In a heartfelt ceremony held at Nusrat Senior Secondary School, members of the graduated class of 1998 gathered to honour their former teacher for his decades of “selfless dedication” to education.
The event marked a significant milestone, celebrating both the contributions of a beloved educator and the achievements of the students whose lives he shaped.
Basiru Drammeh, the CEO of the Kanifing General and a member of the 1998 batch, mentioned that the class of 1998 was the first batch to complete the school’s grade system under the new American-inspired curriculum introduced in 1988. He also extended heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Addai. The teacher, he added, began his career at the school in 1988 and was “instrumental in guiding us students through the transition to the new system, often going beyond his professional duties to offer support, guidance and encouragement.”
“He provided free classes on Fridays, offered personal advice, and supported us in ways no one else did. Many of us owe our success to his guidance,” he said.
The ceremony was filled with touching anecdotes, including Mr. Drammeh’s visit to the school where he found Mr. Addai arranging chairs in the Singhateh Hall. “Even now, his passion for education remains evident. It was this dedication that inspired us to come together and show our appreciation,” he said.
Mr. Lamin Touray, another alumnus, shared his journey from being a troublesome student to giving up smoking, thanks to Mr. Addai’s intervention. “He never gave up on us, no matter how stubborn we were,” he said.
The ceremony also highlighted the broader lessons of respect and gratitude. “Students, value your teachers,” urged Mr. Drammeh because, “they are shaping your future. Show them kindness and appreciation.”
The school’s administration also expressed pride in the alumni’s gesture. A senior staff member noted, “This is a tradition we should all uphold. Teachers give their all, and a gesture like this means the world to them.
The class of 1998 left a legacy of academic excellence, with the lowest grade among them being a C, thanks in large part to Mr. Addai’s dedication. The gathering was filled with nostalgia and heartfelt tributes, which serve as a reminder of the profound impact educators have on shaping lives and communities,” he said.
As the ceremony concluded, Mr. Addai shared a final piece of advice: “Always aim to be better, and never forget where you came from. Your success is my joy,” he said.
And for the class of 1998 and everyone present, it was a day to celebrate not just a teacher but a mentor, father figure, and lifelong inspiration.
