As part of efforts to
improve education in Akim Oda, the Zongo Youth Association based in Accra, has
supported the management of Umar Bin Abdul Aziz Islamic Institute to construct
a boarding facility.
The facility is available for both circular and
Arabic sections.
Sheikh Adbul Razak Mohammed Umar, the headmaster
of the institute, said the implementation of the boarding system for the
sections would be a landmark in the history of education in the Eastern Region.
He said available facilities in the school
include dormitories, computer laboratory, library, administrative offices,
staff common room and dining hall with some yet to be stocked to create the
enabling environment for safety and comfort for students.
Sheikh Umar said their mission was to enable
Muslims adopt Islam as a way of life and to assist and guide Muslims to perform
the obligations as described in the Holy Quran and the traditions of Prophet
Mohammed.
“It is also to promote unity, brotherhood and
cooperation among Muslims and non-Muslims,” he said.
He said over the past few years, the Institute
was established only for Arabic studies, Quran recitation and memorisation, and
the intention to expand the scope of learning to include the circular education
department, adult education, teacher training and boarding facility was
implemented upon his return home after his graduation in 2009.
He said currently, the school has 315 students
for Quranic recitation and memorisation, 350 students for Islamic studies, 87
students for the circular education and 90 students for adult education.
The headmaster said there are many students from
the outskirts of Akim Oda, who wish to attend the Institute but a school bus to
convey them to and from school has been a challenge.
Sheikh Umar said together with the committee and
the staff, they have promised to sacrifice everything to help impact knowledge
into their younger brothers, sisters and community.
Alhaji Zuberu Alidu, the Corporate Affairs and
Administrative Manager of the Zongo Development Fund, said the fund would
support the Institute with furniture and other teaching and learning materials.
He expressed the hope that management would
continue to work tirelessly to develop the students into future leaders.
Mr Abdul-Razak Adam, the Executive Director,
Finance and Strategy at the Savannah Fruits Company, said the effort was to
empower and instill in the children the values of Islam to become responsible
individuals in future.
He said individuals could take up the
responsibility of providing education to children in their community, and that
was exactly what the residents seek to do using religion as an entry point to
provide support to these children.
Mr Adam said as part of the bigger plan for the
future, they intend to acquire over 20-acre land to use for hospital, SHS and university
based on Islamic values and principles.
Alhaji Osman Abdul, the Chairman of the Zongo Youth Association in Accra, said it is important to give back to the community that has trained and empowered them to grow to become responsible adults.
