The Basse Area Council (BSAC), in partnership with ChildFundThe Gambia, has distributed 250 school bags and water bottles to pupils of Koba Kunda Lower Basic School and Diabugu Lower Basic School as part of efforts to support vulnerable learners and promote environmental sustainability.
The presentation, held on Wednesday, forms part of the Council's broader initiative to strengthen its Waste-to-Energy Biogas Project, which is currently being piloted in the two schools. The intervention is also aimed at reducing pupils' reliance on plastic bags for carrying their books and learning materials.
Speaking at the ceremony, BSAC Chairperson Mahamadou Ceesay said the donation was designed to enhance the productivity of the biogas project while encouraging pupils to take ownership of the initiative.
He explained that the support would particularly benefit children from low-income families who may struggle to afford school bags, thereby helping to create a more conducive learning environment.
Mr Ceesay expressed gratitude to ChildFundThe Gambia for its continued partnership and commitment to addressing the educational needs of children in the Upper River Region. He added that the Council intends to roll out additional support initiatives in the future.
The presentation was attended by parents of beneficiary pupils, local authorities and representatives of the Regional Education Directorate.
Speakers at the event commended the Basse Area Council and ChildFundThe Gambia for what they described as a timely intervention, noting that the donation would ease the burden on vulnerable families while improving pupils' access to essential learning materials.
They further highlighted the environmental significance of the initiative, saying it would help discourage the use of plastic bags in schools and promote responsible waste management practices among pupils.
The initiative underscores the growing importance of partnerships between local government authorities and development organisations in advancing quality education, supporting disadvantaged learners and promoting environmental sustainability across communities.
