Baboucarr O. Joof was speaking over the weekend on behalf of President Adama Barrow at a day's Islamic Fundraising Confab organized by Muhammad Yadalieu English Arabic School (MYEAS) held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Center in Bijilo.
The event, held under the themes “the significance of spending in the cause of Islam” and “the importance of Islamised education”, was aimed at soliciting support to construct three additional blocks for the school; necessitated by the growing population in both the Lower and Upper Basic Schools.
Minister Joof observed that it is through education that minds are nourished, opportunities tuned to tangible gains, and societies are positively transformed.
He reminded that Prophet Muhammad (PUBH) emphasised the importance of seeking knowledge throughout his life, highlighting that knowledge is a light that illuminates human’s path.
To that end, he emphasised the need for Muslims to continue learning as long as they are alive.
“The Government of the Gambia recognizing this fact, introduced free education for all in the public schools and allocated a subsidy to some private schools in order to make education affordable to the average Gambia family."
He added:" To complement these efforts, government increased the budget allocation for education from 14% in 2022 to 17.4% in 2023. The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has also been working with partners to align syllabi so that no matter which syllabus one follows, our job markets find you compatible with their requirement.” he revealed.
Minister Joof outlined that with that understanding, they've started constructing educational facilities like MYEAS.
