DALLAS: During the annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) in Dallas, a stall dedicated to introducing children to robotic education became a focal point for attendees, particularly attracting children and families.
This initiative of robotic education was launched in Dallas by a charitable organisation called “ITKAN,” founded through the efforts of Dr Ubaida.
The organisation is now active in 12 states across the US, offering free classes at 27 Islamic Centers, benefiting over a thousand Muslim children. These children are participating in competitions ranging from the state level to international events.
The “All Muslim Robotic Team” has even won two awards at the First World Championship. Additionally, these children have won over 90 awards in the past year, including at the state level, which is a testament to the program’s success. Many parents and community members are serving as coaches for this program. They mention that their children are gaining expertise in various aspects of technology through the process of building robots, including programming, 3D modelling, artificial intelligence, and computer vision. The program also trains children in marketing and public speaking, giving Muslim children the opportunity to advance in modern technology, helping them reclaim their lost prominence in the world.
Muznavi Jaleel, a board member of ITKAN, and Kashif Raza, a teacher and software developer at ITKAN, provided details about the program. They explained that they are providing education in science and technology to children through mosques. Their goal is to revive the tradition of historical Muslim scientists, who made significant contributions to knowledge and technology. Now that Muslims have fallen behind in this field, they are trying to bring children forward by educating them in these areas. Children aged six to eighteen work together to build robots, and as they grow older, they pass on their knowledge to other children, incorporating the use of artificial intelligence.
They further stated that their aim is to transform Islamic Centers into hubs of both religious and scientific progress, encouraging Muslim youth to embrace their Islamic identity while advancing in technology. Through hands-on robotics, they seek to provide world-class STEM education while preserving the Islamic identity of American Muslim youth and leading future generations into this field.
Children who are participating in robotic education mentioned that engaging in such activities outside of school has boosted their confidence. They are gaining more skills in science and technology through this program, and they are confident that they will achieve even greater success in the future.
