Aisha Oumoul Moumineen Quranic Memorization and Islamic Education Centre, a boarding school and orphanage for girls, on Sunday held its 2nd graduation ceremony at the Supreme Islamic Council offices along MDI Road in Kanifing. At least 12 students graduated and these students have completed the recitation and memorization of the Holy Quran.

Speaking at the occasion, Hon. Fatou Mbye, the deputy speaker of the National Assembly, said that the graduands should thank God because they have completed the Holy Quran, which carries a big reward from Allah.

According to her, during their childhood days, girls were unable to completely memorize the Holy Quran to satisfaction. This, she said, is because of the mentality of the generation that the girlchild should know only fewverses that she recites during prayers. The male child, she added, is given the greater opportunity. Hon. Mbye thanked the Almighty Allah for such a glorious day and wished the graduands well in life. She urged them to put the knowledge gained into good use.

For her part, Aja Jainaba Dibba, the proprietress of the school, revealed that she was an English scholar but her father brought an Oustass to their home who taught them the Holy Quran and through that she was able to learn a lot. She stated that at the school, they teach Islamic Studies, the Quran, English, Mathematics and other related subjects so as to boost the knowledge of the students. She thanked God that they are able to cope and do extremely well. Dibba also applauded her staff for their support.Dibba disclosed that the school’s enrolment figure stand at over 100 presently.

Sheikh Ibrahim H. Cham, a member of the Examination Body of the school commended the students for their efforts. He also hailed the efforts of Gambian women who are moving the Islamic and Quranic education forward as well as those building mosques in their communities. He urged others to emulate Aja Jainaba Dibba by learning the Holy Quran and to educate their children.

For his part, Imam Sheriff Sheikh Badjan of the Supreme Islamic Council, acknowledged that Aja Jainaba Dibba has been doing a lot in the teaching of Islam.