Building a Culture of Peace

Madrasas and other spaces where Islam is being practiced are breading grounds for violent extremists.

Unfair, unpleasant and harsh but this statement is becoming an evolving stereotype that is not to be taken lightly specially that it is in these places where we rear our children in the ways of Islam at a young age.

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Violent Extremism is a religious extremism whose motivations are deeply rooted in flawed interpretations of Islam

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is but fitting that it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.” (UNESCO)

Recent clashes with ISIS inspired Maute in Marawi was an eye opener that young Muslims are being used as child warriors against our forces. Efforts to counter violent extremism must go beyond the security response to peace building initiatives. Measures must taken to ensure that our young Muslims will be properly clothed with the correct teachings of Islam.

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It is in this light that security forces adopted the concept of Brigada Madrasa. Brigada Madrasa is a CMO project that identifies, assesses, and selects a Madrassa that needs interventions to assure Muslim children of an Islamic school that is capable honing them to become future custodians of Islam. It basically follows the concept of a Brigaga Iskwela.

Amalan Salihan Al-Islamiya of Barangay Tigtabon is among the few beneficiaries of Brigada Madrassa. It is a ten minute boat-ride from mainland Zamboanga. Due to its geographical location, local resources are limited. People have to cross the mainland to buy stuffs they need to include school supplies for the children studying in the Madrassa.

Realizing that the lack of school school supplies will hamper child’s learning, soldiers from Task Force Zamboanga through the Brigada Madrassah raised funds to help our young Muslims.

On September 16, 2017, Army soldiers handed over packs of school supplies to the 300 students of Amalan Salihan Al-Islamiya who are studying Arabic every Saturday and Sunday.

The activity was made possible through our collaboration with 16th Finance Service Field Office and Air Material Wing Savings and Loan Association Inc., Zamboanga Branch, City Councilors Office, Multi-Sector Governance Council, Technical Working Group of Ulama Council Zamboanga Peninsula, MUSA-Council of Elders Foundation, Gagandilan Mindanao Incorporated, ABS-CBN Zamboanga City and Brgy Council of Brgy Tigtabon.

"We must go hand in hand to promote a culture of peace for our children."says LTC Rolando P Gomez. "We are hopeful that these little gifts will encourage them to study in an environment that is culture –sensitive and Islam-friendly.", he added.