November 26, 2016 3.45 pm This story is over 88 months old

Arabic School for All opens at Lincoln College

The Lincoln Arabic School for All has been officially opened in its new home Lincoln College. Due to a lack of funding, the supplementary Saturday school, previously based at Christ Hospital School, had struggled to find suitable teaching facilities and was in danger of closing. Now, Lincoln College International has entered into a sponsorship agreement…
The Aarabic School for All was opened in its new home at Lincoln College on Saturday, November 26. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The Lincoln Arabic School for All has been officially opened in its new home Lincoln College.

Due to a lack of funding, the supplementary Saturday school, previously based at Christ Hospital School, had struggled to find suitable teaching facilities and was in danger of closing.

Now, Lincoln College International has entered into a sponsorship agreement to support it.

ASFA now has a long-term base at the college, securing its education and support work in Lincolnshire.

The High Sherriff of Lincolnshire Jill Hughes officially opened the new base of the ASFA, in the Deans building of Lincoln College, on Saturday, November 26.

The college group is exploring ways to create links with its colleges in Qatief and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.

Arabic School For All is open to anyone above the age of five in Lincolnshire and beyond, who wishes to learn written or spoken Arabic, and learn more about the culture and traditions of Arabic speaking nations.

The supplementary school also caters for those who aspire to take formal qualifications in Modern Standard Arabic, including; GCSE, AS and A2 level exams.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The founder of the Arabic School, Inam Ibrahim said: “Thankfully, the interest of Lincoln College in the Arabic speaking world, has brought us together in what I am sure will be a fruitful relationship.

“I want to pay particular thanks to the vision of the Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln College, Mr Gary Headland, the Corporation and Board of Governors of Lincoln College and the Estates and logistics staff who have helped ASFA to settle in and have all made us feel very welcome, letting us take full advantage of the excellent teaching facilities.

“We feel confident that with the support of Lincoln College, ASFA will be able to continue to further educational opportunities, to support the Arabic speaking students and wider society, to be a positive force for peace and understanding in community relations.

“Our heartfelt thanks to Lincoln College for this new beginning,”

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lincoln College Group CEO Gary Headland said: “Lincoln College International views its sponsorship of this supplementary school as a great honour in light of the pivotal role it plays in cultural enrichment and support across Lincolnshire.

“We are proud to be contributing to an educational movement focused on the teaching of the Arabic language to individuals and families of all nationalities. The work the School does to support social and economic migrants in Britain also reflects Lincoln College Group’s commitment to adding social value to our local communities.

“Our female college in Qatief and our higher education Technical Trainers College in Riyadh, enrich the lives of Arabic Speaking students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, securing careers for people of all ages. Our intention is that Lincoln College International’s sponsorship of the ASFA will achieve the same effect here in Lincolnshire.”