Promotes extensive educational curriculum based on Islamic teachings, according to Sofuoglu.
In German schools, the demand for Islamic religious education is growing, with the chairman of the Turkish Community in Germany, Gökay Sofuoglu, leading the charge. However, the implementation of this education is not without its challenges.
Sofuoglu has highlighted the significant obstacle of finding a nationwide Islamic cooperation partner, essential for a uniform implementation of Islamic religious education across Germany. The education system in Germany is decentralised, with each federal state (Land) responsible for its own education policies. This fragmentation slows down the development of a cohesive nationwide program.
The Education and Training Union (VBE) has also called for comprehensive Islamic religious education in schools across Germany, citing the need to offer all students, regardless of faith, access to religious knowledge and to counteract fundamentalism and extremist ideologies.
To address these challenges, potential solutions have been proposed. These include expanding pilot programs in certain states, ensuring they are staffed with state-certified educators trained to teach Islamic religious education within the framework of Germany’s Basic Law. Another solution is to establish state-level cooperation with Islamic organisations recognised as responsible partners in curriculum development and teacher certification.
Additionally, adequate resources and personnel should be provided to support the instruction and continual evaluation of Islamic religious education. Early cultural and language education is also crucial to support integration and prevent ideological radicalisation, as noted by education leaders.
Sofuoglu has emphasised that the state should maintain its secular stance while implementing Islamic religious education. He believes that Islamic religious education should be introduced in schools just like Catholic and Protestant religious education.
In summary, while partial implementations exist at the state level, a nationwide rollout is hindered by the decentralised responsibility of education in Germany and the absence of a unified cooperation partner representing Islamic communities. Addressing these issues through broader collaboration and support at state levels, along with systematic resource allocation, form the core potential solutions under discussion.
References: [1] Deutsche Welle. (2021, March 18). Islamic religious education in German schools: A case of missed opportunities? Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/islamic-religious-education-in-german-schools-a-case-of-missed-opportunities/a-57528612 [2] The Local. (2021, March 18). Islamic religious education in German schools: Challenges and potential solutions. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.de/20210318/islamic-religious-education-in-german-schools-challenges-and-potential-solutions
- The Education and Training Union in Germany supports comprehensive Islamic religious education in schools, advocating for access to religious knowledge and counteracting fundamentalism for all students.
- Despite partial implementations in certain states, a uniform nationwide program for Islamic religious education is hindered by the decentralized nature of the German education system and the need for a unified cooperation partner.
