The Centre for Civic Awareness, one of the most vibrant clubs at St. Augustine’s Senior Secondary School, on Wednesday staged a mega school-wide event to expose students to key values and strengthen their awareness of issues.
Founded by Mamud Sambou, a young graduate of political science teaching Government and Civic Education at the School, with some of his colleague teachers, the centre has championed a number of initiatives since its inception last year, all geared towards enhancing civic values and awareness at this nationally historic institution, which has shaped many, if not most, of the nation’s leaders, including Sir Dawda Jawara, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, Essa Faal and Lawyer Lamin J. Darboe.
The event, held on the theme ‘Empowering Students through Civic Awareness, Leadership and Responsible Citizenship’, rallied active and former students, teachers, and the school management.
In her remarks while deputising the Principal Sylvian Gomez, Madam Elizabeth Oboji, a teacher at the school, recognised the significance of the occasion and its timeliness. She challenged the students to reflect not only on their rights but obligations as young citizens.
She referenced the upcoming election, highlighting the importance of issue-based voting over tribal and ethnic voting. She hailed the Center and its young pioneers for the foresight and vision.
Mamour Drammeh, a leading teacher of mathematics, disclosed that the occasion was geared towards building civic responsibilities and leadership while exposing them to the work of the Centre for civic awareness.
He maintained that the importance of civic education cannot be overemphasised, as it is the bedrock that establishes active citizenship, teaching as well as responsibilities.
He added: “Every student has a right but every right goes with a corresponding responsibility. Thus, the establishment of this club is to address the gap in knowledge. The Centre for Civic Awareness is established to teach, inspire and make a difference in the lives of the students St. Augustine’s. The club stands on fundamental pillars of inspiring students to aspire for knowledge and the values of being patriotic citizens.”
The school’s former headboy (academic year 2025/2026), Paul Bass, centred his deliberations around three elements: awareness, leadership, and the limitless opportunities that await students beyond the school gates. He urged students to be conscious of the world around them, to nurture leadership values and to build their future starting now.
Fara Mendy, former assistant school headboy, emphasised that awareness is the beginning of change, echoing the Centre’s motto ‘Awareness Empowers Change’.
He averred that education goes beyond exams and certificates, as it includes understanding responsibilities, rights, laws and making informed decisions. “As students, you must understand that our actions today contribute to the kind of society we will have tomorrow,” he posited, challenging them to do better and become agents of positive change.
Sheikh Omar Trawally delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the students. He conveyed appreciation to pioneers of the Centre and the school management, especially Principal Gomez and Vice Principal Manneh.
To his fellow students, he said: “Finally, to my fellow students, this is ours. Take ownership, take charge. Build yourself. Never put limits on yourselves. We are more than capable to reach the highest heights in life.”
