US-based NGO constructs school for orphans in Katsina
Zubairu Idris
A US-based NGO, Islamic Ummah Relief (IUR), has constructed an orphanage home and school for orphans and other less privileged children in Katsina State.
The facility is designed to offer sound and standard education to the orphans as well as the less privileged children in the society.
The facility named ‘The Magnet Academy At Alhuda’ has the motto: Nurturing the minds and spirit of our future generation.
Commissioning the edifice, Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, applauded the group’s foresight for initiating such projects solely for the benefit of orphans and other less privileged children in the society.
“What we saw today, is a something that touched our hearts.
“The IUR Chairman told us that he grew up as an orphan, and was taken care by his mother up to the time Almighty Allah gave him opportunity to go to America for study, after which, he resides there.
“He didn’t forget what happened to him when he was young, that’s why he established the school in Katsina, in fact, this school is among comprehensive schools that every one will want to take his child to,” he said.
Radda thanked the chairman for the initiative and urged others to emulate the gesture by supporting orphans to also achieve their potentials in life just like other children.
Earlier, the IUR Chairman, Mr Zahradeen Ibrahim-Hassan, an indigene of Katsina State, residing in America, said the NGO is also working in other countries like Ghana, Niger and Uganda.
“IUR now focuses attention on orphans from four-to-six years, so as to give them not only a sense of belonging but also to pave the way for them to achieve their potentials in future.
“We want to give them sound education, considering how the North is left behind in western education, at the same time, economic constraint is affecting the education of such children.
“We started the journey six years ago, thanks to Almighty Allah Who makes our efforts a reality today,” he said.
Also, the Director of the school, Mr Auwal Mohammed Giyade, said education and other services in the school are free.
He said that scouting for genuine orphans to enjoy the gesture had already started, adding that 25 to 30 pioneer children will be enrolled from kindergarten to secondary school.
According to him, the school has the necessary facilities to enhance learning and improve the livelihood of the beneficiaries while in the orphanage home.
“Here, we have hostels, playgrounds, play toys, enough classes, library, other learning materials, clinic, three meals for each pupil, and other basic needs free.
“All these will be provided by the IUR and it neither belongs to government nor does it have affiliation with any political party,” he added.
The director revealed that the services would start immediately, assuring that the NGO has made adequate arrangement to ensure sustainability.
