Danish students support Kuntaur schools

Students of Helsingnor Little School in Denmark on 3 February 2016 donated learning and teaching materials to Kuntaur Upper and Lower Basic schools during the annual learning trip of the Danish students.

In addition, new and used clothes alongside foot wears were donated to each of the households in Kuntaur Fulla Kunda village.

Twelve Danish students were involved in the 2016 visit to The Gambia which is part of the Helinsgnor / Kuntaur Fulla Kunda link.  

During the presentation ceremonies, the Alakalo of Kuntaur Fulla Kunda Alhagie Sulayman Jawoh paid tribute to the pioneer of the link, Momodou Camara, and the link coordinator, Kanimang Camara, for working hard to ensure that the link survives for at least 19 years now.

Also the president of the School Management Committee, Mr Jawoh said the link’s operation has been beneficial to the school, health centre and the entire community of Niani.

The village Alkalo accorded ‘honorary villager’ to the visiting students and teachers from Denmark.

For the past 19 years, at least 14 students are sponsored, annually, from the neediest families to continue their basic education.  The package includes provision of uniforms, bags, shoes and stationery requirements for each of the sponsored students.  

Landing Badgie, principal of Kuntaur Upper Basic School, commended the Helsingnor school for their support to the basic school since the establishment of the link in 1997.

The principal thanked the Danish friends for making available all the necessary materials for the school saying the materials will go a long way in facilitating conducive learning environment in the school.

Kanimang Camara, coordinator of the link, in handing over the learning and teaching materials to Kuntaur Upper and Lower Basic schools, thanked the parents, students and staff of Helsingnor Little School for responding positively to the request forwarded to them by the schools.

He also applauded them for the support to the household heads in Kuntaur Fulla Kunda village.

Mr Camara noted that during the 19 years of the link, more than 375 students were sponsored and that has positively reflected in the results of the Grade 9 Examination.

Momodou S. Kanyi, a representative of the Regional Education Directorate, noted that the provision of adequate and conducive learning environment is necessary for success in examinations.

He also said the roles and responsibilities of parents are paramount in ensuring quality education for all as enshrined on the education policy of The Gambia.

Mrs Soes Rasmussen, class teacher at the Denmark school and the team leader for the visit, thanked the Camara family, parents and teachers of Kuntaur Upper Basic School for accepting to host the 19th trip of Helsingnor Little School to The Gambia.

She said the trip was possible because of the tireless work of both the students and their parents in the last four years in raising funds.  

As part of the visit of the Danish students to The Gambia, there will be joint classes and exchange of teaching experiences and learning points, participation in the inter-house athletic competition, a friendly football match between the two schools, visit to families of the Gambian friends, and visit to historical sites in the region.