It’s the first children's book authored by a sitting president in the history of the country.
In the book, President Adama Barrow blows the lid off the curiosity surrounding his humble beginnings, his journey through his village life in Mankamang Kunda in the Upper River Region, his introduction into formal education, his community service, and politics among others.
The Gambian leader also gives a very generous account of his life’s challenges and inspirations, while highlighting the strong sense of culture, rich tradition and altruistic community which makes it possible for a village boy from Mankamang Kunda to sit at the highest office of the land to lead his country.
The book is envisaged to inspire children in the country to dream big and instill in them the values of hard work and leadership and among others.
Speaking at the convergence, President Barrow said: “It is truly a humbling and joyous moment for me to be present at the launch of this very special children's book that recounts the story of my childhood titled ‘The Village Boy Who Would Become President: The Story of Adama Barrow’.
“As a child, I never imagined that my humble life would become the subject of a book, especially one designed to inspire and entertain young minds. This book, therefore, presents a testament to the power of dreams and the belief that everything is possible in life.”
“I hope that, as you read about my childhood adventures, you will see a reflection of your own dreams and aspirations that would encourage you to pursue them with conviction and strong determination. Childhood is a precious time when our imaginations know no bounds, so we dream freely without limits. As the book shows, it is a time of discovery, learning, and growth, and the experiences we gather during those tender years contribute to shaping us into the individuals we become as adults,” he said.
“My goal is simply to inspire the younger generation, who will grow to become leaders and prominent global citizens. I believe that, while reading, the book will satisfy your curiosity about my humble beginnings and take you on a journey through my village life in Mankamang Kunda, my introduction to formal education, community service, and the spark that led to my political ambitions.”
“We all have stories to tell, stories of our leaders, heroes, and men and women who sacrificed their lives for the prosperity of this country and humanity. We need to share such stories with our children, in the schools, in conferences, debates, market places, and in religious gatherings to invoke pride and love for the nation in the younger generation.”
Claudiana Cole, the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, said: “Our intention is to ensure that every Gambian child has this book. This book will also help children to inculcate the sense of reading and writing. Children's literature has to find its way to our school,” she said, adding that her ministry is committed to supporting the culture of reading and literature in our schools.
The book, she added, captures the imagination of young writers. “This book clearly demonstrates the significance of literature and the importance it will have in our children.”
Prof. Pierre Gomez, the minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, said: “A country that doesn’t read, is a country that is dead. This is an opportunity to bring back the culture of reading in our schools as it is designed for children four years to adult.”
“Despite the challenges the president faces from Mankamang Kunda to Banjul, he never allows those challenges to be obstacles for him. This is inspirational for all of us and it should teach us to never allow our challenges to let us down.”
Yankuba Darboe, the commissioner general of GRA, said: “The lifestyle of the President should be inspirational to everyone. It should tell us that despite the numerous challenges we encounter, we should never give up. This book is not only about the biography of the president, but a powerful message for everyone that we should not let our dreams go without achieving it.”
“The book is about all of us and it will tell us how the president navigates the challenges he faces during his lifestyle, being expelled from school due to sickness. It tells us to dream big, work hard and to never give up.”
Ms Anna Faye and Ya Adam Fye from the Fye Network, a multimedia - publishing and production company which partnered to author the life story both dwelled on the significance of the book especially to our Gambian children.
The book was reviewed by Nana Grey Johnson, Aisha Jawara and Sola Mahoney.
Aji Fatou Dibba, a grade three pupil of SBEC and Alieu Badara Waggan a grade four pupil of Rosastou Junior School both read excerpts of the book.
