KONDOTTY, Kerala: The Ansarul Islam Charitable Trust (AICT) in Kondotty near Calicut airport plans to establish an international residential school, targeting children of expatriate workers in GCC countries.

The project named Phase Markaz International School aims at preparing outstanding students to go for higher education at reputable national and international universities and sit for civil service exams to grab the prestigious IAS, IPS and IFS jobs.

"This is a major project aimed at boosting the educational march of Malappuram district, taking it to the next level," said P.M. Meeran Ali, acting chairman of the trust.

Speaking to Saudi Gazette, he said Phase Markaz was designed to realize the hopes and aspirations of Keralite parents in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and other Gulf countries.

"Higher education of children has been one of the main concerns of expat parents. Phase Markaz is the answer for them. We'll take care of their children, providing them with necessary coaching for medical and engineering exams as well as for the central and state-level civil service exams," he explained.

"We address the issues of growing moral decadence in the society and poor relationship between parents and grownup children, by adopting effective remedial measures," he added.

A launching ceremony will be conducted on Dec. 7 at Markaz English School premises in Ekkaparamba for the project, backed by Malappuram-based Phase Academy and Marķaz English School Alumni.

A high-level organizing committee has been formed under the leadership of Kozhikkodan Abdul Rahman to ensure smooth and successful conduct of the launching ceremony.

He said Phase Markaz's academic programs are designed to revolutionize education, catering to the needs and requirements of the new generation.

"We want to bring up our students on the basis of moral and human values in order to become good citizens of the country and help them make remarkable contributions to national development.

He said the project would help realize the recommendations of the Sachar Commission, which observed the lack of proper education as the main reason for Muslims' backwardness.

Mohammad Iqbal, a senior trust official, said Phase Markaz would give +1 and +2 classes in commerce, science and humanities and conduct personality development programs.

"We intend to admit 50 students each for the three streams in the first year," he said, adding that Phase will provide experienced teachers to conduct classes. The new school will operate at Markaz Campus in Kondotty.

Mohamed Nishad, academic coordinator at Phase Academy of Science and Excellence, expressed his organization's happiness to work with AICT to produce a new generation of brilliant students who will be able to pursue their higher studies in world-class universities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Hardvard, Oxford, Cambridge and Max Planck.

"We'll ensure moral and social values along with academic excellence," he said, adding that the school would direct bright students to join premier Indian institutes such as AIIMS, IITs, IISc and IIMs.

N.C. Abubacker, area president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind expressed his satisfaction over the project and hoped it would change the face of Kondotty and its neighboring villages.

"It goes well with JIH's four-year working program that gives top priority to educational advancement," he pointed out.

Markaz English School manager Fasal Parambadan was optimistic about the project and said it would add a new golden feather on the cap of AIC trust.

Ajmal Anathan, president of Markaz English School Alumni, spoke highly about Phase Markaz and its increasing relevance in the modern era. "We are happy to associate with this significant educational project and wish every success," he added. — SG