Revealed: Teachers 'punch and slap' Muslim children to make them learn the Koran

Reporter: Kirsty Rigg
Date online: 10 December 2008

Muslim children in Rochdale are being beaten and abused regularly by teachers who want to “discipline” them into learning the Koran, it has been revealed.

Young children have been punched and slapped according to a shocking report carried out by a Rochdale Imam and religious education teacher.

Imam Chishti claims the beatings have taken place as a result of a lack of communication between non-English speaking teachers in Madrassas; classes dedicated to teaching about the Koran.

Some children have been so severely abused that they have needed medical attention.

Rochdale Police has been working alongside Rochdale Council, including social services, for “months” to deal with what was a secret but ongoing problem in local Mosques.

Imam Irfan Chishti told Rochdale Online: “Teachers are getting frustrated with the children and they are lashing out, mostly because there is a language barrier and communication between them is broken.

“Parents drop their children off and then disappear, often not having a clue what is going on in the classrooms."

Imam Chishti is a dedicated teacher who is working hard to improve classroom standards. He transformed Chashtiah Mosque on Milkstone Road into a successful Academy, called the Light of Islam Academy.

He added: “We are working on reforming the system and would like to emphasise that this kind of physical discipline is not standard practice.”

Rochdale Council has met with madrassa leaders six times this year to discuss the issues.

A spokesman said: “The safety of young people in the borough is our number one priority and we take all reports of abuse against children very seriously indeed.

“We have investigated some allegations made by children about their treatment at madrassas. In every case, parents are informed, advice is given and their views are sought."

He added: “Because of the rapid turnover of volunteer teachers at madrassas – and the fact that many are part-time – it makes it difficult to regulate and monitor the people who are working with local young people.

“We are therefore working closely with a number of faith groups – including madrassas - to provide training on child protection, including highlighting what is and is not acceptable."

A spokeswoman from Greater Manchester Police said: "Children's Social Care in Rochdale has investigated allegations made by some children about their treatment whilst attending madrassas.

"The Rochdale Borough Safeguarding Children board is the strategic body charged with overseeing how all agencies work together to safeguard the welfare of children in the Borough.”