Updated 24 October 2012

Between 28th September and 1st October, teams of assessors from East Africa who were trained by the Madrasah Centre of Excellence (MCE), carried out pilot assessments in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Preparations for the assessments began in early July.

The process outlined in MCE’s Madrasah Assessment and Evaluation Programme was followed throughout the assessment. It started with each of the madaris completing a self-assessment form based on the four Standards of Madrasah Assessment. The assessors discussed the results of the self-assessment with the madrasah management, interviewed the staff and volunteers, observed some lessons and spoke to students and parents. Overall results of the survey of parents and teachers undertaken by the madaris were shared with the assessment teams.

At the end of the assessment, preliminary feedback was given to the madrasah management. It will be followed by a formal written report by 1st November. 8 assessors were involved in the assessment of Haydari Madrasah in Nairobi and 13 assessors participated in the assessment of Husayni Madrasah Girls and Boys sections in Dar es Salaam.

The following comments were received from the Madrasah:

Raziabai Janmohamed, Principal of Husayni Madrasah Girls Section

The assessment was conducted in a very friendly manner and was not authoritative. We are grateful to the parents and the Jamaat for their continued support.

Mohsinbhai Manji, Principal of Husayni Madrasah Boys Section

The assessors held a meeting before the assessment process began where both the Principals of the Boys' and Girls' sections were also invited. It was a very positive meeting which made the Principals feel comfortable about the whole process. We felt that we were part of the assessment team rather than being the subjects of an inspection. This was the starting point for a healthy association between the assessors and the Madrasah management and contributed greatly to the smooth running of the assessment.

The Management of Husayni Madrasah Boys' Section would like to thank the assessors and all those who are part of the Madrasah Centre of Excellence project for this insightful process and wish them the best in their endeavours.

FazleAbbas Chandoo, Team Leader, Haydari Madrasah Nairobi

The Pilot Assessment was an opportunity for Haydari Madrasah Nairobi to carry out an internal self-assessment and identify Strengths and Weaknesses. The Four Key Standards will form a framework on which we will base our development program. The assessors report will enable Haydari Madrasah Nairobi to identify its Strengths and Opportunities to improve where Weaknesses are evident. This process will also assist our Madrasah, and Madaris globally to share good practices, and learn from each other with a goal of making all our Madaris better. I sincerely wish the Assessment team a very successful exercise.

 
Assessors talking to students of Haydari Madrasah, Nairobi during break time

Assessors in Dar es Salaam preparing their preliminary feedback from the assessments

Feedback session between MCE assessors and management of Husayni Madrasah, Girls and Boys Sections, Dar es Salaam

Husayni Madrasah Debating Society notice board