Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Malaybalay (Fides Service) -- Malaybalay City Central Elementary School is the biggest primary school in the capital of Bukidnon. Of its 2,900 students, 120 belong to Muslim families and the rest are Christians. “It is vital for Muslim and Christian children to learn something of the Qur'an, the Bible and the beliefs and values system of both the religions,” says Sarha Khabla, a teacher. Khabla’s fellow teacher and husband, Esmail Datu, echoes her thoughts on the benefits of the value education programme. He adds, “These classes help our pupils to have a better understanding of their differences so they can learn to live in peace, whether Christian or Muslim” SAR News reports.
Mindanao is a Muslim-predominant region where Christians are a minority. Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a separatist group, is at war with government troops for the last four decades demanding that the region be declared autonomous. Over the years, thousands of lives have been lost due to the war. Meanwhile, Church and Islamic leaders are trying their best to promote peace in the area.
In the Philippines, the teaching of Islamic values used to be done only in madrassas or Islamic schools. In 2004, however, the Department of Education (DepEd) ordered the mainstreaming of these lessons in the curriculum for elementary public schools. The order mandated the teaching of Islamic values in public elementary schools with at least 30 Muslim students.
Malaybalay City Central Elementary School is one of three elementary schools to engage in the program so far, and the first to do it. The program is part of the overall efforts to teach young people Christian and Muslim values and so strengthen unity among Christians and Muslims, help establish peace in the locality and teach children to live with each other in peace.” (K.P.) (Agenzia Fides 13/7/2007; righe 22, parole 303)
