A NEW Islamic school for females that emphasises the teaching and understanding of the Holy Quran has opened in Koronivia, Nausori.
The school was previously located at the Toorak mosque in Suva for the past 15 years but has been relocated because of the increasing number of female students.
Jamia Taleemul Quran Lil Banaat (School for Learning Quran for the girls) head of school Maulana Faiyaz Ali Khan said the establishment of the school was solely on the basis for girls to learn and understand the Quran and its teachings.
“We have so many schools over here, the same like this one in Suva, Labasa, Lautoka and Sabeto, Nadi but they were all for the boys and nothing for the girls,” Mr Khan said.
“So we thought it would be important for the girls to learn the same thing.”
He said students graduating from the school would be able to read and understand Arabic and as a bonus, they would also be taught sowing, embroidery and cooking.
Land developer Mohammed Afzal Khan was all smiles and said he was fortunate to have all those religious activities in one place.
He said the idea of establishing an all-girls Islamic school was well supported by members of the Islamic community.
Mr Afzal said it would be good for people to respect other religions and to spend their lives in accordance to their own religions without judging and discrimination but rather appreciation.
The school has a roll of 140 students, 11 of whom are full time boarders. Many others only come in the weekends because of work and other studies attended to during the week.
