What begins as a project grows into our mission. With the same guiding principle, Shaagird inaugurated its new learning center, Sayyada Nafisa Center of Learning – The Hope School, as part of our ongoing Taleem project. This marks the 11th such center of Shaagird. The Sayyida Nafisa Center of Learning- The Hope School, established to equip madrassa students with technical knowledge and digital skills. The inauguration event was attended by Chief Guest Amjad Khan, industrialist and entrepreneur from Khargone, MP; Guest of Honor Dr. Gauhar Azad, physician; along with Aasif Mujtaba, Founder and CEO of Shaagird; more than 80 students; teachers; and the organization’s team.
Sayyida Nafisa, after whom the center is named, was a noblewoman and scholar from the family of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), born in Mecca in 762 CE. Known for her piety, wisdom, and generosity, she later settled in Egypt, where she became a spiritual guide to many, including Imam al-Shafi’i. By dedicating this center in her name, the organisation aspires for the students to draw inspiration from her legacy of devotion, knowledge, and service.
The center is fully equipped with modern computer systems, internet access, and trained instructors, offering free digital literacy and essential computer training to madrassa students. This initiative seeks to create opportunities for academic growth, vocational training, and future employability, complementing their traditional education with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s world.
The primary beneficiaries of this center are the students of our Kalan Mahal Learning Center, many of whom suffered immense hardships after their former institute, Bahrul Uloom in Mehrauli, was demolished by the DDA without prior notice. Students from Madarsa Tazkirat Ul Uloom (Neem Wali Masjid), Madarsa Qasim Ul Uloom, Madarsa Ahsan Ul Uloom, and other madrassas in Mehrauli will also benefit from this program.
Madrassa students are among the most eager and capable learners, yet often lack access to digital resources and modern education. While madrassas provide moral and religious education, they are rarely equipped to impart technical knowledge. With this initiative, Shaagird aims to bridge that gap, enabling students to keep pace with their peers in mainstream education and the job market, without losing touch with their cultural and educational roots.
The program commenced with a recitation from the Qur’an by Mohd. Muzammil, establishing a spiritual ambiance for the event. Following the recitation, a felicitation ceremony was held in which the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour were presented with shawls and mementos as a token of appreciation.
This was followed by remarks from Aasif Mujtaba, who recalled the early days of the Taleem project. He spoke of how madrassa students, despite their sharp intellect and passion, often lack guidance and opportunity.
“There’s no one sharper than madrassa students, they have passion, they’re intelligent, they have talent. The only thing they lack is guidance, and this learning center will provide that guidance.” Mujtaba said, boosting the morale of the students sitting as an audience.
Realizing his message had struck a chord, Mujtaba went on to speak further, “Even if coal isn’t polished, it’s still a diamond just without its shine. Similarly, you already have the potential; what’s missing is guidance. And we’ve brought that guidance in the form of this learning center. This center will connect you with technology and take you forward.
Dr. Gauhar emphasized the need for the younger generation to move forward rapidly in a world advancing quickly with technology, stressing the importance of staying updated “We have done our part now it’s your generation’s turn. You need to move ahead quickly because the world is advancing rapidly. Technology is progressing fast and is becoming an essential part of every field. Staying updated is no longer a choice, it’s a necessity.” he said.
Amjad Khan, drawing from his own life journey, shared how he rose from a poor background, working as a cart puller and bakery worker, to eventually become a successful industrialist employing hundreds. His story deeply inspired the students.
The program concluded with words from Muzzamil Sulemani, Head Teacher of the Kalan Mahal Learning Center, who reminded the students that true change will come from their own dedication and hard work. “Small efforts from us won’t bring much change; real change will come from you all — from your studies and perseverance. So move forward, study, and learn,” he said, leaving the students motivated and hopeful.
Other Glimpses of Event
About Shaagird Foundation: At Shaagird Foundation, we fight for a world where education isn’t a privilege but a birthright. We act as changemakers, paving the way for marginalized children in India, removing the barriers that exclude them from classrooms and opportunity.
We believe every child holds the potential to create a meaningful change in society, a potential that burgeons with the power of knowledge. Our mission is to rekindle that spark within, empowering children impacted by dehumanization acts, communal violence, and those from underprivileged communities. We work tirelessly to transform the distant dream of quality education into a vibrant reality.
By providing access to education, we empower these young minds to become the torchbearers of their own lives and the future leaders of our nation. We opine that together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable society, one bright mind at a time.