The Africa Muslims Agency with funding from the State of Kuwait recently inaugurated a four-classroom block at the Madarass Assalam Orphanage in Banjulinding, Kombo North, West Coast Region.
Speaking at the inauguration, the project manager of Africa Muslim Agency, Mohammed Kabir Jaye, gave an overview of the project.
He said the construction work on the school began in 2005 but was officially inaugurated in 2007.
According to him, the orphanage, which accommodates one hundred and sixty orphans, is furnished with a dining hall, a mosque and a six-classroom block.
He added that the total number of students at the orphanage, including those coming from outside, is over four hundred.
“Currently there are four hundred and seventy students enrolled at the centre,” he said. “The purpose of expanding the centre is to ensure that the centre accommodates the increasing number of orphans seeking education.”
Africa Muslims Agency, he says, is here to complement government’s efforts and therefore deems it fitting to increase the classroom blocks as the demand for the classrooms is very high.
“The Agency is here to help the poor and the needy, which are the most vulnerable in the society,” he said, adding that the agency would continue to support the country’s education sector.
Mr Jaye challenged parents in the community to support the centre even though the orphanage offers free education. They still need the support of families of the students, he says.
For his part, the alkalo of Sinchu Alhagie, Salifu Ceesay, commended the agency through their country director for its invaluable support to the poor and the needy in the country.
“The Africa Muslim Agency is supporting not only this centre but also many areas in this country,” he said, adding that its contribution towards national development is immeasurable.
He also called on all Gambians to support the agency “as it is here to help humanity”.