The event, which was the first of its kind, pull together stakeholders from national institutions as well as international bodies, such as the World Bank, a key partner of MoBSE and the Government of The Gambia.
Deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jobe, in his welcoming statement described the occasion as an important milestone in the annals of the education system in The Gambia, asserting that this is first time the country is coming up with a policy on language of on education.
Hence, he urged the participants to “critically look at the document” that was about to be discussed and to “critically and constructively” share their views to guarantee a final document that they would be happy to implement.
He thus envisioned a fruitful engagement that would breed change “far as education narratives are concerned”.
Mr Ebrima Sisawo, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Basic Education, deputised for the sector minister. Sisawo, conveying the minister’s statement, stated: “I am deeply honoured to deliver this official opening statement on the commencement of this significant event, that is the Validation of Language Policy in The Gambia.
He furthered that in a multilingual country like The Gambia, a multilingual policy to give clear direction on language usage is crucial, even rationalising that research has proven that learning one’s mother tongue is not just a linguistic process but a cultural and emotional journey that shapes a child’s destiny and connects them with their heritage.
The top education official contended that it is through L1 that children at foundational level can best express their thought, feelings and ideas, further arguing that learning through L1 at foundational level has a potential to serve as a bridge to reinforce the appreciation of second language (L2).
He reiterated that such attracted the need for a policy, which eventually triggered the 5-day occasion. As his deliberation drew towards an end, he thanked the stakeholders for honouring their invitation.
