By: Dawda Baldeh
In a bid to promote the culture of reading, Inspiring Young Stars a youth led organisation with the goal of inspiring young people through education and literacy development has over the weekend launched a community library in Willengara Village. The event was attended by community leaders, students and teachers among others.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Alagie Ndow, founder of Inspiring Young Stars (IYS), said the organisation aims at inspiring young people through education and community development. The community library which has been in existence since 2016 has now been renovated and upgraded and is expected to continue providing 24hrs services to students.
He however acknowledged that the establishment of the library has been a challenge for the organisation.
“We engaged young people in various communities, they supported the idea since young people have become leaders through the library and some have graduated through our support programs,” he said, adding that the library caters for all categories of students.
Mr. Ndow further called on students to make the best use of the library. Commending school associations that are actively using the library. Key among them are Nusrat Senior School, St. Peters, Charles Jow and Masroor Senior School.
Sideeq Saidykhan, Imam Ratib of Willengara Village, said education is key to success, noting that students should take their education very seriously. He said even the prophet Muhammad S.A.W was asked to learn by the angel.
Mariama Jadama, a student at Nusrat Senior said the existence of the community library is important to their education.
“The library has helped me a lot in my education. I am urging my fellow students to embrace the reading culture and read different books,” she said.
Musa Saidykhan, a third-year student at the University of The Gambia, said the library has helped him a lot, adding that the library is significant in the community.
“I always come to the library every day to do my research,” he said. Other students commended Inspiring Young Stars Organization for establishing the community library.
