The handover ceremony, held at the GPPC premises, marks a significant step in the government's efforts to improve access to quality teaching and learning materials nationwide.
Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Habibatou Drammeh, who formally received the textbooks on behalf of the government, said the materials would be distributed to senior secondary schools across the country's six education regions at no cost to students or their parents.
She disclosed that Region One, covering Banjul and the Kanifing Municipality, would receive 246,914 textbooks, while Region Two would receive 303,060. Region Three would receive 71,334 books, Region Four 36,320, Region Five 82,006 and Region Six 52,548.
The minister said the provision of textbooks was vital to improving teaching and learning outcomes, noting that students require adequate learning materials both in the classroom and at home.
She commended GPPC for successfully executing the printing contract, describing the achievement as a clear demonstration of the corporation's capacity to deliver quality printing services locally. She added that the initiative would support local employment, strengthen national expertise and promote collaboration among government institutions.
Drammeh directed that the distribution of the textbooks to all six education regions begin without delay. She urged regional directors and school principals to maintain accurate records of deliveries and ensure the books reach their intended beneficiaries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wura Bah, Managing Director of GPPC, said the corporation had committed substantial resources to ensure the successful completion of the project, from the preparation of materials and printing to finishing, quality control and delivery.
She described the partnership between MoBSE, GPPC and the Association of Gambian Authors for Schools (AGAS) as a model of effective collaboration among national institutions in advancing education.
Bah reaffirmed the corporation's commitment to providing reliable, high-quality printing services in support of the government's education agenda.
Also speaking at the event, Juldeh Ceesay, Deputy Permanent Secretary of MoBSE, on behalf of the GPPC Board of Directors, described the handover as an investment in the future of Gambian children and the country's development.
She commended the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for entrusting GPPC with the assignment and reiterated the corporation's commitment to supporting the education sector through timely and quality printing services.
Malick Kanuteh, President of AGAS, expressed gratitude to the government and the ministries involved for their support in making the project a reality.
He also commended GPPC's management and staff for their efforts and urged school principals to ensure the textbooks are properly utilised. He further encouraged them to provide feedback that could help improve future editions.
