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Gambian students in Morocco acknowledge partial disbursement of stipends

Oct 4, 2024, 9:48 AM | Article By: Jankey Ceesay 

The Gambian Students’ Association in Morocco (GASAM) has acknowledged the partial disbursement of stipends to the first batch of Gambian students in Morocco, comprising 59 out of the 120 students for the 2023/2024 academic year. 

They relayed this information via a press release issued on 3rd October 2024.

The release stated that “while this is a long-overdue step forward, we emphasize that this does not resolve the hardship” faced by students due to the prolonged delays. 

“The remaining 61 students continue to wait for their stipends, and this delay is unacceptable,” they complained. “It is equally important to note that this stipend yet to be disbursed is for the Academic year 2023/2024 which should have been paid latest May/June , but still not fully settled and the majority is yet to receive it.”

They thus call on the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST) to act swiftly in disbursing the remaining funds without further delay. 

“These stipends are not a favour but a necessity provided by Gambian taxpayers to support students in their education,” the statement further states. “The current situation has placed an undue burden on many students who are struggling to cover their essential living and academic expenses.

“GASAM remains committed to advocating for the well-being of Gambian students in Morocco and will continue to hold the Ministry accountable. Transparency and urgency are needed to resolve this issue, and we demand a prompt disbursement of funds to all students. Students should not have to endure such prolonged periods of uncertainty for their basic financial support.”