In Akbarnagar, Hyderabad’s Old City, mosques have been ingeniously repurposed into maktabs part-time schools offering free education in subjects like math, science, English, and Telugu. This initiative, spearheaded by a group of tech professionals, aims to support children from local government and budget schools.
In the serene neighborhood of Akbarnagar, nestled within Hyderabad’s Old City, children carrying school bags find their way to a two-story mosque adorned with intricate floral motifs. Removing their footwear at the entrance, they ascend to the first floor in an orderly fashion. Here, amidst prayer carpets turned study spaces, they unpack their brown paper-covered books and gather around small study tables. Greeted by enthusiastic volunteers, three young men stand ready at whiteboards, awaiting the conclusion of the Asr (evening) prayers led by the mosque’s imam.
Traditionally associated with religious rituals and Arabic teachings, these mosques have now become vibrant centers of learning. Here, local students receive instruction in mathematics, science, and English, expanding their educational horizons beyond the conventional curriculum.
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