When The Zakat Foundation began sponsoring a Muslim school in 2003 within the Nizamuddin slums of New Delhi, there were 110 students. At the time three programs were established; one to provide basic education for children up to 12 years of age, night school courses to improve student performance in higher level schools and prevent dropouts and the upgrade of existing schools in the area to provide the best facilities available with the most modern subjects and tools.
By 2004 there were 653 students enjoying programs which are administered by eight teachers and several staff assistants. The courses offered include:
- Non-formal Basic education for boys and girls
- Evening Arabic School programs for boys and girls
- Afternoon basic education for boys and girls
- Group night school
- Computer education and training
- Evening and afternoon classes for regular and open school students, grades 6-10
For most of the children of Nizamuddin have little options for life if this school were to fail. They would be doomed to an existence of menial labor, pick pocketing, begging or some other exploitive lifestyle. Most are already doomed to having poor health and drug addiction. This school is more than simply education; it is a chance at life over death.
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