Background

Maarif Schools System began in 2001 with three pre-school classes (Play-Group, Nursery and Prep, which are equivalent to Kindergarten, Pre-Montessori and Montessori in some other countries). This in itself was a breakthrough because at the time there was no concept of schooling for children under five years of age in the area. The two directors, Mrs Khalida Ahmed and Ms Tayabba Khanum, wanted to start pre-school education in Mardan which would be on a par with that which was available in kindergartens and Montessori schools internationally. The initial budget was a modest 50,000 Pak Rupees to hire trained staff and cover initial expenses.

In 2002 Ms Tayabba Khanum, donated a building (approx 2.2 million Pak Rupees) which could be developed into a Primary school.

The year 2006 was a landmark year when Maarif School was officially registered as a Primary School with the local government body, Mardan Board of Education.

Over time the need for space grew, as with each year a new class/grade was introduced. As a result, in 2007 the building was extended to accommodate classes up to secondary level. It was a big project that cost approximately 1.4 Million Pak Rupees.Currently the school offers classes up to eighth grade. Further extension is ongoing to provide room for matriculation classes.School expenses are mainly supported by Ms Tayabba Khanum, along with some donations from her friends and community members. A small percentage is covered by the school fees.

Our Philosophy

We believe that a balanced education involves striving for academic excellence as well as one’s inner development.  It is this spirit of education that underlies our teaching strategies and curriculum development.

Not only do we maintain good academic standards so that our students can succeed in their professional lives, but we also try to inculcate in our students respect for all living beings, individual responsibility and a desire to be of service to the local and global communities.  The school maintains an atmosphere which is supportive and caring towards all staff and students alike, and one of mutual respect, for only then is it possible to foster respect for different cultures and faiths.

Cleanliness is very important at MSS.  This means personal hygiene as well as that of the school and surrounding premises.  The massive environmental degradation brought about by man’s onslaught in the last hundred years or so and continuing at an alarming rate, deeply concerns us.  We plan to raise awareness of these issues in the local community through our pupils, in the hopes that some of our future graduates will come up with means to rectify the damage done and develop infrastructure which preserves fragile local ecosystems.

We hope that the knowledge, skills and values that we give to our students will help them realise their dreams to the fullest.  Not only will they go on to become good writers, leaders, scientists, doctors etc., but it is our hope that they will also work towards social good.  In particular there is a dire need to alleviate poverty and illiteracy in the region through sustainable development.  Only then can we pave the way towards a better, more harmonious world.

Our inspiration comes from our faith in the importance of education and academic capital of society.  The Quran Al Kareem often stresses “thinking, reflection and learning”, and there are many examples in our Prophet Mohammad’s life (peace be upon him) which reflect the necessity of education.

“Oh God increase me in my knowledge”, (Quran , Surah 20, verse 114)

“Knowledge from which no benefit is derived is like a treasure out of which nothing is spent” (Prophet Muhammad , peace be upon him)

We want our students to learn this important lesson of sharing and giving to others.