Big
Dreams Incorporated, a charitable organisation founded in Georgia, USA, in
2011, Monday donated over 300 bags, books, pens, pencils, electronic gadgets
among other materials to schools in Upper Niumi District, North Bank Region.
The
donation made to students in Albreda Upper and Senior Secondary School, Sika
Lower Basic School and Mala Nursery School in Sika village, was part of the
association’s aim of making a difference in the life of children all over the
world.
The
organisation also honoured the top NAT Exams students of Sika Lower Basic
School with trophies, certificates and learning materials.
Mamina
Ebrima Sonko, CEO and founder Big Dreams, speaking at the ceremony, said when
you reward people for their hard work it motivates and encourages them to do
more, which was why they want to have that in the schools system.
They
started with Sika village in January when they provided learning materials to
over 200 students, but want to expand, he added.
“We
have to do what we can to empower our people,” he further stated, adding that
they plan to do more with the help of Allah.
“As
a Gambian and human being, in general, you should always think about where you
came from and those that helped you get to where you are,” said Mr Sonko, a
native of Sika village residing in USA with his family.
He
pointed out that some Gambians in the Diaspora are very successful, but do not
reach out to help government and our educators to invest in our children’s
future.
“There
is no better investor in The Gambia than Gambians themselves,” he added.
He
called on all to help children so they would be able to compete in the global
market.
He
also appealed to the community of Sika village to allocate them land for the
construction of the village nursery school.
Dominiquera
Sonko, also CEO and founder Big Dreams, said their goal is to impact lives of
one million kids around the world a year.
He
added that they look forward to continue helping kids around the world.
Safiatou
Sonko, Big Dreams fund-raiser coordinator, said they would continue to do as
much as they could to help educate Gambian students.
Marquarciues
Cherif Sonko, events coordinator Big Dreams, said the gesture was not a
charity, but to empower students.
Alhaji
Musa Mendy, a senior officer at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education,
commended Mr Sonko and his family for the gesture, which he said should be
emulated by every Gambian residing abroad.
Lamin
Kujabi, Big Dreams country coordinator, described students as future leaders
and as such they wanted to contribute their quota to their development.
