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Islamic education in Riem: key to integration or obstacle?
School management in the trade fair town of Riem reflects on Islamic teaching and its role in integration and identity in Bavaria.
Islamic education in Riem: key to integration or obstacle?
In the elementary schools of Messestadt Riem, Islamic teaching is causing controversial discussions. The school management does not want to comment on the issue at the moment, which is causing a lot of speculation. Loud BLLV Simone Fleischmann believes that the reluctance does not result from disinterest, but from a need to reflect on the content and structures of these lessons. It is clear that school management implements Islamic religious education in accordance with state guidelines, but they are often confronted with real conditions that limit innovative approaches.
One of the main goals of Islamic education is to give children and young people a sense of belonging. Fleischmann emphasizes how important such lessons are for integration. Religious education can help prevent radicalization and offer students a space in which they can live their identity. “All religions should be respected and understood in schools,” she believes. This reflects the colorful diversity of society and promotes togetherness.
Innovative approaches and participation
So what happens when innovative approaches are limited? School management often struggles with framework conditions that seem too static to meet the needs of their students. Nevertheless, they are convinced that creative solutions must be found. There is still a lot of work ahead of us, says Fleischmann. School must be a place where everyone feels alive and comfortable.
The school management in Riem is aware that Islamic teaching cannot be viewed in isolation. It represents an integral part of contemporary education that should enable all children to experience their religion in a safe environment. Integration through education does not just mean tolerating differences, but also actively promoting understanding for one another.
A look outside the box
Integration can be promoted not only through Islamic religious education, but also through a broader understanding of other cultures and backgrounds. Education is key to this development and must be continually adapted to work for all students.
Finally, it should be noted: the task of schools is to build bridges. Just as Dorothy Height fought as a pioneer for her convictions, today it is important for schools in Munich to master the balancing act between tradition and modernity and to give all children a voice.