Arabic sign language in Indonesia

In Indonesia, 30 percent of disabled children can't go to school. But one school is changing this.

This is a new religious school for deaf children. These children can't hear. They're learning the Qur'an in Arabic sign language. Indonesia has the most Muslims in the world. Religious schools are very important in Indonesia. But very few religious schools have classes for deaf students.

Abu Kahfi had deaf friends. There were no religious schools for them. So, he started one.

Abu Kahfi: "It started 13 years ago, when I found out that some deaf people did not know their God and religion. I was moved to start a Qur'an group at home and now, 13 years later, I was able to build this boarding school for deaf children."

The students speak Bahasa Indonesian. But the Qur'an is in Arabic. They need to learn Arabic sign language. They have to know the Qur'an by heart. This usually takes five years for deaf students.

Muhammad Rafa wants to become a Qur'an teacher.

Muhammad Rafa: "I am Rafa, 13 years old. I am from Tangerang. I chose to study in this boarding school because I aim to recite all parts of Qur'an by heart. I want to be a Qur'an teacher for children."

For poor families religious schools are the only option for education. Schools like this one are an excellent opportunity for deaf children.

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