International Day of Education

Education is a core value in the Shia Ismaili Muslim tradition. The importance of seeking knowledge and learning has been emphasized in the Holy Qur’an, the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and the guidance of our Imams. Many of our Imams through history have also established educational institutions such as the Al Azhar University in Cairo during the Fatimid period by Imam Al Muiz (peace be upon him).

The Aga Khan Development Network has worked to increase the quality and availability of learning opportunities for students of all ages. The AKDN’s programs and institutions span the educational spectrum, from early childhood programs to primary and secondary schools, and from vocational training to university degrees and continuing professional development.

January 24th is the United Nations International Day of Education, which provides an opportunity to reflect on Mawlana Hazar Imam’s guidance on this important topic.

At the opening of the Aga Khan School in Osh, Kyrgyz Republic in 2002, Mawlana Hazar Imam said:

“…we live in a time of rapid change -- change that is often not predictable, and not always positive. The best way to manage change, whether positive or negative, is to anticipate it and prepare for it… I have come to the conclusion that there is no greater form of preparation for change than education.  I also think that there is no better investment that the individual, parents, and the nation can make than an investment in education of the highest possible quality…

There are two more dimensions of education for the modern world about which I would like to make a few remarks.  The first relates to inquisitiveness, critical thinking, and problem solving.  What students know is no longer the most important measure of the quality of education.  The true test is the ability to engage with what they do not know, and to work out a solution.  The second dimension involves the ability to reach conclusions that constitutes the basis for informed judgements.  The ability to make judgements that are grounded in solid information, and employ careful analysis should be one of the most important goals for any educational endeavour.  As students develop this capacity, they can begin to grapple with the most important and difficult step: to learn to place such judgements in an ethical framework.  Therein lies the formation of the kind of social consciousness that our world so desperately needs.”

Relevant links:

• Al Azhar University (IIS)
• AKDN Education
• United Nations International Day of Education
• Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Speech at the Opening of the Aga Khan School in Osh, Kyrgyz Republic
• Resource for Learning and Development (iicanada)

Image Source: AKDN / Christopher Wilton-Steer.  AKES Osh, Kyrgyz Republic.