Our Work in Africa Deepens: Visit to Gambia
IBQS President Halis Kuralay was in Banjul, the capital of Gambia, on 17–24 January 2026. He attended a meeting of foundations providing religious services in 25 African countries, presented Braille Qurans and Elif primers to the GOVI school for the blind, and guided the founding of a Gambian association to join the Union.
Halis Kuralay, President of the International Union of Braille Quran Services (IBQS), visited Banjul, the capital of Gambia, between 17 and 24 January 2026.
Kuralay took part in a meeting of foundations that provide religious services in 25 African countries. He held a series of discussions during the meeting and, at its close, gave a speech introducing the Union and explaining the importance of religious services for people with disabilities.
He then visited the GOVI Resource Center, a school for the visually impaired, and was briefed by its officials. The school belongs to the Gambia Organization for the Visually Impaired (GOVI); it is a day school with 45 students, and all of its expenses other than teachers' salaries are covered by donations. The Union presented the school with a set of Braille Qurans, 20 Elif primers and various gifts.
Kuralay also appeared on a local radio station, answering questions about his visit and the work of the Union. On the final day he gave information and guidance on drafting the bylaws of an association to be named "Gambian Muslim Blind People", which is to join the Union.
A thank-you video from the GOVI school was shared on the Union's social media accounts on 1 February 2026.
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