In Bimbilla, Northern Region, Kassimiyah English-Arabic Junior High School has undergone a major transformation after receiving a significant renovation to its long-neglected three-classroom block. The school had faced severe infrastructure challenges for nearly a decade, making it unattractive to students and leading to low enrollment. The renovation was a much-needed intervention, undertaken by the school’s alumni in collaboration with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), to improve the learning environment.
Kassimiyah English-Arabic Junior High School holds a special place as the first Arabic school in the area. Over the years, its dilapidated infrastructure hindered student participation, especially since Arabic schools in many parts of the country, particularly in the Northern Region, often face inadequate attention and resources. This had contributed to a slow decline in the school’s enrollment numbers.
However, recent positive changes have begun to take shape within the Nanumba North Municipality, where there has been a noticeable improvement in the facilities of Arabic schools. The appointment of Alhaji Abukari Alhassan Safo as the coordinator for Arabic schools in the region has played a pivotal role in mobilizing alumni support for their former institutions. His efforts have directly contributed to the renovation of three Arabic junior high schools in Bimbilla, including Kassimiyah.
Originally opened in 2009, the school received a three-classroom block in 2011, but over time, the structure fell into disrepair, with broken windows, doors, and other deteriorated features. With about 270 students currently enrolled, the school was in desperate need of renovation to improve the learning environment.
Through a successful partnership between Alhaji Safo, the school’s alumni, and the PTA, the classroom block has been fully renovated, providing a much-needed upgrade to the facilities. This renovation marks a significant step toward enhancing the educational experience for students.
At the ceremony to officially hand over the renovated structure, students expressed their excitement and gratitude, acknowledging that the improved facilities would significantly enhance their learning experience. The headmaster of the school also praised the alumni for their intervention and emphasized that while the renovation was a major improvement, there are still ongoing challenges at the school. He appealed for continued support to further improve the educational environment and resources available to students.
This renovation serves as a testament to the power of community involvement and the dedication of alumni to improving the future of their alma maters. The revitalization of Kassimiyah English-Arabic Junior High School is expected to inspire other schools in the region to pursue similar efforts and improvements.
