Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SMK)

Mangalore, May 22: It is evident that literacy rate among the Muslims is much below the national average. There might various reasons for impediments to education. But several institutions in the city are trying to break these barriers by extending a helping hand to drop-outs of not only Muslim community but even those of other communities who have not appeared for the SSLC examinations.

Talent Research Foundation, Islamic Friends Foundation, Deeni Friends Kannur and Boy's Service Forum are among the prominent who have understood the need for educating the younger generation.

Addresing media persons in the premises of Jannatul Uloom Madrasa committee near Kundal here on May 21 Abdul Rauf, director of Talent Research Foundation said that Islam has given priority to the education of both men and women, but there is a lack of awareness among the people. He also added that with the consent of maulvis of local mosques Talent Research Foundation with the assistance of other like-minded groups is facilitating drop-outs to pursue SSLC in madrasas by imparting education for girls in day time and for boys in the evening.

Jannatul Uloom Madrasa committee which came into existence 10 years ago was confined to religious teaching. In 2005 - 06 it started free training classes for the drop-out students and 20 girls appeared for the SSLC exams of which 7 passed.

Imran, a beneficiary of the programme and president of Islamic Friends Foundation informed that in the previous SSLC examination a total of 19 boys out of 33 trained in Bengre Kasaba area passed their exams. He opined that education is a must for all and the foundation is a learning shelter for drop outs, those working who still want to be educated.

He also informed that those who have undergone training in Bengre Kasba Madrasas are pursuing their higher education.

Ashalatha, expressing her gratitude, said 'Owing to financial constraints I had left school nearly 8 years ago but with the help of instructors i have passed SSLC with first class. Due to poverty I can not even imagine opting for regular course but i am determined to pursuing higher education through correspondence. I am grateful to my instructors and the committee.'

Asif another beneficiary replying to a query said, 'I urge those who have discontinued their education to get the help of the foundation because education is very essential in everyone's life. Now I am doing a diploma in mechanical and air condition and it is only possible after completing SSLC.'

Instructor Shamsheer said, 'We feel good because we taught them with utmost care and they too were cooperative. They  were attending classes after having a tiresome time at workplace. Many of them are coolies, vegetable vendors and struggling hard to make ends meet.'

On the occasion president of Madrasa Abdul Khadar, S Mohammad, D H Abdul Salam Perne, Shabeer Ahmad, Mohammad Pervez, Riaz, Rauf,  Hameed Kannur and students were present.