Sudan Basic Education Curriculum - Quran/Islamic Religious Education

The Sudanese basic education system consists of eight years, divided into three stages: grades 1-3, grades 4-6, and grades 7-8. Islamic Religious Education, along with Arabic language, is a core subject throughout these eight years.

Islamic Religious Education in Basic Education

• Grades 1-3: Islamic Religious Education is taught for six periods per week. The curriculum at this stage focuses on foundational Islamic principles.
• Grades 4-6: Islamic Religious Education continues with six periods per week. The curriculum builds upon the foundation laid in the earlier grades.
• Grades 7-8: Islamic Religious Education remains a core subject with six periods per week. At this stage, students delve deeper into Islamic teachings and jurisprudence.

Khalwas (Quranic Schools)

In addition to formal schooling, Sudan has a long tradition of Quranic schools known as Khalwas. These schools play a significant role in Islamic education, teaching children to read, write, and memorize the Quran, along with Arabic language, Quranic studies, and Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh). There are approximately 30,000 Khalwas in Sudan, with over 100,000 students.

Challenges and Developments

While Islamic education is a central part of the Sudanese curriculum, the education system faces challenges in implementation, including teacher training and resource availability. Recent reforms have focused on improving teacher qualifications and updating textbooks. There have also been discussions regarding curriculum reform and the inclusion of Islamic education in the national curriculum framework.