04 Oct 2016

 Efforts to transform Old Naledi location in Gaborone from a feared, crime infested community into a conducive locale, are gaining momentum.

More people and organisations such as the Naledi Islamic Centre are joining the initiative.

The centre took under its wing, a populace of over 90 children, aged between seven and 15 to train them on how to become a generation of successful and responsible change agents.

The project, sponsored by the Botswana Muslim Association and other donors, was coordinated by Sheick Ebrahim Koloi. 

The association provided learning material and the venue while other donors helped with food hampers, blankets, clothes and shoes.

“The children come to the centre every Monday to Friday after school from 4:30pm to 6:30pm where I teach them how to live a good life in a godly manner. I support and encourage them to take their education very serious and I involve their parents as well. The service and everything are offered for free.”  Sheick Koloi revealed.

 He said he often call meetings with parents to discuss issues pertaining to the children's' wellbeing. 

He said he facilitated mingling of these children and ensure that they ttok part in community activities.

 He said the centre upheld cultural values such as respect, obedience and tolerance that were vital for transformation of the community.

He said they targeted children because they were  the future leaders, therefore they needed proper upbringing.

 For over 30 years in operation, the centre gained popularity at Old Naledi.

He also divulged that the centre helped other community members such as the old people and under privileged by giving out blankets and food hampers.

Despite the good turnout of the children on a daily basis, Sheick Koloi asserted that when they reached their teen-years, some of them drop out of Madressah.

 He disclosed that children who get assistance from the Centre are not forced to affiliate in Islam; they still have a choice of affiliation when they grow up.

According to him, the centre started in 1985 at Old Naledi with a mission to keep children away from the streets and indulging in destructive behavior such as drinking alcohol, drugs and involving in criminal activities.  ENDS