We are pleased to share the successful completion of the Teacher Skills Program (TSP) recently held in Reunion Island, organized by the Africa Federation Tabligh Board (AFTAB) in collaboration with MCE and the local Jamaat. Two TSP sessions were held from 29th May 2025 to 1st June 2025. The facilitators for the TSP program were Br. Hameed Sheriff, Sister Zeinab Lalji, and Sister Mozama Mamodaly.
The objective of the TSP, which includes Micro Teach Sessions, is to equip madrasah teachers with practical skills, deeper awareness, and refined teaching approaches to better support student learning. The program focuses on key areas such as the role and responsibility of a madrasah teacher, lesson planning, reflective practice, and understanding student learning needs. Through interactive discussions, activities, and real-time lesson simulations, teachers were encouraged to reflect on their teaching styles, adapt to their students’ unique learning preferences, and strengthen their connection with their role as Islamic educators.
The Teacher Skills Program in Reunion Island was delivered across two key phases. The first, a Refresher Session, was held on 29th May 2025 and attended by 9 teachers. It focused on soul-searching, understanding the deeper purpose of teaching at the madrasah, and foundational planning techniques.
This was followed by the full TSP Training, conducted over 31st May to 1st June 2025, with participation from 27 teachers. The training delved deeper into reflective teaching, student-centered planning, and strategies to cater to individual learning needs. Key themes included effective lesson planning, continuous self-assessment, and recognizing the diversity of student learning styles. Teachers were encouraged to internalize their roles as spiritual and moral guides, not just content deliverers, enabling them to connect meaningfully with students and foster a more impactful learning environment.
Feedback from the Participants
The training left a strong impression on the teachers, who shared heartfelt reflections on their transformative experience:
“Thanks to this, I realize that I have an important role and that I have an impact on the students.”
“Putting ourselves in the child’s shoes makes us realize how they feel. It helps raise awareness about how we should act with our students.”
“It really helps teachers (especially new ones) to plan in a clear, precise, and structured way in order to be effective and feel more confident in front of students.”
“I came hoping to find answers to my question: ‘How can I bring Islam to life and not just teach it?’ By the end of this training, I not only found the answer but also understood how to motivate my students the same way.”
“Bloom’s taxonomy and VAK will help me prepare my lessons better, while considering my students’ needs. Surely, there will be difficulties at first, but over time we will progress and fly with our children.”
“This program motivated me to invest more in the madrasah. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this training. It will be very useful to me, Insha’Allah.”
“Thank you so much for everything. You and your team really worked hard for us. You all will be in our prayers. Jazakumullah.”
The program concluded with a thought-provoking simulation of the Day of Judgement, aimed at illustrating how today’s children learn and internalize spiritual and moral lessons. This creative and impactful activity left a lasting impression on both the participants and the attending guests.
The closing ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, whose support underlined the importance of teacher development in our communities:
Alhaj Amine Nassor, Chairman, AFED – who reaffirmed AFED’s full support for teacher training initiatives
Alhaj Raza Ali Asgaraly, Chairman, UAKSIR – who extended appreciation to all who contributed to making the TSP possible in Reunion
Alhaj Salim Mamodaly, UAKSIR Committee Member
Alhaj Anil Asakaly, Vice-President, AKSIN (North)
Alhaj Azim Daya, CSM Madrasah Member & Treasurer, Husseini Madrasah, Reunion
Alhaj Akbar Jivan, Former Director
Cheick Afnane, Director, Husseini Madrasah, Reunion
The TSP sessions in Reunion Island were not only enriching and transformative for the participating teachers but also marked a significant milestone in the collective efforts to enhance madrasah education. With renewed passion, practical tools, and strengthened community support, teachers are now better equipped to nurture faith, identity, and academic growth in the lives of their students, Insha’Allah.
TABLIGH BOARD OF AFRICA FEDERATION (AFTAB)
