SISTER LAILA CENTRE FOR GIRL CHILD EDUCATION COMMISSIONED IN KUMASI

A Senior Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Professor Nail Mohammed Kamil, has underscored the importance of girl child education. Speaking at the commissioning of an after-school learning facility, library, computer lab and skills training centre in Kumasi, Professor Nail Mohammed Kamil, said, "the first university established in the world in 859 CE was created by a Muslim Moroccan called Fatima Al-Fihri. Also, at the time of Prophet Mohammed, there was a woman who was considered the first nurse who used to accompany and treat wounds of Muslim soldiers during wars." He called on all relevant stakeholders to promote and support girl child education in Ghana.

A recent report from the Africa Education Watch, reveals that there are one million girls out of school as a result of poverty. The Sister Laila Centre for Girl Child, a newly created institution will serve as a centre that educates girls in both secular and Islamic education.

A Commission Member of the National Commission Civic Education (NCCE), Hajia Hajara Mohammed Rufai, at the event explained that, although the Zango community has over the years invested significantly in the education of boys, it has paid little or no attention to educating girls. "Without knowledge, a woman cannot manage her home’, she said.

Hajia Mohammed Rufai mentioned that, per the teachings of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the woman's lap is the first school for every child. It is therefore imperative that the girl child is equipped with knowledge and skills that will enable her to educate her children to be responsible citizens. ‘Ignorance has no impact. One cannot teach what one doesn’t know. Religion had made seeking knowledge compulsory for both men and women. It is part of faith and a very important part of the sunnah or tradition that Muhammad (PBUH) to ensure that girls, alongside boys, are educated. By education, I do not mean only Islamic and secular knowledge but also skills like hairdressing, dressmaking, and so on, which are equally important, she emphasised.

Hajia Hajara Rufai Mohammed further explained that one cannot teach what one has no knowledge of. Therefore, to ensure quality holistic education of the entire Ummah, educating the girl child must be given utmost priority. "

A video of Ayisha Baba, who as a result of poverty, moved to Kumasi to work at a chop bar to be able to further her education was showcased at the event to empower participants and the girl child.

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