By: Alieu Ceesay
A Gambian living in the United States is offering free Arabic lessons to students in The Gambia to give back to his homeland. Motivated by a passion for education and cultural preservation, his initiative aims to provide young Gambians with the opportunity to learn the Arabic language, regardless of their financial background.
This dedicated individual aims to empower future generations through remote teaching with valuable language skills that open doors to education, religion, and career opportunities.
During an interview with TAT, Ibrahima Fatty, based in the United States of America, mentioned that he was inspired to establish this excellent initiative because he was once a student at an Arabic school where students read the holy Quran.
He observed students’ challenges in their Arabic education journey in the Gambia.
“I’m doing this free Islamic education for the sake of Allah,” Fatty told TAT. His intention to run such an initiative has been hanging in his mind since 2010.
Fatty’s background suggests that his father was a Quranic tutor. He said, “I struggled to work and pay my school fees. It was a tough journey. I think it was because of that tough journey that made me humble and made me know what life is. It is always a dream to give back to the community.”
His Arabic school focuses on reciting the Qur’an. It also includes basic English lessons to explore the student’s knowledge of the country’s official language. English language is included as part of the school’s future curriculum.
Born in the bustling streets of Serrekunda, Fatty expressed his ambition: “In the future, I aim to build a school with at least a thousand students. That’s my plan.”
The Quranic schools alleviate the financial burden that many parents and guardians typically experience.
