A study of Madrassa integrated pre-school: a case study of Mombasa District

Abstract

This study has its focus on the importance of early childhood education as the bedrock of the whole education system in general and specifically the importance of Madrasa Integrated Pre-school experience in, educational development of a Muslim child. The respondents for this research include the Director of Madrasa Resource Center under which the Madrasa Integrated Pre-Schools fall in Mombasa - teachers, parents and members of the school management committees. The instruments used in collecting data were questionnaire and observation schedules. The data collected was analyzed using graphs and tables in a descriptive manner. Among the major findings were that the Madrasa Integrated Pre-schools in Mombasa had a very rich physical and human environment with plentiful materials. It was also found that the methods in use in the Madrasa Integrated Pre-schools were purely child centred. In addition, the teachers were well trained to meet the challenge. It was also found that parents have now started realizing the need for the pre-school. In view of the findings of the study, some suggestions were made on the ways and means of improving the standard of the Madrasa Integrated Pre-schools. These include opening up a teacher training for Madrasa Integrated Pre-school at National level, recognition of the present training programme by Madrasa Resource Centre by the government among others. Some suggestions for further studies were also offered.