The Ambassador of the Bolivian Republic of Venezuela Her Excellency Madam Lourdez Perez has reiterated her country's commitment and dedication to the development of the education sector in The Gambia to enable children achieve better and quality education for sustainable development.
Ambassador Perez was speaking recently at Serrekunda Lower Basic School during the performance of the Venezuelan cultural group at the school grounds through the Venezuelan Embassy in The Gambia.
The Venezuelan cultural group is currently in the country to partake in the Kanilai International Cultural Festival. Their presence, according to analysis, would cement bilateral relationship between The Gambia and Venezuela.
Speaking at the occasion shortly before the start of the show, Madam Perez told teachers and students that The Gambia and Venezuela have a fruitful and mutual bilateral relationship, which started some years back.
She said the performance of her country's cultural troupe at Serrekunda School emanated from the performance of African cultural troupe in various schools in Venezuela, to educate children about African culture and traditions. As she put it, some Venezuelans are of African origin.
"In return to this," she added, they have also decided to organise such so that it will enable Gambian children to have opportunity to learn Venezuelan culture.
Madam Perez also revealed that her embassy would continue to help the Gambian children to continue pursing their education to higher level, both in The Gambia and Venezuela.
"We have embarked on renovation of some class rooms, toilets and other areas at Old Jeshwang Lower Basic School and now we are going to find ways of how my Embassy can help Serrekunda Lower Basic School children to have good education," Madam Perez noted.
A representative from Region One office in Kanifing, Mr. Nabani Darboe, underscored the importance of quality education, which he said, is the only way for the country to rapidly develop.
This, he noted, is what the government of Venezuela is currently doing in The Gambia.
He said the importance of the performance by the Venezuelan cultural troupe cannot be over-emphasized, since it would be very helpful for students to have an idea about foreign cultures.
According to Mr. Darboe, the Embassy of Venezuela is immensely contributing to the education sector of The Gambia by awarding scholarship to many Gambians to pursue higher education that will bring development to The Gambia.
Janet Cabrella, the Band Manager of the troupe, commended the government of The Gambia for extending the invitation to them to perform in the ongoing 5th Kanilai International Cultural Festival. This, she stated, will cement the good and fruitful bilateral relationship between the two countries. She promised that her troupe will continue to give support to the schools in The Gambia through cultural exchange.
Mrs. Madeline Tamba, the deputy headmistress of Serrekunda Lower Basic School thanked the Venezuelan embassy for their support to schools in The Gambia.
