By Awa Conteh
The Next Generation Foundation has donated hundreds of books and copies of the Holy Quran to support young learners in Saruja.
The donation was officially presented on Tuesday at Saruja Lower Basic School. The Foundation handed over 261 English supplementary books to strengthen classroom learning and improve students’ literacy skills. In parallel, 50 copies of the Holy Quran were provided to the Saruja Arabic School and the community mosque to enhance Quranic studies and moral instruction for children and youth in the area.
The items, valued at approximately D80,000, form part of the Foundation’s broader commitment to education-driven community empowerment in The Gambia.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Lamin Saidykhan, Program Manager of the Next Generation Foundation, emphasized that the gesture goes beyond mere material supply.
“This donation is about nurturing knowledge, faith, and discipline among young learners,” Saidykhan said. “The books are specifically for the Lower Basic School to support education and improve literacy, while the Holy Quran is for the mosque and Arabic school. By giving them access to the Quran, we are helping to instill strong moral values and a deeper understanding of their religion, which will guide them throughout their lives. We believe this initiative will greatly support and advance Quranic learning in the community.”
Teachers, religious leaders, and residents of Saruja warmly welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and highly impactful. They highlighted that the donation would significantly alleviate the shortage of learning resources in both the formal and religious education sectors, ultimately improving academic performance and strengthening students’ religious foundations.
The contribution comes at a time when many rural communities in The Gambia continue to face challenges in accessing quality educational materials. By addressing both secular and Islamic education needs, the Next Generation Foundation’s initiative is seen as a holistic approach to youth development.
The Foundation has vowed to sustain and expand its efforts nationwide, with a strong focus on education, youth empowerment, and social impact initiatives. Officials indicated that similar donations and community support programs are planned for other regions in the coming months.
