The donation is part of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility activities as well as its desire to create a positive social contribution to the field of education.
In a similar venture, the school’s 1996 batch also sponsored most, if not all the prizes for the day with an amount of D40,000 as a gesture of gratitude for choosing a member of the batch as the guest speaker of the day.
Omar Mboob, deputy managing director, Trust Bank, The Gambia and a member of Armitage Senior Secondary School was honoured as the guest speaker for the 2024 Speech and Prize-giving Ceremony.
In his remarks at the occasion, Mr Mboob told students that: “You must eschew crime, corruption, drug and substance abuse, illegal and dubious activities, for these would taint and smear your reputation and character, and cause great sense of loss, humiliation, embarrassment, and shattered hopes and expectation for all those who have sacrificed a lot to make you worthy citizens of your home, community, school and nation.”
He further advised the students to at all costs avoid the temptations posed by the get rich quick syndrome but endeavour to attain success or at least aspire to attain it.
He also told graduating students that the next phase of their life is strewn with numerous stumbling blocks and uncertainties but at the same time presents a host of opportunities for those who have prepared adequately.
Deputy MD Mboob also advised the students to select role models in their communities that are worthy of emulation.
He also told parents and guardians that their support, encouragement and guidance to their children provide the foundation upon which they build their academic and personal lives. “The values you teach and the discipline you enforce are integral to their success.”
Speaking on the theme for this year’s Speech and Prize-giving Ceremony, ‘Discipline is the Option’ Mr Mboob said it resonates profoundly with the ethos of the school and the values their strive instills in students.
He added that the virtues of discipline, hard work and sacrifice that Armitage represents are the virtues that continue to be relevant in confronting the challenges of this new millennium.
“Discipline, often perceived as restrictive or punitive, is in reality the foundation upon which success, integrity, and personal growth are built. It is the steady hand that guides us through challenges, the inner strength that fuels perseverance, and the moral compass that ensures we stay true to our values and goals,” he further said.
He highlighted that: “At Armitage Senior Secondary School, we believe that discipline is not just an option; it is the key to unlocking potential and achieving excellence. It is the thread that weaves through the fabric of education, binding knowledge with character, and ambition with action.”
He said that in a world that is constantly evolving and presenting new challenges, discipline remains the constant that ensures we are prepared, resilient, and capable of facing whatever comes our way.
He also told students that having finished their secondary education, they are now faced with an array of options and the choice they make now may have a lingering impact in their future career direction.
He also urged them to keep the passion for excellence alive, pursue every legal opportunity and where possible, keep developing themselves.
He further told them that there is no short cut to success. “Do not be misguided by the illusion of quick success and easy gains; for these, if at all they do exist are not sustainable and lead to great disappointment and frustrations.”
“Discipline is not a destination but a journey. It is a continuous process of self-improvement, learning, and growth. In a rapidly changing world, where distractions are plentiful and the path to success is often unclear, discipline is the beacon that will guide us through,” he is said.
He concluded by saying that: "Discipline is the Option" is more than just a theme; it is a way of life. It is the steadfast commitment to excellence, the relentless pursuit of goals, and the unwavering adherence to values.”
