# SAMA - Friday Prayer and Islamic Education Centre

SAMA is an inclusive out-of-school hours centre based in Bow, Tower Hamlets, serving the local East London community. The organisation provides Islamic religious education alongside academic tuition, creating a welcoming space where families can explore faith, values, and community.

The centre caters to children and adults seeking structured Islamic studies, including Quranic learning, Arabic language, and Tajweed instruction. Their curriculum combines traditional Islamic education with engaging storytelling and cultural activities—such as their "Little Hearts of Islam" programme featuring Quranic studies, Islamic stories, and Arabic rhymes. SAMA also offers mainstream national curriculum tuition to support academic development alongside religious education.

What distinguishes SAMA is their holistic community approach. Beyond formal teaching, they facilitate Friday Jumu'ah prayers, host community workshops, operate a summer school programme, and provide flexible adult classes during school term times. This multi-faceted model positions them as both an educational institution and a community gathering space.

SAMA operates with a philosophy that "every child matters," emphasising inclusive access to quality services. They actively engage local fundraising and accept donations to maintain affordable provision, recognising education as a community responsibility rather than purely commercial service. Their online presence across social media and digital classes extends reach beyond their physical location, whilst their online shop provides additional resources to support learning at home.