The education system in the Muslim countries is in a crisis, which can lead to a number of problems with a potential to adversely affect all parts of the world, a former academic has said.
Palmerston North based Dr Saad Al Harran, an international business Consultant in Islamic Microfinance Enterprise and Youth Unemployment Reduction said that the universities in Islamic countries do not produce employable graduates, placing a heavy burden on parents, families, communities and governments.
He quoted Jordan’s Education Minister Ibrahim Badran as saying, “unemployed graduates are like time bombs. If they burst, the effects can go far beyond the country.”
Dr Al Harran said that many educationists and practitioners shared this concern as youth and graduate unemployment rockets all over the Muslim world without any practical solutions.
“Many parents and caregivers have started to question the integrity of our education system and universities. They want to know why this human resource capital is wasted and what went wrong,” he said.
The issues
Dr Harran is due to speak on ‘Our Education System: What Went Wrong: An Islamic Perspective’ at the Manawatu Muslims Association (81 Cook Street) in Palmerston North on Saturday, October 6 at 8 pm.
His presentation will begin with the current social and political upheavals in the Arab world mainly in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Syria that has far-reaching implications due to youth unemployment, poverty and corruption problems that have spread rapidly for the last three decades.
He would analyse the main causes of youth unemployment in the Muslim world, what went wrong in the education system and the reasons for the current job market conditions.
“I will examine the importance of Surat Al Furqan (The Criterion) to tackle the crisis in our education system and discuss issues of food security, market and the underestimated nature of most institutions of high learning. My presentation would attempt at a paradigm shift in our educational curriculum to inspire youth to be proactive in business creation through ‘Tafakur (reflection), or real-life situation,” Dr Harran said.
His presentation would also outline the importance of modern skills, and their effective employment, especially in rural farming and trade. It will also highlight the significance of Islamic microfinance enterprise.
“My presentation will also outline the importance of investing in new business ideas and the significance of Masjid as a social institution is vital to promote youth with new ventures,” Dr Al Harran said.
Dr Al Harran has published several books and articles on Islamic Banking and Finance Email: nasriah2011@yahoo.com
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What: Education System in the Muslim World Who: Dr Saad Al Harran Where: Manawatu Muslim Association 81 Cook Street, Palmerston North When: Saturday, October 6 at 6 pm Contact: Phone: (06) 3676984 |
