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Jolly Riders Donate Over 400 Bicycles to Schools

Jan 23, 2009, 6:00 AM | Article By: Alieu Jabang

In fulfillment of their promises to Gambian communities particularly schools, the Jolly Riders Foundation yesterday donated over 400 bicycles to four schools in the country.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the coordinator of the foundation in The Gambia, Mr. Babucarr Boye Touray, expressed his happiness with what he called "seeing Gambian students mobility burden to and from school being addressed." He said that his foundation would continue to support Gambian students access their schools by providing them with more bicycles.

According to Boyo Touray four schools including Kiaf Basic Cycle and Sinchu Njabo Basic will benefit from this form of donation bringing the number of bicycles donated to 3,223 distributed to 34 schools in the country. He said there are in stores in U.K. with over 5,000 bikes but because of transportation costs cannot yet be delivered. He called on government, NGO's and individual Philanthropist to assist in any form.

Speaking on behalf of their core principals, Mr. Alagie A. Njie, principal Kuntaya Basic Cycle, expressed their gratitude to the Jolly Riders Foundation and urged them to continue supporting Gambian students. They said students from their school travel over 9km to school everyday but the bike will help minimise the burden.

Mr. Alhagie Bah, senior staff at the Department of State for Education, who deputised for the permanent secretary, said rural schools are experiencing bad performances due the difficulties students encounter when going to and from schools.

He urged the schools to take great care of these bicycles so that others students will benefit as well.

He finally thanked the Jolly Riders for their gesture and urged them to continue, as the government's doors, through the Department of State for Education, are always open for them.