A sum of D3 million foundation stone for the construction of a new Upper Basic School, in Mbullum, Nuimi was last Saturday laid by Chief Alhagie Tabora Manneh, on behalf of the Governor of North Bank Region, at a ceremony held at the village.

The 22.483 hectare-long plot, sponsored by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat will house staff, amongst others, and work is expected to be completed within two years.

Speaking at the ceremony, Baba F Trawally, Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in The Gambia, said the aquisition of knowledge is a very important religious obligation. He then noted that the first revelation that was revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is an instruction that he should read.

According to him, this shows the importance Allah Almighty has placed on education and knowledge acquisition, saying “The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also emphasised it so much so that, he says knowledge should be pursued, even if one has to travel as far as China, considering the means of communication in those days, China was very far from Arabia”, he said.

He also highlighted that, seeking knowledge is not only the obligation of Muslim men, but it is also the obligation of Muslim women, adding that the promotion of education is equally a religious responsibility.

He expressed gratitude to His Excellency, President Alhagie Dr Yahya Jammeh for his visionary leadership.

According to him, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat will continue to serve Gambian people in the field of education, health and other social services.

For his part, Alhagie Tabora Manneh, the chief of Lower Nium, who laid the foundation stone, on behalf of the Governor, said Almadiyya Muslim Jamaat is well-known for their work throughout the world, adding that it is timely to construct an Upper Basic School in NBR.

According to him, since the Amadiyya Jamaat came to The Gambia they have been tirelessly working in the area of education, and Islamic teachings, among other things.

He assured that the school will go a long way towards promoting quality eduction in the country, urging parents to send their children to school as Ahmidiyya Muslim Jamaat, brings education to their doorsteps.

Cherno Cham, National Assembly Member for Lower Niumi expressed similar sentiments. He described education as a very expensive enterprise, noting that it is the corner stone and key to life.

According to him, as an educationalist he observed that “education is development and civilisation is paramount to development”.

He finally commended the Ahmadiyya Movement for their kind gesture, and then urged parents to send their children to school.

Ebrima Faye, a representative of the Alikalo of Mbullum, delivered the vote of thanks.