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Boost For Panchang, Nyanga Bantang Schools

Oct 28, 2009, 5:01 PM | Article By: Abdourahman Sallah in CRR

The Associations of Gambians living in America over the weekend donated educational materials worth thousands of Dalasi to two schools: Nyanga Bantang Lower Basic School and Panchang Basic Cycle School in the Niani district, Central Ricer Region.

The donated items, which included teaching and learning materials, such as books and pens was made possible through the Farmers Inter-Trade Association (FITA), which is partnering with the association.

In handing over the items, Mr. Musa Jawneh, the President of FITA spoke at length on the importance of the gesture, adding that the donation was meant for schools that were affected by the disaster during the rainy season.

According to him, FITA is an organisation established by farmers with the sole objective of selling their products at the end of every harvest season. He noted that the purpose of the donation was to reduce the burden of purchasing educational materials on parents.

Mr. Jawneh commended the Association of Gambians living in America for what he described as a timely gesture, calling on other associations and NGOs to emulate them.

In receiving the donated items, on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Andrew Gomez, a Senior Education Officer at the Regional Educational Directorate hailed the donors for their benevolent gesture, adding that it comes at a time when the schools are in dire need of the items.

"This gesture will not only complement the efforts of government but will contribute immensely to the attainment of quality education in the region," he added.

According to him, government cannot do everything alone, hence the need for others to contribute in the crusade to achieve the desired goals.

For his part, the Chief of Upper Saloum, Malick Mbye commended the donors for their humanitarian gesture.

The ceremonies held at Nyanga Bantang and Panchang schools, respectively were chaired by the Principals of both schools.