Small Island Systems: a case study of the Comoro Islands.

This article focuses on the educational system in the Comoro Islands. The Comoro Islands are situated in the south-east of the African continent in the Mozambique Channel. The four islands, namely, Ngazidja, Ndzuwani, Mawore, and Mwali are clustered half-way between Madagascar and East Africa. According to the 1985 census, the population of the Comoros has been estimated at 4,54,000 inhabitants. The concept of a Comorian nation has been based on a real unity of language, religion and culture. The Comorian language is divided into four local varieties. Today, many Comorians, whether of noble or humble birth, are Arabic scholars. This is the result of the introduction of Koranic schools in the islands as early as the sixteenth century. The Koranic school is a tradition of vital importance in all Islamic communities wherever they may be located. Its objective is to initiate the children in Islam. From the 1970s, a shift towards a more functional knowledge of Arabic has been be noted. The teaching of Arabic as a secular subject as well as the running of the Koranic school has become an important part of the Comorian educational system.