Senegal Launches Comprehensive Transformation of Quranic Schools
into Modern Pillars of National Education
Senegal
witnessed, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the organization of the National Day of
Quranic Schools, under the patronage of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and in
the presence of members of the government, parliament, the diplomatic corps, as
well as religious leaders, Quran teachers, and learners from various
backgrounds.
This
event marks the culmination of a national initiative launched in November 2024,
aimed at strengthening the status of Quranic schools within the Senegalese
education system and enabling the state to support this vital sector, which
plays a central religious and cultural role in society.
Strengthening Quranic Schools
Over the
course of a full year, specialized committees, under the supervision of the
Ministry of Education, worked on preparing reference documents, methodological
guidelines, and a roadmap, alongside organizing broad consultations involving
all relevant stakeholders: Quran teachers, dara owners, religious leaders,
local authorities, inspectors, and parents of learners.
These
consultations covered all 557 municipalities, with the participation of more
than 28,000 individuals, addressing key issues including governance, funding,
learning environments, curricula, training, integration, and teacher
recruitment.
Consultations and National Sessions
The
outcomes of these consultations were compiled into regional and district
reports, which were then analyzed by the Scientific Support Committee and
formulated into a comprehensive national report.
On March
29 and 30, national sessions were held at the King Fahd Palace Hotel in Dakar,
with the participation of around 400 attendees, in the presence of the Prime
Minister, the Minister of National Education, and several prominent figures.
Discussions
focused on repositioning the “dara” at the heart of the national education
project, in line with aspirations to build a sovereign Senegal based on social
justice and well-being, and rooted in its authentic religious and cultural
values. A comprehensive national report on the future of Quranic schools was
subsequently approved.
Recommendations and Legal Framework
The
recommendations emphasized the need to establish a modern legal framework that
formally recognizes Quranic schools and simplifies their management procedures,
while preserving their historical and educational specificity and ensuring a
balance between their religious and cultural identity and modern educational
quality standards.
Proposals
also included convening a presidential council to present the outcomes of the
consultations, organizing a ministerial council to examine the implementation
of the action plan, and establishing a national committee to oversee the
development of Quranic schools and their gradual integration into the formal
education system.
President’s Remarks and Recognition
In his
address following the receipt of the official report, President Bassirou
Diomaye Faye praised Quranic school teachers, describing them as “builders of
knowledge and values” for their role in instilling principles of faith,
discipline, respect, and humility.
The
President affirmed that the modernization of Quranic schools is part of a
comprehensive national vision aimed at achieving a balance between religious
and modern education, contributing to the preparation of a generation capable
of active integration into society and participation in its development on
solid scientific and value-based foundations, while strengthening the role of
these institutions within the educational system.
The
ceremony concluded with the honoring of several contributors to the support and
development of “dara” institutions, in recognition of their efforts in
advancing Quranic education and enhancing its role in Senegalese society.
(Source:
IUMS + news websites)
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