MUSTADAFIN FOUNDATION EATER GIVE-AWAY One of Mustadafin’s 22 pre-schools receiving Easter eggs

In a spirit of giving and sharing the Foundation handed over hundreds of Easter eggs to its pre-primers on Wednesday, March 26^th. The eggs were collected on behalf of Mustadafin by the Thomson family, who delivered the hoards of Easter eggs to the Foundation over the Easter weekend.

The eggs were received by anticipated pre-primers, who wasted no time in getting their faces decorated with chocolate and marshmallow. While Easter is traditionally a time of family-bonding during holidays and the abundance of food, the Foundation appeals to the community not to forget those less fortunate, especially the little ones, who do not have much to look forward to over the long Easter weekend.

Mustadafin would like to send its heartfelt thanks to the Thomson family for remembering our kids and for eliciting a smile on their little faces over this Easter.

MUSTADAFIN FOUNDATION HANDS OVER
MINI LABS TO UNDERPRIVILEGED SCHOOL

10 March 2008, Cape Town

Mustadafin Foundation on Monday, March 10^th handed over two Science Mini Labs to Al Azhar High School in Athlone. The mini labs were handed over to a Grade 12 Life Science class in the presence of the school principal, Muhammad Suroor Christians and Life Science teacher, Wardah Christians. According to the Foundation’s Director, Ghairunisa Johnstone-Adams, Mustadafin Foundation recognizes the lack of Science and Math skills among learners in the country and as a result initiated a project to empower schools in acquiring a mini lab.

“Mustadafin Foundation has always been committed to the promotion of Cultural and Educational advancement of the Oppressed South Africa. The Foundation over the years of working in disadvantaged communities found that most children struggle with Mathematics and Natural Science,” Johnstone-Adams said.

Al Azhar principal, Mr. Christian addressed the Grade 12 Life Science class saying that the success of any nation is in its education. He said that it is a goal that the school shares with Mustadafin. “The Mustadafin Foundation has come here to day to hand over the science mini labs that we have been eagerly awaiting. I think Mustadafin, like Al Azhar High, realizes that the success of any nation is in the nation’s education.”

Director Johnston-Adams addressed the learners, reminding them of the importance of education in Islam. “This school, being an Islamic school, I hope that you become the future scientists and mathematicians of the world. You have to carry the torch of the past scholars of Islam.” Johnstone-Adams made a pledge on behalf of Mustadafin to carry on uplifting the school, paying special emphasis on the Mathematics and Science classes.

According to Johnstone-Adams, Al Azhar High was chosen as the first school to receive the mini labs because of its Islamic ethos. “When we first initiated this project I decided to hand the first labs over to Al Azhar because it is an up-and-coming Muslim school and many of the students are from the local community. The principal is also very active and has the same vision of Mustadafin.”

In 2000, the Foundation went into partnership with Bright Idea 523 to assist students and teachers to deal with the challenges that they face regarding Science and Mathematics in the country by supplying underprivileged schools with science labs. Each mini lab costs R6000 and includes training for the school’s science teachers.

 The project started with the aim of selling bottled water to raise the R12 000 needed to pay for the labs. With the aim of uplifting schools themselves to purchase their own mini-lab by selling water, Mustadafin supplied water to a number of underprivileged schools. Al Azhar High adopted the idea and, to date, is keeping up with selling the water bottles.

The Mustadafin team also had a helping hand to raise funds by selling Thirst Water at a night market stall in December 2006. Unfortunately the process had been a slow one and was insufficient in raising the R12 000 needed to pay for the labs. But when there is a need there is always a helping hand and a fellow Muslim brother and community member, Raquieb Najaar, on behalf of the Najaar family pitched in to sponsor the labs.

As the country’s need for science and math skilled learners increases, The Foundation feels that for 2008 a new strategy to deliver more labs to underprivileged schools is needed.

The Johnkerch Science kit is the only natural science kit piloted and endorsed by the Department of Education in the country. Starting as a pilot project, the kit proved to be successful in doubling learners’ year marks from 30% to 68% in one month. When used for a full year, it increased the average up to 90%.

Says Minister of Education, Cameron Dugmore of the kits: “The lack of interest in Science, Technology and Mathematics amongst our previously disadvantaged learners is a need for concern and has to be stimulated to increase growth in this area of learning. The successful pilot project that was done in three schools in the Western Cape and monitored by my department has proven what huge benefits the mini lab holds for our learners in terms of Natural Science.”

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