Students Sent Packing After Floodwater Submerges Nurul Islamic School in New Jeshwang

Submerged Classroom © Askanwi

By Edward Francis Dalliah

In the aftermath of a heavy downpour on 30th August 2025, students of Nurul Islamic School in New Jeshwang were forced to return home as floodwaters submerged their classrooms, mosque, and offices, leaving learning at a standstill.

Speaking to Askanwi in an exclusive interview, the school’s proprietor, Oustaz Ousman A. Jeng, explained that the children were attending summer classes but could not continue because of the flood. He told our reporter that at first, they tried to manage the situation, but eventually, they had no choice but to send the children home. Oustaz Jeng added that parents have grown increasingly concerned about the school’s vulnerability to flooding, with some even transferring their children to other schools.

Submerged School © Askanwi

He acknowledged that flooding has become a recurring problem at the school whenever there is a heavy downpour. Nurul Islamic School is located near a waterway that connects the gutters along the fence of the Police Intervention Unit, which heads to the rice field at New Jeshwang. This waterway channels rainwater from nearby communities, including Kanifing and Westfield, making the school vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains.

Oustaz Ousman A. Jeng © Askanwi

Oustaz Jeng pointed out that despite efforts to mitigate the school from flooding, such as raising a three-course block at the gate and his office door, rainwater continues to invade the compound and office, damaging some equipment. He said, ‘the school is always affected whenever it rains heavily, and [they] have no permanent solution to it.’

When asked if he would relocate the school if given land elsewhere, Mr. Jeng responded, ‘Yes, I would go. That is the best option for me.’ He is now appealing to the public, organisations, and authorities to provide urgent support to help safeguard the school.

Submerged Classrooms © Askanwi

With the school prone to flooding whenever it rains heavily, its future at that land hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, the founder’s urgent appeal for help underscores the need for immediate intervention from the community and authorities to protect and ensure that education can continue safely, whether through aid or by providing a new, flood-free location for smooth operation.

Submerged School Office © Askanwi