A month-long religious course meant for reforming orphans ended recently at the Ummul Qura Foundation Headquarters in Latrikunda Sabiji.

Addressing the closing ceremony, the Guest Speaker of the occasion also the Director of Social Welfare, Mrs. Fanta Bai Secka, called for attitudinal change towards orphans.

“We must provide orphan child with the opportunity to grow with a healthy mind irrespective of sex,” she stressed. She expressed dismay over the problem of small children sent for Islamic education but subjected to begging as Almudos at various places.
“This makes children become so exposed to the streets with its attendant problems. We are faced with an alarming increase in the number of unwanted social problems culminating in child delinquency, exploitation and abuse. Orphan child continues to be treated in a different way; their inheritance usually mismanaged and they are disadvantaged in many respects and therefore prone to abuse, ” she lamented.

Social Welfare director called on families to take their responsibilities towards giving children good morals to prepare them for effective participation in national development endeavours.
She appealed to donors to also help caretakers and guardians of orphans in the form of micro-finance schemes.

Speaking earlier, Sheikh A.T Jonga, the course coordinator, revealed that the course, alongside others held in 18 countries worldwide, was funded by Sheikh Eid Bin Muhammad Al-Thani Charity Association in Qatar.
He said that during the course, participants were exposed to topics such as Quran, Hadith, Tawheed, Islamic jurisprudence among others.
The President of Supreme Islamic Council, Ahmed Banding Drammeh, applauded the Oummul Qura Foundation for a successful training.

Sheikh Abubacarr Lowe, Vice President and Project Director of the foundation, read out the course recommendations, highlighting one of the recommendations for the course to be organized on annual basis.
Musa Baba Camara, a participant, expressed appreciation to the foundation for giving them skills that can positively transform lives.

Sheikh Mustapha Cham expressed appreciation to Sheikh Eid Bin Muhammad Al-Thani charity Association for sponsoring the course.

Dr. Ousman Jah chaired the ceremony attended by several dignitaries