Early Childhood Education for Muslim Children ─ Rationales and Practices in South Africa

This book explores how Muslim children are educated for an Islamic way of life in a minority context. Grounded in detailed research from six preschools for Muslim children in South Africa, first-hand interviews with parents and staff capture the complexities that arise when passing on religion in the formative years. Chapters engage with key insights surrounding classroom practice, socialisation and identity, and present possibilities for research, practice, teacher development and policy when shaping preschool education. The book challenges dominant Western perspectives and expands on discourses surrounding childhood in contexts where religion, culture and heritage are of great importance.

Hasina Banu Ebrahim is Discipline Leader and Associate Professor in Early Childhood and Foundation Phase Studies, Faculty of Education, University of the Free State, South Africa. She is Co-Editor of the ‘South African Journal of Childhood Education’.