Ford Foundation to evolve universal humanism in pesantren through ODEL

Jakarta, NU Online
The Ford Foundation, a donor agency, has launched a information technology based-distance learning program in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) to evolve ideas of universal humanism. In this regard, some 8 pesantrens would expectedly be targeted to be such pilot projects for three-year period of time.
 
"The project taking up issues on "Open, Distance and E-Learning (ODEL) to Transformation of Islamic Community through Pesantren" was held by a Jakarta-based non-governmental organization, International Center for Islam and Pluralism (ICIP) in Nikko Hotel, Jakarta on Monday (7/4).<>

The launching was attended by Minister of Communication and Information, M Nuh and Minister of National Education Bambang Soedibyo.

The 8 pesantrens were Pesantren Al Kenaniyah (Jakarta Timur), An Nizhomiyah (Pandegelang Banten), Miftahul Huda Al-Musri’ (Cianjur), Al Mizan (Majalengka), Hasyim Asyari (Jepara), Raudhatul falah (Rembang), Nurul Islam (Jember) and Nurul Jadid (Probolinggo).

All participants representing the pesantrens would reportedly participate in a two-day training (Monday-Tuesday) in the Jakarta's Nikko Hotel. After joining the purposeful training they would receive computers and free internet lines.
 
Executive Director of ICIP Dr M Syafi'i Anwar said the program was aimed at both making pesantren circles familiar with the development of ICT and realizing such "enlightenment" of inclusive and humanistic Islamic civilization  with its all orientation.

"This program is also based on visionary views that pesantren is capable of being such agent of social change that can give understanding and contribute to social surroundings," he said.

Present also to be speakers at the occasion were Prof Dr Komaruddin Hidayat (rector of State Islamic University of Jakarta), Drs. Bambang Ismawan MS (caretaker of Bina Swadaya Foundation), and Drs Bahruddin (headmaster of  Alternative Junior High of Qaryah Thayyibah).

While dealing with the core materials of universal humanism like pluralism, human rights, democracy, and gender would be delivered by the Director of Al Maun Institute Muslim Abdurrahman on Tuesday (8/4). (nam)