Islamic Studies Course For 150 Orphans Kicks-Off

UMMUL Qura Foundation last Saturday started a month-long Islamic Course which saw 150 orphans attending the foundation at Latrikunda Sabiji.

Speaking at the occasion, the coarse director Sheikh Tijan Jonga said the training will widen the knowledge of the students on Islamic teachings adding that during the coarse Islamic Scholars will be invited to give lectures on various topics.

Mr Jonga stated that the coarse is initiated and sponsored by the orphans committee of Sheikh Eid Bin Muhammed Al- Thani Charity Association, a charitable organisation in the Gulf state of Qatar.

In his remarks, the president of the foundation, Alieu Mustapha Cham, said his foundation presently is supporting 205 orphans and the foundation through the support they receive from donors and is responsible for the feeding, clothing and the educating the orphans.

Mr Cham pointed out that the coarse is being run in 16 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe within 27 organisations noting that 3,700 orphans have benefited from the coarse.

Delivering her keynote address at the occasion, Mrs Fanta Bai Ceesay, director of Social welfare, said reports have indicated that in The Gambia presently there are 63,000 orphans.

She added that UMMUL Qura has been supportive towards the welfare of orphans in the country.

She called on the Marabout's to take good care of their students and not force them to go to the streets to beg.

Other speakers at the occasion included the president of the Supreme Islamic Council