In an exclusive interview, Hon. Alpha Njie, National Youth Parliamentarian (NYP) for Nianija Constituency, highlighted the plight of seven students — Mariama Bah, Fatou Bah, Mariama Jallow, Musa Njie, Babou Njie, Mansour Sumareh and Habie Jallow — who live in Drammeh and Sare Alpha villages. He explained that these pupils endure the long trek from Monday to Friday, a journey that is taking a toll on their emotional and physical well-being.
With the rainy season now underway, Njie warned that the daily walk is not only exhausting but also unsafe for school-going children.
“This is a testament to the daily struggles provincial students face. Walking such long distances makes their journey to school painful, affects their physical health and undermines their academic performance,” he said.
Njie has called on the government, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to intervene by providing bicycles to ease the students’ mobility. He stressed that such support would significantly improve their access to education and reduce the risks associated with travelling long distances on foot.
The situation at Buduck Upper Basic School reflects a wider challenge faced by rural students across The Gambia, where inadequate transport infrastructure continues to hinder access to quality education.
