DESPITE numerous challenges, the Universal Islamic and Cultural Trust (UICT) remains steadfast in its commitment to elevating the students’ education level through its academy.
The Universal Islamic and Cultural Trust is a global organisation with its headquarters in Turkey. Founded in 1936, it expanded its organisation worldwide, establishing itself in South Africa in the year 2000. It has a strong presence in over 42 countries across Africa, while also establishing madrasahs in several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, France and Hungary.
The AbuBakr Effendi Hifdh Academy, one of a number of institutions within a larger network, is located on 83 Jupiter Road, Surrey Estate and according to the principal, Omer Alparslan, the mission of the UICT is to raise the student’s education level through discipline and respect.
Currently, the UICT manages three educational facilities in Cape Town, catering for approximately 120 students. There is immense pride in the work done by the academy as there is clear dedication from the staff towards the organisation while serving and educating students. Students get served three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and supper with classes spread throughout the day.
Omer explains that they strive to give knowledge to students, and once they leave the institution they spread the knowledge that they have learnt.
‘We are taking the students from their nation, educating them, filling them up with knowledge,’ he said. ‘After that, we are giving them to their nation, to guide their nation. Our vision is to educate them and to let them lead their nation and elevate their nation’s life as well.’
It hasn’t been all smooth sailing for those at UICT. Coming from Turkey and stepping into South Africa is daunting, more so in the year 2000. There were many challenges for them to overcome. According to Omer, he believes that some thought that the organisation was trying to divide the people of South Africa, claiming that this was their toughest challenge. ‘Imagine trying to establish an organisation in a country where nobody knows you?’
However, he reiterated that after careful diplomacy, all was resolved.
‘We explained everything to them. Our intention was not to divide the people, it was not to divide the nation. Our intention was not this. It was the hardest challenge.’
When you step into the school you sense that there is a clear discipline amongst the students. The students go about their day in a rhythmic way, adhering to their schedules.
Their day is structured around the five daily prayers, Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha, with classes spread throughout the day, until bedtime at 22:00. Keeping with the theme of discipline, students are also expected to assist with the cleaning of classrooms. Omer insists this is not a form of labour but more of a means to get students into a rhythm and teach them the value of hard work.
‘It doesn’t mean that we are working them. But by giving them a place to stay, they are learning how to clean one place.’
There are big plans to expand UICT across South Africa. Currently, there are plans to open a pre-school in Walmer Estate, as well as a massive undertaking in KwaZulu-Natal which, according to Omer, is set to be the biggest UICT project in the country. The project is set to house a mosque, museum and a guest house for the students’ parents.
The UICT is currently engaged in many short-term projects. Annually, they release an Islamic calendar and provide hot meals to those in need during the holy month of Ramadan and in winter. Additionally, they also help open water wells, increasing their humanitarian efforts.
The UICT also assists those in need of Hajj and Umrah knowledge, in an attempt to educate those who wish to understand how to perform the two pilgrimages. UICT also hosts cultural events such as a Turkish Food Festival.
There is a real sense of camaraderie between the students at the academy. The students are respectful and have a sense of discipline. The work done by UICT for these students is nothing short of remarkable and should be applauded.
UICT has many success stories through its various projects and this is exemplified by Is’haq Madumi, who joined the organisation in 2014.
Is’haq has been through the entire journey of UICT, with a humble beginning to reaching the position of teacher.
‘I’m from Limpopo and I started in 2014 in this organisation as a student in my home province,’ he said. ‘Then, in 2017, I started the Alim course. And that’s when I went to Pretoria, then to Pietermaritzburg. After that I went to Turkey, came back and graduated this year. And now I’m here as one of the staff members.’
As UICT is a non-profit organisation, they currently have no support from the government, something Omer sees as a challenge because with the increasing cost of living, giving students the best becomes difficult.
‘We don’t have any support from the government. We would like to prepare our students for a better life. However, we need support because achieving that costs much,’ he concluded.
While the organisation is undoubtedly committed to improving the life of students and helping their communities, they do need support from the community through funds to help sustain this positive growth. Anyone who wishes to support the work of the school may do so by visiting their website to make a direct donation.
