Education Committee recommends school curriculum review

In fulfillment of Section 109(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia and Standing Orders 97(1) and (2) (b) of the revised Standing Orders of the National Assembly, committees are mandated to perform oversight on the institutions under their purview.

Due to this, the committee embarked on a tour centred on selected Lower Basic Schools, Junior, Senior Secondary and some tertiary institutions in the Greater Banjul area, KMC, West Coast Region, CRR, and URR. 

They recommended that in order to curb unemployment, particularly with the youths, the Government must invest in TVET to equip them with life-changing skills that they can use to create employment for themselves and others. 

They also stated that for effective teaching and learning in schools, there is a need to ensure schools have sufficient textbooks, furniture and other learning materials. 

“All schools across the country must be supplied with adequate water and, where the national grid is available, they must be connected to ensure computer labs are operational. In order to train for the Basic Cycle it is important for teachers to specialise in one of the core [subjects],” says the committee’s report. 

They further said: “There is an urgent need to build teacher’s quarters in schools particularly in hard to reach areas and these houses must be equipped with electricity and proper water supply.” 

And skill centers in the rural areas, the report emphasised, must be given an urgent due attention and make themoperational by year-end. 

“MOBSE should take a critical review on the funding and operations of Madrasas across the country and align them with the conventional schools,” the report stated.“MOBSE should take a total review of the School Improvement Grant (SIG) in terms of the amount paid per student. 

“MOBSE should ensure that schools have proper science and technical labs so thatpractical classes can be conducted in the schools.                             

“The Ministry of Defense should ensure the borders of The Gambia along the Cassamance corridors are well protected from the clashes in neighboring Senegal. MOBSE in consultation with the Ministry of Defense should advise schools on the course ofaction when there are security issues in the area.”