Trip to Koki
Yesterday we went to Koki, a nearby town that is known for its Quranic school or “daara.” Students of all economic classes are sent there by their parents to memorize the Quran before attending more modern, French-style schools. The Koki Institution has 4,114 students from around Senegal and some neighboring countries. The students look to range in age from around 5 to 12 or 13.
The school director told us that students take 2-3 years to memorize the 300+ chapters of the Quran, the Muslim holy book. Most, if not all, the students do not speak or understand Arabic, so they spend most of the day kneeling and learning a 500- to 600-page book that they don’t comprehend. The teachers told us that after the students have memorized the Quran, and experienced the difficulty of life there (living in poverty and away from their parents) they are more ready to handle the obstacles of life.
After successfully memorizing and being assessed on their learning, they begin the study of Arabic, as well as other school subjects such as French, history, math, etc. The 9th grade class that we visited at the adjoining high school looked to have students who were about 17 or 18 years old. Furthermore, there were only 2 girls in the class and the other 18 were boys. That’s because they hadn’t started modern schooling until after successful completion at the daara, and many young women do not continue their schooling.
Honestly, I wasn’t really sure I would write a post about this day. I want to continue to enlighten Americans on the wonderful people and warm welcome of Senegal, the dynamic teachers, and devoted students. That is the majority of what I've encountered here -- and I'll write more about that,too. In Koki, women must cover their hair and do not shake hands with men. They attend mosque behind a screen or if there is not enough room they pray outside. This is also a reality to bear witness to.
Michelle (my co-teacher) and I were saddened by the condition the children lived in (4 to a dorm room, less than ideal clothes..) We were assured by the staff that the children are taken care of by a dorm mother and properly fed. But, I left feeling helpless to affect any change in their lives. A part of cultural understanding is to accept differences even if we don’t understand them. It is both a privilege and a challenge to be here.
Michelle and I interviewed several parents about what they thought of Koki and the daara. They agreed that the conditions were not something that they would want for their children. Perhaps as Senegal continues to modernize, mindsets will change and children will be taught to understand the hardships of world without such a drastic experience. That's how I leave with a little hope.