Educating for an old profession in a new context The imam training programme of Inholland University, the Netherlands

Transcription

1 Educating for an old profession in a new context The imam training programme of Inholland University, the Netherlands Presentation to the International Conference on the The Role and the Education of the Imams in Finland Europe Information Center, Helsinki 1 February 2012 by Rimke van der Veer Director Faculty of Faculty of Theology and religious studies Project director Imam/Islamic Spiritual Worker Training Programme Inholland University of Applied Sciences Amsterdam, the Netherlands 1

2 Contents Introduction Religious education and training in the Netherlands Theological studies in Dutch higher education The Muslim community of the Netherlands The Inholland imam/islamic spiritual worker training programme Partners Programme Interreligiosity Knowledge and education Concluding remarks 2

3 The Netherlands 3

4 Population structure Inhabitants 16.7 imigrants 3, 5 = 20% Muslims 1.8 = 11% 4

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6 Many churches 6

7 Religious education and training in the Netherlands 1 Fundamental principles: Freedom of religion Equality Neutrality of the state/public authorities Educational institutions: founded and funded by public authorities (ministry of education, municipalities, ) privately founded (often by religious organizations), mostly publicly funded 7

8 Religious education and training in the Netherlands 2 Public funding of religious (spiritual) care: within other institutional environments (chaplaincy in hospitals, prisons, armed forces, etc.): yes within religious institutions (pastors, imams, etc.): no But: if necessary exceptions can be made possibility of public funding (criteria: quality, societal need and support) 8

9 Religious education and training in the Netherlands 3 Religious education in schools: Private schools: as decided by school management, mostly own denomination if any only Public schools: at parents request, publicly funded in primary education public authorities may regulate quality and organization, not contents 9

10 Theological studies in Dutch higher education 1 1. Faculties/departments of theology/religious studies in public universities 2. Faculties of theology in private universities 3. Departments/sections within vocational higher education institutions 10

11 Theological studies in Dutch higher education 2 Faculties/departments of theology/religious studies in public (state, municipal) universities: aspiration at distinction/separation of science and faith (duplex ordo) state-funded examples: Leiden University, Amsterdam university 11

12 Theological studies in Dutch higher education 3 Faculties of theology in private universities (but - public funded): aspiration at integration of science and faith (simplex ordo) possibility of public funding (criteria: quality, societal need and support) example: VU University Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit): Protestant tradition section of Islamic theology created recently 12

13 Theological studies in Dutch higher education 4 Departments/sections within vocational higher education institutions: strong orientation towards professional practice example: Inholland University of Applied Sciences ( university of applied sciences = vocational higher education institution) 13

14 The Muslim community of the Netherlands Significant features: Recent development (mainly post-second World War) Diversity and division Marginality (politically, socially, economically, intellectually), with limited gradual improvement N.B. Notice differences with Finland 14

15 Needs of the Islamic community Integration issues Imams who dare to participate in the interreligious debate and resolve tensions Imams who speak the language (Dutch) and know the modern day culture 15

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17 Social political debate on Islam - The community and the Islamic culture / September & November The return of religion in the public arena - Integration issues 17

18 Project funding by the government of Education Develop and prepare Higher educational program In close collaboration with Muslims (Muslim umbrella Organizations) 18

19 The Inholland imam/islamic spiritual worker training programme 1. Partners 1. An established vocational higher education institution: Inholland University of Applied Sciences educational expertise and infrastructure special interest in training for contemporary Dutch urban society (religious and cultural diversity and dynamism) 2. Five major mosque umbrella organizations of different religious traditions and ethnic backgrounds: need for professionals bridging their traditions and contemporary Dutch society input for and validation of programme contents co-nomination of lecturers 3. Ministry of Education, Culture and Science: general framework (objectives, partners, procedures,...) funding: regular (higher education budget) additional (for development and take-off) 19

20 Letters of Intent Contactorgaan Moslims & Overheid (Umbrella organization between Muslims and the government) November 25, 2005 first Intent acceptance Inholland university and: Milli Görüs NIF SICN UMMON WIM Next March a new intent will be accepted 20

21 Imam Colleagues 21

22 Our vision Mixed groups(m/f) Safe learning environment -Space for beliefs -Respect for beliefs In-depth view -Modern secular community as context -Diversity in the own tradition -Diversity in the community Assignments -Skills, practical, discussions, concepts and research 22

23 The Inholland imam/islamic spiritual worker training programme Three graduation specializations: imam (basically mosque-based) Islamic spiritual worker (mosque-based or not, e.g. community development) Islamic pedagogical worker (educational support of Muslim families, youth in various institutional contexts) Other possibility: continuation to academic master programmes 23

24 The Inholland imam/islamic spiritual worker training programme The programme offers training relating to: religious sciences examples: Koran, Hadith, Fiqh contemporary Dutch society examples: Religion and modern society, Monotheistic religions and interreligious dialogue, Multicultural society and diversity professional skills examples: Communication skills, Pastoral counselling 24

25 Junior Year Periode 1 Koran studies Periode 2 Periode 3 Religion history and Hadith Sciences the life of the Prophet (Sjra) Aqida (religious teaching) Periode 4 Islamic Philosofy, ethics and culture Communication instruments and skills Sociology Monotheïstic religions Pedagogy Research skills Research project in Religions in the field of dialogue profession Rituals Arabic 1 Guidance counseling Group rituals memorizing Arabic 2 Memorizing

26 The Inholland imam/islamic spiritual worker training programme 4. Knowledge and education Transmission of knowledge is part of the programme: historical facts, doctrinal tenets, rules of Islamic jurisprudence. However, the programme aims beyond this necessary knowledge: at the training of leaders and counsellors for the Muslim community in contemporary and future Dutch society. This means training in: helpfulness, open-mindedness, initiative, awareness and respect of diversity, co-citizenship,... Quite a few students do not or only late understand this educational conception. A part refuses and quits. Others never fully succeed their studies. Overcoming these attitudes forms the main challenge for the teaching team. Overcoming Dutch language and general education deficiencies of most students the second. 26

27 Several members of Faculty of Theology and religious studies 27

28 The Inholland imam/islamic spiritual worker training programme Interreligiosity The programme is one of several programmes within a Department of Theology and Life Philosophy. Other programmes include Christian and Jewish pastoral work and Religious and Islamic religious teacher training. Parts of these programmes are shared. Examples: Psychology and Sociology of religion, Research methodology, Multicultural society and diversity. Other parts are shared in general framework, not in specific content. Examples: Study of the sources, History of religion, Practical theology and rituals. Yet other parts are totally separate. NB: Students are trained in awareness and respect of diversity both within and beyond their own religions. They are not expected to abandon their own traditions. They are trained to serve their own communities in the context of contemporary Dutch society. 28

29 Faculty of Theology and religious studies Theology - Pastoral Work Jewish Pastoral Work Imam/ Islamic Social Work Theology Teacher training Islam Teacher training 29

30 Concluding remarks e welcome suggestions for future cooperation partnerships, exchanges,... with persons and institutions to elaborate on these and related questions and support each others efforts to train imams and Islamic religious teachers for contemporary Europe. ontact data: imke van der Veer MEd roject director Imam/Islamic Spiritual Worker Training Programme nholland University of Applied Sciences rof. J.H. Bavincklaan 7a 30