The programme was attended by high-profile dignitaries, government officials, parents, students and a cross-section of the public.
In her remarks on the occasion, the guest speaker of the occasion, Hon. Fatou Mbye, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the board and management of Seino Upper Basic School for the invitation and also expressed happiness to be part of the auspicious occasion.
She stated that she was reliably informed that Seino Upper Basic School did tremendously well in the 2012/2013 academic year.
“Learning is an enduring process, especially to such an age group,” she said, adding: “The acquisition of education will provide lots of valuable opportunities for young people engaged themselves productively, thus, improving their status in society.
“I am confident that Seino Upper Basic School is playing its role in maximizing the potential of our young people through the provision of excellence, thus effectively contributing to the socio-economic development of our beloved country The Gambia.
She congratulated the Principal and staff of the school for their hard work and dedication to duties.
Deputy Mbye also took time to hail and commend the Government of The Gambia for creating the enabling environment for all, adding: “As His Excellency always says ‘for education the sky is the limit’ and also for initiating and urging Gambians and non-Gambians together to strive to actualize the concepts of Vision 2020 and the Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment (PAGE) 2012-2015 and attainment of the MDGs, which Seino Upper Basic School is complementing.”
She stated: “It is worthy to note that Seino Upper Basic School is genuinely contributing its quota in not only providing education but quality education for that matter.”
Mrs Mbye also congratulated the families of the graduands and encouraged them to continue investing in the education of their children, as there is no better and more worthwhile investment than in education.
She said: “To the graduands, today marks an important milestone in your lives as it marks the end of schooling here and the beginning of new chapters in your lives.
“This is a day every student is looking forward to, to complete one phase of your education to be able to face the challenges that lie ahead.”
Aji Haddy Saine, proprietress of the school, said the teachers are the ones helping her to make the school what it is.
Madam Saine thanked the Deputy Speaker for accepting their invitation, while also recognizing the hard work of Hon. Sulayman Joof.
She also thanked the parents of the students for having the courage to enroll their children in her school, saying whatever she had said or done to them is in the interest of their children.
She said plans are underway to have an Arabic section of the school, adding that the building is ready but there are still some finishing touches to be done.
Fatou Ceesay, in her welcoming remarks, said they are certain parents would be satisfied with the results and performance of their children after been schooled by them.
In her closing remarks, Oulay Camara, co-proprietress and adviser to the PTA of Seino School, thanked everyone present at the occasion, especially the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, for making the day a success.
She also congratulated the graduands for doing exceptionally well in their exams, adding that she is sure they would also do well at the various schools they would go to.
She also called on them to be ambassadors of Seino wherever they go.