In their drive to improve academic standards of young people, Kombo East Youth and Children Development Association (KEYCDA) in Western Region, in collaboration with Kaira Nyining Federation, a community-based organisation affiliated to ChildFund The Gambia, recently held a series of inter-school quiz competitions between lower basic schools within Kombo East District.
The 1st quiz competition was held between three lower basic schools, namely Giboro, Basori and Kuloro, in which Kuloro scored 56 points, Giboro 42 points and Basori 36 points.
The 2nd part of the competition was between Faraba Bantang, Sotokoi and Pirang Lower Basic Schools. In this competition, Faraba Bantang got 96 points, Sotokoi emerged with 91 points and Pirang got 88 points. The last part of the quiz competition was held between Kafuta, Sohm and Tumani Tenda Lower Basic Schools. Sohm scored 43 points, Kafuta 42 points and Tumani Tenda 32 points.
Speaking to the competing students and their teachers, shortly before the start of the competition, the Children Co-ordinator of KEYCDA, Mr. Ousman Bah said KEYCDA started operation in 2005, adding that it was the youths of Kombo East District, who came together to form the association.
He said that under the KEYCDA umbrella, "they have the youths, children and sports committees," adding that every child in Kombo East District is a member of the children committee.
In welcoming KEYCDA officials to his school, on behalf of the Head Teacher of Kafuta Lower Basic School, Mr. Burang Jawla, the Deputy Head Teacher of the school, Abdoulie Jarjue expressed gratitude to KEYCDA.
He said the competition would uplift academic standards of their children and boost their morals. Jarjue urged Kaira Nyining Federation and KEYCDA officials to continue with their good initiative.
Speaking at Kafuta quiz competition, the Child and Youth Officer at Kaira Nyining Federation, Lamin Darboe said ChildFund seeks to achieve three main core outcomes.
Mr. Darboe said the quiz competition is in line with ChildFund’s global strategy core outcomes of education. He emphasised that children need to get necessary education and confident to enhance their participation and to enable them to contribute to the creation of a protective environment.
"Am sure the quiz competition will contribute to ensuring quality education among the students and it will also re-enforce healthy community school-relationships," Mr. Darboe said.
Prizes were given to all the participating schools, students and also students who scored the highest points in the form of educational items.