AFED Regional Education Forum 2025

Regional Education Forum 2025 –

A Transformative Platform for Educational Collaboration within our Community Schools

The Africa Federation Education Board successfully organized the Regional Education Forum (REF) 2025 on 8^th and 9^th November 2025 in Nairobi, hosted by the Nairobi Jaffery Education Board. The event brought together over 40 Educators, School Leaders, and Representatives from Education Boards and Community Schools across Nairobi, Mombasa, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, and Antananarivo (Madagascar).

The two-day forum served as a vibrant platform for sharing best practices, strengthening inter-school collaboration, and promoting holistic education aligned with Islamic values and 21^st century learning goals, and focus on improving mental wellbeing within a school setting.

Mental Wellbeing in a School Setting

Dr. Imran Versi led a session on mental health and well-being, beginning with a short quiz to emphasise its importance. He explained how mental health impacts students’ emotional and social well-being and highlighted the crucial role of teachers in recognizing signs of stress and anxiety. He outlined common stressors, including academic pressure, social issues, family expectations, and biological changes, and underscored the value of school counselling. Dr. Versi also shared practical strategies for teachers to support students with empathy, respect for confidentiality, and respond to noticeable changes in mood, behaviour, or performance. 

The forum continued with schools sharing best practices across key areas, including teacher development, technology in learning, educational policies, student development, Islamic values, and extracurricular enrichment.

Teachers’ Development and Collaboration

The School Leadership Teams from Al Muntazir Islamic International School (ALMIIS), Jaffery Academy - Nairobi, Jaffery Academy - Mombasa, and Jaffery Academy - Arusha outlined their approaches to professional growth and collaboration. They highlighted programmes such as mentoring, classroom management and lesson planning training, supervision and appraisal systems, peer observation, and workshops aimed at enhancing teachers’ skills, character, and teamwork across schools.

Technology in Learning

Jaffery Academy - Mombasa showcased how technology supports learning from nursery to secondary levels through the use of tablets, coding classes, and digital literacy programmes. The school emphasised safe internet practices and the importance of balancing digital learning with interpersonal skills.

Policies in Education

Madagascar shared how its board collaborates with all 13 Jamaats nationwide, offering scholarships in fields such as medicine, information technology (IT), engineering, and artificial intelligence (AI). They also guide students in exploring study opportunities beyond France and provide ongoing spiritual and academic support.

Students’ Development

Bilal School - Kampala, Jaffery Academy - Nairobi, and ALMIIS shared initiatives promoting holistic development. These included reflective learning, positive behaviour monitoring, inquiry-based learning, early intervention for special needs, and vocational life skills. They also emphasised cultural awareness through events like Diversity Day and strong parent partnerships.

Islamic Values in Education

ALMIIS and Jaffery Academy - Mombasa described their efforts to embed Islamic values throughout the curriculum. ALMIIS demonstrated how it bases its programme on the Qur’an and Ahlulbayt teachings, covering spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and moral development. Jaffery Academy - Mombasa promotes faith-based learning through Qur’an challenges, family activities, essay competitions, and events such as the Arbaeen Walk.

Extracurricular and Enrichment Activities

Jaffery Academy - Arusha, Jaffery Academy - Nairobi, and ALMIIS highlighted wide-ranging enrichment opportunities including sports, arts, STEM, leadership, and community service. These activities aim to nurture students’ values, confidence, and life skills through interschool competitions, mentoring, counselling awareness, and local and international participation.

After the inspiring presentations on best practices, Murtaza bhai Somji, AFED Vice Chairman, addressed the forum. He thanked all participants, the host school, and the AFED Education Board, emphasizing the vital role of education in imparting knowledge and skills while nurturing holistic development in students. He highlighted the responsibility of teachers in shaping well-rounded individuals and encouraged schools to involve parents and grandparents in educational activities. Murtaza bhai also shared a message from AFED Chairman Amine bhai Nassor, urging all schools to harmonize the Islamic Religious Education curriculum across the network.

Career Counselling and Student Guidance

The second day began with an engaging icebreaker, followed by an interactive session led by Sajida bai Master on building an outstanding careers programme in schools. She emphasised the need for a structured approach from nursery to secondary, focusing on early exposure, exploration, and preparation for transition. Sajida highlighted the importance of a dedicated careers leader to plan and evaluate activities, encourage curiosity, build soft skills, involve teachers and parents, provide industry exposure, and offer individual guidance and university preparation while tracking students’ progress.

Outcome and Way Forward

REF 2025 concluded with renewed commitments toward:

• Strengthening inter-school collaboration and exchange programs.

• Integrating mental health and emotional intelligence into education.

• Improvising professional training and development.

• Standardizing IRE curricula across schools.

• Building structured, lifelong career guidance programs.

Groups were formed for each area, with representation from every school, to discuss challenges and develop practical next steps, coordinate actions and ensure progress and accountability.

The 2025 AFED Education Forum brought educators together to share ideas, strengthen teamwork, and gain practical strategies to help students grow in skills, values, and confidence. The forum highlighted how collaboration can make a real difference to students and their communities.

The Education Board extends sincere thanks to the Nairobi Jaffery Education Board for their warm hospitality and excellent organization, to the Office Bearers of AFED for their guidance and support, and to all participants for their active contribution, which made the REF 2025 an inspiring success. The Board also wishes to recognize the presence of Abbas bhai Peera, Head of Education at the World Federation, and expresses its appreciation for his valuable insights shared during the forum.

SECRETARIAT

AFRICA FEDERATION EDUCATION BOARD

18^th November 2025