By: Hope Times News Desk
The Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, has commended the efforts of the Share the Light of Islam Organization for its ongoing initiative aimed at strengthening youth development through faith, education, and community support.
The Minister made the remarks during a visit to the organization’s construction site, where he was received by the Amirr, Hillal Amin Turay, and other members of the group. The visit formed part of the Ministry’s broader engagement with youth-led initiatives across the country that seek to empower young people and promote positive social values.
During a guided tour of the developing facility, the Amirr explained the long-term vision of the project and how it is expected to serve as a centre for spiritual guidance, education, and social support for young people and families.
According to Bro Hillal Amin Turay, one of the key components of the facility will be a Tahafiz Centre dedicated to the memorization of the Holy Qur’an. He noted that the programme is designed to provide young Muslims with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Islamic teachings while developing discipline, patience, and strong moral values.
He further explained that the initiative goes beyond religious education and seeks to address wider social challenges within communities. As part of the project, a Marriage and Counseling Centre will be established to offer guidance and counseling services for couples and families.
Turay emphasized that the centre will focus on promoting stable family relationships and providing support to couples experiencing marital challenges. He added that the initiative is particularly important at a time when many young couples face increasing social pressures that sometimes lead to family breakdowns and rising cases of divorce.
In addition to the educational and counseling facilities, the complex will also feature a multipurpose hall designed to host community events, youth training programmes, seminars, and educational activities. Administrative offices will also be included within the structure to support the coordination and daily operations of the organization.
The Share the Light of Islam Organization has gained recognition in recent years for its strong youth participation and active involvement in community development initiatives. Many young people across different communities have joined the organization, contributing to programmes that encourage discipline, faith, and service to society.
It was this strong youth engagement that attracted the attention of the Minister of Youth Affairs, prompting his visit to the project site to personally witness the progress of the initiative.
Speaking during the visit, Minister Sannoh praised the leadership and members of the organization for their dedication to nurturing responsible young people through faith-based programmes and community development activities.
He described the construction of the centre as a positive example of youth-driven transformation, noting that when young people are guided by knowledge, moral values, and a clear sense of purpose, they can make meaningful contributions to national development.
The Minister further stressed that initiatives that encourage discipline, unity, and responsible living among young people are essential for building peaceful and progressive communities.
He also encouraged the leadership of the organization to remain focused on their vision and continue working towards the completion of the facility. According to him, the success of such initiatives depends not only on the dedication of youth groups but also on the support of the wider community.
Minister Sannoh therefore called on community leaders, development partners, and members of the business community to support youth development projects across the country, noting that investing in the growth and empowerment of young people contributes to long-term national stability and progress.
The leadership of the organization, in response, expressed appreciation to the Minister for taking the time to visit the project site and recognize their efforts. They described the visit as an encouragement to the members of the organization who have been working tirelessly to bring the project to life.
They further stated that the centre represents their commitment to raising a generation of young people who are spiritually grounded, socially responsible, and dedicated to building stronger communities and a better future for Sierra Leone.