Islamic clergymen observing the inauguration of the school
The Darussalam Islamic School, an 18-unit classroom block structure that covers Primary 1 to Junior High School (JHS) 3, has been inaugurated in Zabrama Line, a suburb of Dansoman in the Greater Accra Region.
The goal of the school is to nurture children in the community and surrounding inner cities (Russia, Shukura, Dansoman, Banana Inn, etc.) to be ethical, confident, and intellectually savvy and to instill in them discipline for the much-needed change in the community.
The inauguration ceremony, which witnessed the assembling of Islamic clergymen, local government authorities and residents, was under the chairmanship of the former head of the Greater Accra Council of Zongos, Alhaji Salisu Maude.
In his remarks, Alhaji Salisu Maude who is a major supporter of numerous youth-led organisations including the Zongo Inspiration Team, underscored the relevance of education in the development of Zongo communities across the country.
He applauded the youth and leaders of the community for mobilising resources to develop the educational complex aimed at bridging the educational gap in the Zongo community.
A consultant of the planning committee of the project, Abdulahi Ibrahim, lamented the deteriorating state of education of youth in the inner cities.
He recalled the outcome of a survey conducted by the Planning Committee of Darussalam Islamic School (DSI) which revealed that less than 3% of students in the community can obtain a first degree from a recognised secular university, and about 40% drop out of school after Junior High School.
“The community is also faced with low representation in socio-political discourse, poor background in secular education, and inadequate knowledge of the Arabic language and Islam itself.
“It is for this reason that five years ago, the people of Zabrama Line decided to build a state-of-the-art school, fully equipped to help address the challenges highlighted,” he added.
Member of Parliament, Abdul-Latif Dan, donated GH¢55,000, 10 computers, and educational scholarships to the best five students. Persons from Sheikh Hajj Umar, the National Imam of Ahl Sunnah Wal Jama’h, Council of Zongo Chiefs, and residents made some contributions towards the administration of the school.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke