The mainstream schooling system of the country, comprised of a robust network of schools and colleges, is facing a unique challenge. While the Ministry of Education is striving to improve the education system by introducing hands-on learning, a growing number of parents are turning away from schools and enrolling their children either in madrasas or English medium schools.
One significant reason for the rise of students in madrasas is that the new national curriculum has created a sense of uncertainty among parents. Parents are skeptical of the new system's adequacy in preparing their children for the future. Additionally, after the Shorifa incident, many have started thinking if the new education system is a threat to their religious faith and attempting to create confusion among their children.
On the other hand, madrasas are offering a curriculum that combines both religious teachings and formal education. Many parents are placing their trust in this education system, believing that their children will receive formal education without having to compromise their beliefs. Consequently, madrasas are experiencing a surge in student admissions.
Even though the claim that schools are going to be replaced by madrasas and Islamic schools might sound somewhat exaggerated, the trend of rising number of students in madrasas indicates that parents are losing faith in the traditional school system. The government should evaluate this trend and take appropriate steps to regain parents' trust in the new education curriculum.
Mohammed Omar Alam
Student
Department of Management,
Major in Management Information System,
North South University
omar.alam01@northsouth.edu