Gambega Limited, the producers of the Coca-Cola brand, in collaboration with the GRTS and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education recently launched an annual science and maths quiz competition, at a ceremony held at GRTS.
The competition would be run live on TV every Saturdays, starting from Saturday 24th April 2010 between the hours of 11am and 12 noon, and will last for three months.
Speaking at the programme, Gambega Country Sales Manager Mr. Seth Adu-Baah, said the competition, which is being sponsored by the Fanta brand involves 12 schools in the Greater Banjul Area. He revealed that at the end of the competition, the success would be reviewed, after which it will be rolled-out to cover the entire country in the upcoming years.
According to him, prizes including science and maths books, scientific calculators, mathematical sets, Coca-cola products and other surprises will be awarded to the three top schools.
Noting that certificates of participation will also be awarded to participating schools, he said, the company has come up with the initiative, due to the fact that every nation is based on the strength of science and technology.
He further revealed that their company has also been involved in areas such as sports, music and culture and the environment. He seized the opportunity to thank President Jammeh for creating the enabling environment.
For his part, Mr. Adama Gumbu Jobe from the Ministry of Education disclosed that the competition involves senior schools that offer science subjects, such as biology, chemistry and physics. He noted that science and maths are very crucial subjects for the socio-economic development of a nation. The competition, he stated, would avail young children the opportunity to expose their talents, while urging teachers and parents to give students the support needed.
He challenged other institutions, NGOs to come up with such initiatives to enable children showcase their hidden talents.
Other speakers included Kemo Jatta, who represented the Director of GRTS.
At the end of the programme, a balloting exercise was conducted among various schools, namely Marina International, Nusrat Senior, Kotu Senior, Gambia High, Muslim Senior, SOS, Methodist Academy, St. Augustine Senior, Ndow's Comprehensive, WAIS, St. Peter's Senior and St. Joseph Senior Secondary School.
