The
Jeggan Cole Memorial Foundation (JCMF) continues to support needy students in
the Greater Banjul and Basse Areas. In line with its mission and what has now
become an annual event, JCMF awarded 21 students full scholarship at ceremonies
held simultaneously at the YMCA hall in Kanifing and St. George’s school ground
in Basse on Saturday, November 17th.
In
what is considered very special ceremonies this year, students were provided
with additional support from surprising quarters. With support from the Lipsy
family, Christ Presbyterian Church, Bantaba, and friends of Jeggan Cole across
the USA. JCMF scholars each received a backpack filled with school supplies,
items of clothing as well as personal hygiene products. Other scholarship items
included the usual school uniform, textbooks, exercise books, shoes and school
bills. It was a time of great excitement and expressions of gratitude among the
scholars as the backpacks were being presented.
The
aim is to further motivate students to excel in school and rise above average
performance. Each student is mentored throughout the year providing among
others homework support and encouraged to volunteer and participate in
community initiatives as a way of reaching out and giving back. While our
effort may seem like a drop in the ocean, JCMF is determined to support
students even if it means one student at a time. Such support is viewed and
captured in the timeless words of Julia Abigail Fletcher, an American poet:
“Little
drops of water, little grains of sand, make the mighty ocean and the pleasant
land.”
In
her motivational speech to the students during the ceremony in Banjul, Mrs.
Priscilla Dunn of YMCA challenged students to work even harder and to honour
the sacrifices of their families and all who support the work of the
Foundation. “This is by no means an easy feat because someone, somewhere has
decided to forgo some niceties in order to contribute to humanity, so I plead
with you to take this opportunity seriously and one day pay it forward.” A
goodwill message was also read out urging students to hunker down and be
determined, disciplined and not be afraid to ask questions. The message further
emphasised that the habit of picking up a book to read only when one has
examinations should not be the habit of the scholars but to read wide and
pursue knowledge. The message ended with a challenge; “Be creative and do not
settle for mediocrity. Always strive to be a better version of yourself every
single day!”
Mrs.
Nellie Taylor and Mrs. Patience Sarr presented the items and certificates to
the 12 scholars while Mr. Charles Sarr who represented Bantaba made a few
remarks during the ceremony. Miss. Odeth Mendy, a recent graduate of St.
Peter’s Technical Senior and a recipient of the JCMF scholarship for four years
delivered the vote of thanks. The ceremony was presided over by Mrs. Asta Jobe.
Meanwhile,
at the far end of the country and at the very same time, the JCMF coordinator,
Mr. Musa Sanneh, was presiding over the Basse ceremony following a similar
programme. Mr. Sainey Kanuteh of Physical Planning delivered the motivational
speech to the scholars and guests, while Father Steven of the Anglican Church
presented the items and certificates to the 9 Basse scholars. Mr. Sulayman
Jallow of St. George’s Technical Junior & Senior Secondary School, a proud
JCMF scholar in Grade 11 closed the event by delivering the vote of thanks. The
scholars of both ceremonies entertained the guests by reciting poems and light
refreshment was served at the end. Parents, guardians, teachers, friends and
partners of the Foundation graced both ceremonies with their presence. It was a
memorable day filled with excitement and hope.