and alignment with family values.
- Parental Control: Parents have significant influence over educational content and methods in homeschooling.
3. Academic and Social Outcomes
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Positive Performance: Homeschooled students often achieve equal or superior academic results compared to traditionally schooled peers.
Source: Ray, B. D., Journal of School Choice, 2017.
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Social Development: Homeschooling can facilitate diverse social interactions through community activities.
Source: Medlin, R. G., Peabody Journal of Education, 2013.
4. Reduced Exposure to School-Based Issues
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Lower Risk of Negative Influences: Homeschooling environments typically have fewer instances of bullying, abuse, and peer pressure.
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Enhanced Safety: Increased parental supervision contributes to a safer learning environment.
Source: National Home Education Research Institute, Homeschool Safety Studies, 2019.
5. Advocacy and Support
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Active Homeschooling Communities: Organizations provide legal support and advocate for homeschooling rights.
Source: Pestalozzi Trust, Legal Defence Fund for Home and Civil Education.
Conclusion: Balancing Educational Standards and Rights
The BELA Bill's proposed changes raise significant concerns for both madaaris and homeschooling families regarding autonomy, religious freedom, and parental rights. While the government's goal may be to standardize education quality, it is crucial to balance this with constitutional protections for freedom of religion, parental authority, and human dignity.
