ruth901
Islam expert sees developments in “wrong direction”Daycare children learn how to pray in mosques – angering some parents
Understanding and acceptance or attempted alienation?
During Ramadan, a Gelsenkirchen daycare center wants to take a closer look at the Muslim month of fasting. There, children learn how to pray in a mosque and write their names in Arabic. This causes horror for some parents.
Vote here: What do you think about the daycare center teaching children about Islam?
Debate about daycare in Gelsenkirchen
Enxhi Seli-Zacharias from the AfD in North Rhine-Westphalia sees the project as preparation for an “imminent caliphate,” she says in an RTL interview. Parents with small children turned to the deputy group leader in fear and complained about the focus on the Muslim month of fasting. In front of the Gelsenkirchen daycare center we meet a mother who sees things completely differently.
Reading tip: Headscarf ban! Girls under the age of 14 should no longer attend classes covered up
Enxhi Seli-Zacharias from the NRW-AfD explains that concerned parents have contacted her.
Imago
“If the children are interested in it, then that’s okay with me,” reports Jessica Tiennemeier. Her son not only learned the Muslim forms of prayer and the Arabic spelling of his name, but also painted a picture of a mosque. “I don’t think it’s that important right now, but it’s definitely interesting for the children to just see a different side.”
Recommendations from our partners
Video tip: Racism scandal with burka! Politician fully veiled – because THAT doesn't suit her
Gelsenkirchen and the NRW Family Ministry react
The city of Gelsenkirchen also responded to RTL's request, a spokesman explains: “The Herforder Straße daycare center implements educational offers for religious festivals every year. In addition to the Easter family celebration, the St. Martin family festival, the St. Nicholas celebration and the Christmas party, Ramadan and the Sugar Festival are just one of these festivals.”
Reading tip: Knife attack in mosque – suspect arrested!
Islamic scholar Susanne Schröter, however, does not share this impression. It is “obviously the case that we want to send a clear message. Islam belongs to Germany and we are doing everything we can to make Muslims feel comfortable here and so that the children learn how beautiful everything is with Muslim prayers.” But that leads her in the “wrong direction,” she tells RTL.
Islamic scholar Susanne Schröter sees the daycare center's decision as rather problematic.
RTL
The NRW Family Ministry does not want to comment on the specific case. In general, however, it is said that “getting to know other cultures, lifestyles, attitudes or religions” is about “promoting understanding and acceptance” and not about “alienating children and their families from their own values.”
According to the Child Education Act, the decision as to the extent to which this occurs lies with the daycare provider itself.
Sources used: own RTL research
