Baacha Khan Trust Educational Foundation

Azad Schools: Established in April 1, 1921

The main idea behind the establishment of Azad School was to reform the society. The strategy adopted was to seek a middle way between the religious schools established by Haji Saib Turangzai and the educational institutions set up on the pattern of British educational institutions like Ali-Gharh and Islmia College.

 

Anjuman-i-Islahul Afaghina

To undertake the responsibility for its supervision, an association (a kind directorate) with the name of Anjuman-i-Islahul Afaghina was organized in the same year. It had an Executive Committee (11 members), the Advisory Committee (64 members) and the General Council (94 members) in 1926-27. The association worked with the students of Azad schools to carry out the mission of social reforms. Khan Abdul Ghafar was the president of the association. He also enrolled his two sons in the Azad School and encouraged the rights of women within his family in particular and society in general. The society created community awareness related to education. Through the introduction of vocational subjects, the movement encouraged business and industry.

 

The First Azad School and other affiliated Schools:

The first Azad School was established in Utmanzai. Haji Muhammad Akram donated a mud house which had few classrooms, with no chairs and any other facilities. Students from as far as Dir and Bajaurh were attracted. There was a boarding house close to the school which was run by Baacha Khan’s paternal uncle’s widow. In April 1921, only 45 students enrolled themselves but soon the number rose to 350 during the next year. The Azad School was affiliated with Jamia Millia, Dehli on December 1, 1923 which also conducted exams for the schools.

The official record lists a maximum number of 51 schools in 1924 with total 3212 students. On the other hand, Abdul Akbar Khan Akbar and Abdullah Shah gave a figure of 120 and 80 respectively. After Utmanzai, schools were set up in Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi and Nowshera tehsils. The following schools were affiliated with Utmanzai institution:

1. Charsadda Tehsil: Khadi Kali, Ghunda Karana, Zarinabad and Kharkai
2. Mardan and SwabiTehsil: Shahbaz Ghari, Sawaldar, Katlang, Ismaila, Nawan Kali, Turlandi, Garyalra and Bara Garhi.
3. Nowshehra Tehsil: Ziarat Kaka Sahib

 

Syllabus:

1. Theology Section included Quran, Hadith, Figh, History of Islam and Arabic Language.
2. Vocational Section provided vocational training like tailoring, weaving, carpentry, etc.
3. Propaganda Section trained certain students in order to enable them to work within society for social reforms.
4. Other subjects like English, Mathematics, General Knowledge, Geography, History and Pukhto were also taught.
5. The medium of instruction was Pukhto.
6. There was Bazm-e-Adab style program every Thursday after 12o’clock.
7. Students would perform stage dramas, chant national songs, and participate in debates on important functions like the annual function.

 

Teachers at Azad Schools

Teachers with a spirit of independence and nationalism and those well versed in both religious and modern disciplines were incorporated. The Head Teacher received Rs.40 per month and the Second Master received Rs.20. Some teachers also worked voluntarily.