By Caroline Katana
In the heart of Msambweni, Kwale County, stands Al-Badru Integrated School, a shining model of how faith and modern education can merge to nurture disciplined, high-performing learners.
The school, which blends Kenya’s national curriculum with Islamic religious studies, is gaining attention for producing well-rounded students who excel both academically and morally.
Suleiman Shee Barua, the head teacher of the School, shared his journey and the school’s progress with pride.
“I was a teacher under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) until my retirement in 2020. After two years at home, I joined Al-Badru as head teacher. This is now my second year here,” he said.
Barua explained that Al-Badru integrates secular and religious education to ensure children leave the school with both academic knowledge and a strong spiritual grounding.
“Our students are well-trained in both areas. Those who proceed to junior secondary tend to perform better than others. This year, 21 pupils sat for the KEPSEA exams, and the entire school has 170 learners,” he noted.
Al-Badru Intergrated School Head Teacher, Suleiman Shee Barua
Although the school once offered up to class 8 under the old system, the shift to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) forced them to adapt.
Lack of infrastructure delayed the launch of their junior secondary wing, but plans are underway.
“We expect to start Grade 7 in January next year because construction of the new building is already in progress,” Barua said.
Despite these successes, Al-Badru faces serious financial challenges.
The institution largely depends on parents’ contributions, most of whom have low incomes.
“Sometimes, teachers go home with half salaries or none at all, but we persevere because this is our community. We’re not driven by money, but by a passion to uplift our people,” Barua admitted.
As schools close for the long holiday, Barua urged parents to keep their children engaged in productive activities.
“Let children participate in meaningful economic activities instead of idling around beaches, which could expose them to danger,” he advised.
Among the proud parents at the school’s graduation ceremony was Fatma Hussein Abdallah, whose child completed Grade 6.
“My child joined Al-Badru in Grade 1, and today she’s graduating to junior secondary. What attracted me most is the school’s dual curriculum. The religious teachings have strengthened the moral values of our children,” she said joyfully.
Ustadh Maulid Suleiman Sheha, a madrassa teacher at the school, said Al-Badru’s integration model has made it one of Kwale’s leading faith-based institutions.
“We thank God for this school, in Msambweni and across Kwale County, Al-Badru is recognized nationally as the only registered integrated school combining both systems,” he said.
He added that the religious foundation has significantly improved learners’ overall performance.
“Students who do well in Arabic often carry that discipline into other subjects. Many of our former pupils have scored top grades and are now in universities,” Sheha said.
The ustadh attributed this success to faith, teamwork, and the unity among teachers, parents, and the school board.
However, he was quick to point out that the school faces a major infrastructural crisis.
“We lack electricity and computers. Even though it looks like a private school, it’s deeply community-based. Sometimes teachers go unpaid for months, but we continue out of dedication. We appeal to well-wishers and organizations to support us, especially to complete our Grade 7 building,” Sheha said
Community leaders and education advocates are also rallying behind Al-Badru.
Suleiman Zimbwe, General Supervisor of Good Foundation for Relief and Development in Kwale, said his organization frequently supports integrated schools like Al-Badru.
“Schools like these have deep historical roots. In the 1920s, we had Arab and Al-Amin academies that laid the foundation for Islamic learning. Al-Badru carries that legacy forward with strong moral and academic standards,” Zimbwe noted.
He described Al-Badru as one of Kwale’s most important educational institutions.
“It’s now 14 years old and already known across Kenya. As community leaders and religious stakeholders, we must strengthen it to continue transforming society,” he said.
Zimbwe urged development partners and philanthropists to invest in education, which he termed “the foundation of a better society.”
“When we invest in education, we invest in the future. Today, many youth fall into drugs and crime because they lack proper educational grounding. Education remains our strongest weapon against these challenges,” said Zimbwe.
Also present at the ceremony was Kassim Abdallah Jawabu, an activist and politician who served as the guest of honor.
He commended Al-Badru’s commitment to faith-based education.
Activist, Kassim Jawabu
“I’ve supported this school before, and what impresses me most is its curriculum. Even if a student doesn’t attend madrassa separately, the school’s structure ensures they still receive religious instruction during normal hours,” he said
Jawabu reflected on the historical evolution of education at the Coast.
“This school reminds us of when Arab scholars brought education here. Over time, missionary and colonial systems created educational divides. Today, integrated schools like Al-Badru bridge that gap by giving our children both spiritual and academic knowledge,” he said.
As the ceremony ended, the message from teachers, parents, and community leaders was clear: “Education rooted in faith and community values can build a stronger, more disciplined generation.”
Al-Badru Integrated School, standing tall in Msambweni, continues to prove that with unity, sacrifice, and belief, quality education can thrive even amid adversity.
