What Is OMN?
The Open Madrasah Network is an innovative pilot developed by ATL working in partnership with local Madaaris (Islamic supplementary schools) and Education Bradford to address low educational attainment and employment within the Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities, two of the most excluded and disadvantaged groups in the Bradford District.
OMN enjoys high level strategic support and commitment from Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency, Bradford MDC, Job Centre Plus, Bradford College, Bradford Council Of Mosques and the local schools. Over the course of next three years the OMN aims to make significant contributions in three key areas of Educational Attainment, Adult Learning and Access to Employment. The Project also supports the Madaaris to build their organisational capacity to engage with the Public and Third Sector.
What Will It Achieve?
The major outcome will be economic regeneration within the District. On a more strategic level, the Project helps madaaris develop a wider role within their communities and society, increase social cohesion and bring into play the faith sector's substantial physical resources and goodwill for the common good. The Project also opens up another strategic conduit for public sector agencies to access difficult to reach social groups.
How Will It Be Delivered?
This will be a collaborative venture with a strong interest from several stakeholders. The participating Madaaris will become effective suppliers for Education Bradford, Job Centre Plus and Bradford College. ATL will be responsible for delivering the Project targets on behalf of Education Bradford, the contractual partner with Yorkshire Forward. The Project will have a high-level Steering Committee responsible for making decisions on strategic issues with Kris Hopkins, leader of Bradford MDC, acting as the Chairperson.
