SIttanunku
Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School in the North Bank Region on Saturday
held its first speech and prize giving ceremony on the theme: “The Importance
of Education in National Development” for its 1st batch of Grade 12.
Speaking
on the occasion, Principal of the school, Mr Mass Faal, lauded the Ministry of
Basic and Secondary Education for upgrading the school from upper basic to
senior secondary school, with the view of taking education to the doorstep of
the people.
He
said the school is committed to providing quality and relevant education and by
extension boosting the academic morale of students in science and technical
education.
The
principal thanked and commended institutions and organisations that rendered
support to the school over the years. These included Agency for the Development
of Women and Children (ADWAC) and Action Aid International The Gambia (for the
construction of a three-classroom block, an office and library), HEEM Guard and
Football Gambia based in Holland (for a well-equipped science and technical
department), and CAMIC Angels of the UK (for putting up a three-classroom
block).
He
noted that the support had enhanced teaching and learning and contributed to
the attainment of quality education in the school.
He
hailed the Jerre Sita Development Association of Sittanunku for providing
prizes for the best male and female deserving students of the school.
Governor
Lamin Queen Jammeh, guest speaker on the occasion, thanked the school
management for the giant stride in improving learning and teaching at the
school.
He
emphasised the importance of education in national development, saying
government is very much concerned about providing quality and affordable
education to enhance human resource development and by extension contribute to
poverty reduction in the country.
He
said the upgrading of the school to senior secondary level “shows government’s
unflinching support at making education accessible to all”.
He
also used the occasion to call on parents and students to make best use of the
opportunity by enrolling their children at the school.
Deputising
the director of education, Oustass Khalipha Jammeh stressed the need for
discipline in school, saying discipline plays important role in enhancing
teaching and learning in school.
He
called on parents and students to be vigilant and to continue promoting
discipline in the school.
Dembo
Senghore, chairperson of the school management committee, in his remarks,
thanked the communities and teachers for their support at improving academic
performance of students at the school.
He
commended the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for providing free and
accessible education to children.
