Tarbiyyah launches Happy Harun, Brunei’s first mobile Islamic classroom

Education startup Tarbiyyah Global are targeting to teach their Islamic curriculum to 3,300 young students across Brunei in 12 months through Brunei’s first mobile classroom truck which they launched earlier today.

Founder of Tarbiyyah Dr. Hjh Mona Yati Mohd Kassim said the Happy Harun truck will be manned by three instructors who will teach groups of 15 to 20 children in classes lasting 90 minutes to two hours long.

The curriculum will mirror the MUIB-certified content taught at their Islamic Enrichment Centre in Serusop, which revolves around the Asmaul Husna (the 99 names of Allah); – their transliteration, meaning and explanation which reflects God’s attributes.

“We will be using the same ‘play and pray’ approach which we’ve had a great response to,” said Dr. Mona, whose methodology is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach that focuses on experiential learning, building relationships and encouraging self-directed discovery and learning.

“Aside from Asmaul Husna we will also be teaching Hadith, Sunnah, Adab and Akhalaq and how Islam integrates with Sciences, technology and entrepreneurship.”

Dr. Mona added that Happy Harun will operate as a social enterprise to ensure sustainability and drive future expansion. Standard, full-length classes will be $10, borne by parents, schools or donors. She added that they are working with the Islamic Da’wah Centre to roll out their service on Friday mornings at mosques after the standard Al-Quran reading classes.

Their first truck, a Mistubishi Fuso FAV with a container outfitted as a classroom with air-conditoning is a wakaf – also known as a charitable endowment – from a private benefactor.

“Hopefully with this model we are able to purchase more trucks, engage more instructors and franchise the concept to our neighbouring countries,” she said.

The idea for Happy Harun came in 2016 after Tarbiyyah’s parent company MuBN won a contract with Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB) to conduct Islamic classes to less fortunate children across four districts. One of Tarbiyyah’s members suggested they deploy a mobile classroom truck seen overseas to conduct outreach more effectively.

“The truck really allows us the flexibility to host classes comfortably on short notice and reach a wider audience beyond our centre,” said Dr. Mona.

Happy Harun will be offering free classes at Pesta Buku until March 5. To get in touch with Happy Harun contact +6737177299.