Mr. Minister of National Education,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Members of the Government,
Mr. Secretary-General of the Islamic League,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Ambassadors,
Mr. Director of Religious Affairs and Integration of Arabic Language Graduates,
Honorable Religious Leaders, Honorable Borom Daara, dear Ndeyu Daara, dear Ndongo Daara, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with an emotion filled with respect and gratitude that I speak today, marked by the celebration of the third edition of the National Daara Day. This solemn moment gives us the opportunity to pause for a moment to reflect on an institution that constitutes one of the cornerstones of our spiritual, cultural, and educational heritage: the daaras.
Instituted by Decree No. 2023-225 on January 18, 2023, this day reflects our collective desire to pay tribute to these institutions, which are not only places for the transmission of religious knowledge, but also sanctuaries where the soul of our nation is forged. Throughout the centuries, the daaras have, with selflessness and humility, educated generations of men and women who are both deeply rooted in the profound values of Islam and capable of actively contributing to the progress of our society.
By celebrating the daaras today, we honor not only their historical heritage but also their central role in our contemporary educational vision. Moreover, we solemnly commit to supporting their modernization and full integration into the Senegalese education system, while preserving their uniqueness and intrinsic richness.
Ladies and Gentlemen, If the daaras shine with the nobility of their mission, it is largely thanks to those who carry them out daily. I would like to salute here, with the respect that is due, the borom daara, these outstanding educators, true craftsmen of knowledge and virtue. Through their dedication, often in difficult conditions, they instill in young people generations the principles of faith, discipline, respect, and humility, which form the foundation of their future growth. Alongside them, the ndeyu daara play an equally fundamental role. These courageous and generous mothers, often in the background, provide the essential logistical and moral support to the life of the daaras. Their daily commitment, whether preparing meals, maintaining the premises, or meeting the children's needs, deserves all our admiration. Let these women be assured of our gratitude and support in their constant efforts in the service of education and solidarity.
However, it would be unjust to ignore the challenges that sometimes tarnish the image of the daaras and their noble vocation. The phenomenon of forced child begging, unfortunately too visible in our streets, constitutes an unacceptable deviation from the original spirit of the daaras. These practices, which have nothing to do with the essence of these institutions, must be combated with determination. It is our collective duty to act so that every child enrolled in a daara can learn and thrive with dignity.
Ladies and Gentlemen, In the face of the challenges and opportunities presented by the daaras, it is urgent to design a new, ambitious, and inclusive approach to ensure their sustainability and prominence. That is why I am announcing today the convening of the first National Daara Conference. This conference, which will bring together all concerned stakeholders – educators, policymakers, religious families, technical and financial partners – will have the mission of considering a thorough overhaul of the daaras. It will aim to:
- Rethink their integration into the national education system to ensure total equity among all Senegalese children, regardless of their educational path.
- Diversify educational content by introducing modern disciplines such as mathematics, sciences, foreign languages, and technical skills to prepare young people for a constantly evolving world.
- Create a stable institutional and financial framework to support the daaras, particularly through public-private partnerships and increased state support.
This reform does not aim to denature the daaras but to enable them to respond effectively and pertinently to the demands of our time while preserving their essence and primary vocation. Modern daaras already demonstrate their ability to adapt and excel. The brilliant successes of the ndongo daara in international competitions of memorization and recitation of the Holy Quran are a striking proof of this. These young people, both boys and girls, honor our nation and carry high the torch of Senegalese excellence.
Moreover, students from the daaras who pursue classical studies in our universities and higher education institutions illustrate the complementarity that can exist between tradition and modernity. These individual successes, often overlooked, remind us of the immense potential of the daaras and the need to provide them with an optimal framework for development.
Ladies and Gentlemen, The preservation and enhancement of the daaras are more than a moral obligation; they are an act of faith in our identity and our future. These institutions, far more than schools, are places where the values of solidarity, mutual respect, and justice, which form the foundation of our society, are transmitted.
I invite each and every one of you to work towards making the daaras a model of educational excellence and national cohesion. Together, we will succeed in building a Senegal where every child, regardless of their origins or beliefs, can learn and grow with dignity.
Thank you.