Hassan Alpha Timbo Foundation Launches Quranic Recitation Competition for 13 Sections in Sanda Tandaren Chiefdom

By Abdul M. Jalloh

232news –

The Hassan Alpha Timbo Foundation has officially launched a Quranic Recitation Competition targeting all 13 sections in Sanda Tandaren Chiefdom, Karene District.

The historic launch took place at Rokulan Town Mosque on Friday, 20th March 2026, immediately after Juma prayers. The event brought together the Foundation’s Founder and CEO, executive members, journalists, Imams, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders from within and beyond the chiefdom. The mosque was filled with dignitaries who gathered to witness the significant occasion.

The Quranic Recitation Competition aims to revive Arabic education across the chiefdom, a move widely described as timely and beneficial for both present and future generations.

To ensure the effectiveness of the initiative, religious leaders were provided with an initial financial support of NLe 10,000 to help kick-start activities and sustain momentum ahead of the competition, which is scheduled to take place during next year’s Ramadan.

As part of the program, Imams will be responsible for training and preparing children for the competition. Prizes will be awarded to winners, runners-up, and all participants as a way of encouraging widespread participation.

Speaking at the launch, the Foundation’s Director, Mohamed Munu, expressed appreciation for the large turnout and reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to the success of the initiative.

He explained that the Foundation, established by a native of the chiefdom, is currently in its introductory phase, with core focus areas including charity, advocacy for vulnerable groups, and community development.

“Our goal is to revive Arabic education to the level it once enjoyed. Today, it is increasingly rare to see children and youths committed to Arabic learning. Communities are gradually losing interest in acquiring this knowledge. We are therefore calling on Imams, local chiefs, parents, children, and all community members to support this important initiative,” Director Munu emphasized.

He added that implementation of the program will begin immediately, with next year’s Ramadan identified as the target period for the competition. Benefits for participants will include awards, scholarships, and other opportunities.

Religious leaders at the event estimated that about 85% of residents in Sanda Tandaren Chiefdom are Muslims. However, they noted a growing decline in youth participation in mosque activities and religious learning, warning that the sustainability of Islamic education depends heavily on young people.

To strengthen implementation, Imams will organize planning meetings across villages to ensure the program’s success. There are also hopes that, with sustainability and expansion, the initiative could attract support from international partners, including Arab nations and neighboring Guinea.

Emphasizing early education, stakeholders noted that equipping children with Quranic knowledge will help shape their character, instill discipline, and prepare them to become responsible members of society.

The Chief Imam of Sanda Tandaren Chiefdom, Mohamed Amin Jalloh, stated that the chiefdom has historically been known for its strong Islamic foundation, but acknowledged a noticeable decline in Arabic education in recent years. He described the Foundation’s initiative as the first of its kind in the chiefdom and a commendable step toward reversing the trend.

He further disclosed that all 13 sections have already been engaged on their roles in supporting the initiative. However, he highlighted key needs for the program’s success, including financial support, blackboards, learning materials, solar lighting, and proper learning structures to minimize distractions during classes. He called for unity and collective responsibility to ensure the initiative succeeds.

In an exclusive interview, the Founder and CEO of the Foundation, Hassan Alpha Timbo, said the initiative was inspired by his concern over the declining state of Arabic education in the chiefdom. He noted that adopting a competition-based approach would help reignite interest among children and youths.

Mr. Timbo pledged to provide the necessary financial and logistical support, including Quranic learning materials, Islamic clothing, blackboards, and continuous monitoring to ensure effective implementation.

As the community welcomed the initiative, individuals both within and outside the chiefdom have already begun expressing interest in supporting the program. This growing support is expected to expand opportunities for participants, especially as plans are underway to scale the competition to a national level.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Timbo urged religious leaders, parents, and community members to take active responsibility by guiding children, maintaining discipline, and prioritizing Arabic education.

With the official launch of this initiative, there is renewed optimism that children and youths will be motivated and empowered, Islamic education will be revitalized, and a lasting legacy of knowledge and community development will be established.