Masākin Mohammediya and Rabwat Jibla: Student Residences
THE BIRDS’ NEST
Student residences have an important role in creating an atmosphere that represents the values and norms imparted during classroom teaching.
Masākin Mohammediya is the on-campus residence for boys whilst Rabwat Jibla is its equivalent for girls. Since this is the first experience of living away from home for many students, it encourages them to be independent and resourceful. On one hand, students can devote more time to academic pursuits as time otherwise spent commuting is better utilised. On the other hand, students have the opportunity to interact and socialise with others from different cities and countries.
Pictured Right: The newly constructed Masākin building in Nairobi features a ‘weave’ of wooden planks representing a bird’s nest. Among other things, the ‘weave’ signifies the myriad backgrounds and countries of students and their ability to come together creating not only harmony but a sanctuary for all.
A HIVE OF ACTIVITY
The majority of students share rooms that accommodate between three to eight students while senior students are allotted single rooms in select campuses. The residences have their own in-house laundry, canteen, infirmary and common rooms.
Departing from conventional dormitory norms, students take turns to prepare breakfast for an entire floor of their hostel every morning. Students are responsible for the cleaning and care of their own rooms and the general welfare of their hostel. Responsibilities such as these help build character and instil a sense of belonging and brotherhood.
Pictured left: An external view of the Masākin building in Surat. Like other buildings in the Surat campus, the balconies feature a hexagonal pattern representing a honey bee’s hive.