Sittanunku Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School holds maiden speech and prize giving ceremony

SIttanunku Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School in the North Bank Region on Saturday held its first speech and prize giving ceremony on the theme: “The Importance of Education in National Development” for its 1st batch of Grade 12.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal of the school, Mr Mass Faal, lauded the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for upgrading the school from upper basic to senior secondary school, with the view of taking education to the doorstep of the people.

He said the school is committed to providing quality and relevant education and by extension boosting the academic morale of students in science and technical education.

The principal thanked and commended institutions and organisations that rendered support to the school over the years. These included Agency for the Development of Women and Children (ADWAC) and Action Aid International The Gambia (for the construction of a three-classroom block, an office and library), HEEM Guard and Football Gambia based in Holland (for a well-equipped science and technical department), and CAMIC Angels of the UK (for putting up a three-classroom block).

He noted that the support had enhanced teaching and learning and contributed to the attainment of quality education in the school.

He hailed the Jerre Sita Development Association of Sittanunku for providing prizes for the best male and female deserving students of the school.

Governor Lamin Queen Jammeh, guest speaker on the occasion, thanked the school management for the giant stride in improving learning and teaching at the school.

He emphasised the importance of education in national development, saying government is very much concerned about providing quality and affordable education to enhance human resource development and by extension contribute to poverty reduction in the country.

He said the upgrading of the school to senior secondary level “shows government’s unflinching support at making education accessible to all”.

He also used the occasion to call on parents and students to make best use of the opportunity by enrolling their children at the school.

Deputising the director of education, Oustass Khalipha Jammeh stressed the need for discipline in school, saying discipline plays important role in enhancing teaching and learning in school.

He called on parents and students to be vigilant and to continue promoting discipline in the school.

Dembo Senghore, chairperson of the school management committee, in his remarks, thanked the communities and teachers for their support at improving academic performance of students at the school.

He commended the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for providing free and accessible education to children.