A long time ago, I was asked to teach some young girls, aged 7 or 8. Anyone familiar with the Zongo setting and how early some parents send their children to school, or what we call makaranta, will understand where I’m coming from.
I was born and raised in New Fadama, an urban suburb of Accra, the capital of Ghana. I was taken to Nuuru Usmaniyyah in New Fadama at a young age. Nuuru Usmaniyyah is a non-profit organization that became a big part of my life. Thanks to them, I was able to learn and later teach many people from our Zongo communities. I was given the nickname “Mallam Bash,” and for those of you wondering what that name means, I’ll make a small confession in one of my future posts.
The organization, under the guidance of the National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, provides free housing, education, healthcare, and social support to children at no cost to their families or guardians, thanks to the kindness of our noble patron, Sheikh Isahak Seidu Safari. I received both my Islamic and formal education there, fully supported by the organization.
A few years later, I was encouraged to start teaching younger children. I saw it as a chance to give back to the same organization that helped shape the person I am today. Mardiya and Farida were the first two girls I started teaching. Through them, I saw how powerful and meaningful teaching could be. It pushed me to do more because I realized the impact was real and valuable.
This experience opened the door for me to become one of the tutors of the organization. Since then, I’ve had the privilege to teach and guide hundreds of children, many of whom are now grown adults, living their lives with the knowledge they gained.
Looking back, I say Alhamdulillah. That small beginning led to a journey of service, and I’m truly grateful for it.
Thanks for reading.
Written by Shaibu Sulleyman
Writer, technologist, and founder of Shared Voices.
This article was first published in May, 2025. It is now archived here on theshaibu.com to preserve its message and make it accessible to a wider audience.