Nairobi’s Olive Crescent School Blends British Curriculum With Islamic Values

Nairobi’s Olive Crescent School Blends British Curriculum With Islamic Values
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In Nairobi, the Olive Crescent International School has quickly emerged as a model of modern Islamic education in Kenya, home to millions of Muslims in a predominantly non-Muslim country. Founded three years ago by Sheikh Said al-Raji, the school promotes a philosophy of “blending tradition with modernity,” offering the Cambridge curriculum alongside Quranic studies, Islamic education, and Arabic.

The campus, located at Yala Youth Center, spans more than 5,000 square meters and includes children’s libraries, classrooms, innovation spaces, prayer facilities, and a dedicated Quran institute staffed by specialized teachers. Students observe daily prayers, while weekly lessons focus on values such as honesty, discipline, and integrity. Principal Afaaq Tijani said parents are drawn to Olive Crescent for its unique balance between academic excellence and Islamic identity.

Students receive instruction in science, mathematics, and languages while also preparing for international exams like IGCSE. Despite challenges such as high costs and pressure to maintain quality, the school has attracted Muslim families from Kenya and neighboring countries seeking international-level education without compromising faith or culture.

Administrators describe the initiative as more than a school, portraying it as a redefinition of Islamic education in Africa—one that combines intellectual achievement with spiritual grounding, preparing students for global opportunities while preserving their heritage.