In pictures: Madrassa makeover

“We know that many young Muslim are manipulated; turn to drugs; drop out and become fodder for hot-headed preachers,” she says.

“So the authorities were all in favour as it ensures that education is wider than just the narrow religious view of the world.”

And the initiative has mushroomed with others keen to follow. Groups from Senegal and Mali have visited the nursery madrassas and may use them as a model in their countries.

Photos: Richard Duebel. Text: Sylvia Smith