The 2023 grandaunts offered an intermediate Diploma in Travel and Tourism (level 2), Cookery and Pastry and Cabin Crew and Airport Operation among others.
This graduation marked the fifteenth since its establishment and several people have been awarded for their hard work in the tourism industry.
Outstanding students such as the most hard-working students in various categories, most disciplined students and best students in various subjects were also awarded.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sheikh Tijan Nyang, principal at ITTOG, commended participants and sponsors of the institution for their support.
The institution, he added, has touched the lives of several people, who have passed through the institution.
He thanked all national and international bodies that supported the institution since its inception as well as Gambians who laid the foundation of the institution.
Nyang commended the grandaunts for what he called a ‘milestone achievements’ in their educational careers.
He also advised them to work harder to attain their various goals in life, further reminding the achievement made by the students.
He lamented on some of the challenges confronting the development of the institution, saying the school faces financial constraints as some students have arrears.
“Our school building that has been in suspense for over 4 years now is still not completed due to lacked funds.” he added.
He said the school also lacked sufficient resources to provide lucrative salaries for its staff. This, he said, has forced two teachers to leave for greener pastures.
Dr. Adama Bah, chairman Board of Directors for ITTOG, said the institution aims to produce high caliber of professionals, who will contribute to building a better tourism industry for The Gambia.
“We must learn about how we can use tourism and not allow tourism to use us. Learn what it means to make our destination Gambia a better place to live in and a better place for others to visit.”
Dr. Bah, who is also an international tourism consultant, advised students to work closely with their friends and parents to attain their respective goals.
Malleh Sallah, Guest Speaker of the event, advised the young grandaunts to learn from the country’s experienced personnel to ensure they attain their desired goal.
Sallah reminded that for one to succeed in the tourism industry and in any other field, the person must respect time and work harder. “We have to respect the time and our work for the country to excel.”
The renowned industry expert said that there is a need for all and sundry to understand and practice the ethics of work as well as work hard.
“Many people are saying the country is hard, but there are opportunities. However, one has to search for the opportunity to tap them,” he told the graduating students.
In her vote of thanks, Fatoumatta Drammeh, a grandaunt, thanked the management of the institution for their support for the students these past years.
