The exercise books, intended for pupils and students in Lower Basic, Upper Basic and Senior Secondary Schools, are aimed at supporting children's education while easing the financial burden on parents and guardians ahead of the new academic year.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Buba Jatta highlighted the significance of the intervention, describing education as a vital pathway to a brighter future.
"Every exercise book placed in a child's hands represents an opportunity for knowledge, learning and hope," he said.
Lamin Balajo, a member of the Federation's Governing Board, urged parents and guardians to ensure that the books are properly used and cared for.
He appealed to families to encourage children to protect the materials from damage and avoid removing pages, noting that the exercise books are intended to support classroom learning, writing practice and the completion of school assignments.
Meanwhile, ChildFund The Gambia Sponsorship Specialist, Gallo Demba Bah, described the donation as a timely intervention ahead of the reopening of schools.
She emphasised that education remains one of the most effective tools for transforming lives, strengthening communities and fostering national development.
According to Bah, quality education depends not only on effective teaching but also on access to adequate learning resources.
"The materials being distributed today are investments in knowledge, opportunity and the future of our children," she said, adding that access to appropriate learning materials can improve students' understanding, creativity and academic performance while contributing to better learning outcomes.
Bah also expressed appreciation to partners, stakeholders and individuals whose support made the initiative possible, stressing the importance of collective action in ensuring that no child is left behind.
The West Coast Region NGO Affairs Officer, Adam Jallow, commended ChildFund The Gambia for its continued support to the Ding-Ding Yiriwa Federation and its commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable children and communities.
Jallow underscored the importance of child safeguarding and called on parents, guardians and other stakeholders to create a supportive environment where children can learn, express themselves freely and build confidence without fear of harm.
He further encouraged sponsored children to take responsibility for their learning materials and appealed to parents to help protect the exercise books.
Jallow also praised the management and staff of the Ding-Ding Yiriwa Federation, as well as Sponsorship Programme Coordinators and Assistants, for their roles in the successful implementation of the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Fatoumata Daffeh welcomed the support, saying it would provide much-needed relief to families and encourage children to remain committed to their studies.
The exercise book distribution forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ding-Ding Yiriwa Federation and ChildFund The Gambia to support vulnerable children and expand access to quality education.
For the beneficiaries, the donation represents more than just essential learning materials. It symbolises renewed opportunities to learn, develop their potential and pursue a brighter future through education.
