The event also witnessed the foundation stone laying for an Electrical Workshop space for students. With funding from German Schmitz Foundation, the school seeks to offer young people vocational training with the requisite tools to contribute to national development.
The non-profit institution will offer courses for both genders, ranging from tailoring, wood and metal work, construction, welding, agriculture, catering, fisheries, poultry farming, IT classes, mathematics and English languages courses, among others.
Welcoming the gathering, Ebrima Felex Sambou, principal of Steinweg Upper Basic and Technical School, expressed gratitude in inaugurating an institution meant to equip young Gambians in vocational training.
Sambou explained that helping the youth to venture into vocational training and skill works contributes to national development, while enhancing the life of the skill worker.
Detlef Steinweg, proprietor of the school, dwelled on some of the courses offered by the school, saying they offer vocational training for young people not only after grade 12, but even those at grade 6.
He said their students have been well equipped in such specialisations, expressing optimism that the school would significantly help towards national development.
The school, he added, has modern tools for training; however, he said they still need additional teachers especially in their practical areas.
Representing the Ministry of Education, Lamin Fatajo, regional Education Director region 2 west, described the inauguration of the school as another headway in the country’s education system, saying education is relevant and meaningful only ‘if it serves the population’s needs.’
“If education can provide technical training, then it is meaningful to the country because it contributes to the development of the country by recycling and keeping the economy going.”
Director Fatajo reminded that seeing girls taking part in such active functions would motivate others to join and equip themselves.
“Knowledge they are receiving will stay in the country.”
Sainabou Manneh, a student, said the school is making a great impact in her life by providing her a chance to excel in the future. “I decided to pursue metal work as my career because not all should be inside offices, many people believe women can do such works and here in our school we are learning a lot of them and I hope it would change societal beliefs and make an impact.”
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