This year’s event held under the theme – ‘The Power of Service; building Communities Through Volunteerism’, saw the graduation over 125 students in fields such as -‘Tourism and hospitality’; Sief Cookery and Pastry; Event Planning; Amadeus Booking System; Cabin Crew and Aviation Services; Intermediate Diploma in Travel and Tourism among a host of others.
Established in 2008 by Dr. Adama Bah, Sheikh Tijan Nyang and Helen Wilcockson through links with South Nottingham College (now Central College Nottingham, UK), the institute specialises inter alia on training mainly in the Travel and Tourism sectors with special emphasis on travel agency, tour operations, tour guiding, ground operations, events management, entrepreneurship / business skills development and others.
Welcoming the gathering, Ms Daba Jagne, deputy head of school, said the graduation marks a moment of pride and reflection for the Institute of Travel and Tourism of the Gambia.
‘We gather to celebrate the graduation of our students, commemorate 18 years of service to national development, and witness a historic transition in leadership.’
She reminded that this year, ITOG proudly presents graduates from the following program: Tourism and Hospitality Level 1 Certificate Program, 9 students.
To the graduating students, Ms Jagne called on the graduating class to always remember that that this moment was once a quiet prayer, a hope carried through uncertainty.
‘There were days of struggle, moments of doubt and times when the journey felt heavy, but you endured. Your certificates represent more than academic achievement. They represent character, character built, resilience strengthened, confidence earned and discipline learned. They reflect long hours of practice, correction, growth and self-belief. As you step forward, remember that success is not measured only by titles or income, but by integrity, humility and service.’
To this end, she paid glowing tribute to the retiring head of school, Alh. Sheikh Tijan Nyan, whose leadership has guided the institution for nearly two decades.
‘His commitment to education, professionalism and national service has shaped this institution and the many graduates who have passed through each door and under his mentorship. We celebrate a man of honour, truth, honesty, piety and dignity.’
Alhaji Sheikh Tejan Nyang, the retiring head of School, described the day as a moment of reflection, gratitude, and farewell.
He recalled that over the last eighteen years, his role as an educator has taken him through what he calls a university of life.
‘A place where I earned—metaphorically—triple master’s degrees and triple doctorates.’
Nyang spoke about the stories of sacrifice, struggle and commitment—and sometimes neglect, noting that ‘if these stories were written down, they would fill volumes.
During the course of this period, he recounted that he worked with parents who are devoted, committed, and responsible, parents who cherish family life and see education as a sacred duty.
‘But I have also encountered parents who show little commitment, using their children’s education as a means for personal gain.’
To that end, the retiring head of school reminded parents that too often, people forget their responsibility as parents.
Thus, he reminded outgoing students that discipline begins at home and that respect begins at home.
‘Responsibility begins at home. If you and I refuse to start it, do not expect schools to fix it. They won’t.’
Commenting on the theme of this year’s graduation, Nyang maintained that life becomes meaningful when ‘we give back what we have been given.’
He outlined that volunteerism is the highest expression of humanity and faith.
Dr. Adama Bah, chairman of ITTOG Board of Directors, first extended heartfelt congratulations to the retiring head of School, Mr. Sheikh Tejan Nyang, and his dedicated management team for their dedication and commitment.
Dr. Bah spoke about the importance of selfless volunteering, particularly for young people, drawing from his own experience with People and Places, a non-profit organisation since the early stages of conceptualising and designing its programmes.
In light of this, he underscored the importance of team work and volunteerism, reminding that people must reason that no one succeeds in life without the contribution of others.
That, he added, is certainly true in The Gambia and that many Gambians one may never meet have contributed to their development—through taxes that helped build the schools and institutions, where people acquired education; the hospitals or clinics and the list goes on.
‘This is why we live together as a people and as a nation. Giving back is, in effect, paying forward—contributing to national growth, fulfilling our civic responsibility, and serving humanity at large.’
Dr Bah further alluded to the fact that volunteering also offers immense personal benefits, as it helps one to understand their country better.
‘It shapes you into a more responsible and valuable member of society. It develops your life skills as you encounter realities beyond your comfort zone. Above all, it makes you a better human being—more appreciative of life and more conscious of what you have.’
Musufing Ceesay, Placement Director in a keynote address, underscored the importance of building meaningful connection with local people, respect for culture, understanding of social and environmental realities, and the building of local pride and confidence.
Those principles, she added, apply even more strongly in volunteering where the interaction is deeper, longer, and more personal than in conventional tourism.
‘Ethical volunteering, therefore, must be based on several core principles. First, partnership and shared responsibility. Volunteers and host communities must work together as equals, sharing both the risks and the rewards of the engagement. Second, mutual benefit and reciprocity.’
Sally Grayson, who served as Guest Speaker, also expressed similar sentiments.
The ceremony witnessed presentations of awards and certificates to deserving students, in recognition of their efforts.
