50 women from Jaksaw Women’s Group of Lamin village in the Kombo North District, were on Monday awarded certificates during the ten-year celebration of Zahra Foundation of The Gambia at a ceremony held at the Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi.

The ceremony brought together Islamic scholars, activists, religious leaders, government officials and other dignitaries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Abubacarr Abdullah Senghore, senior lecturer and head of social science department, University of The Gambia, said that the event is significant in the calendar of muslim activities in the country, noting that education is the cornerstone of Islam as a civilisation and way of life.

He added that, the most effective way or means of preserving and protecting Islam is through education. He said, that is why the Islamic NGO’s, civil society organisations are involved in the forefront of global activities for the promotion and protection of Islam as a way of life.

According to him, before the organisation started their educational progamme, a lot of muslim  women did not know anything about their religion. “But out of sincerity, dedication and hard work of the Foundation under the able leadership of Sohna AJi Fatou Bin Njie, a large number of muslim women have now a wide knowldge  of different aspects of Islam as a way of life”, he said.

Dr Senghore further commended Sohna Aji Fatou Bin Njie for her tireless efforts in ensuring that many women are benefitting the knowledge of Quran through her Foundation. He therefore urged all muslims, individually or collectively to lend a hand in supporting the foundation, emphasizing that the efforts constitute a noble course. He quoted a verse from the Qu’ran which Allah described this kind of mission or profession as the noblest and most pleasing in the eyes of Allah. He finally reiterated that support is needed for the foundation.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Alasana Jammeh, Permanent Secretary Department of State for Local Government  and Religious Affairs; Sulayman Samba Permanent Secretary Department of State for Health and Social Welfare, Imam Ensa Darboe, Imam Banding Drammeh, President of the Supreme Islamic Council, Abdou Sarr, Lamin Dibba Director of NGO’s affairs, Shereign Abdul Aziz Dabah of Tiwawon Senegal, who all expressed similar sentiments. Also present at the ceremony were Dr Omar Jah, Aja Maimuna Yadalieu Savage and other personalities.