The annual event, held at Sare Gubu Basic Cycle School, attracted legal practitioners, lawmakers, agriculturists, educationists, media practitioners, students and a cross section of the community.
SGSA is a community-based organisation aimed at promoting education and other social development in the rural community of Sare Gubu Basirou and its satellite villages.
At the event, Ousman Bah, president of SGSA, acknowledged the immense support of Sare Gubu Diaspora and Sare Gubu Youth Development Association (SGYDA) and all residents of Sare Gubu in the smooth implementation of the annual event.
He equally commended the efforts and good work of the past executive of the association, saying they have contributed immensely to the development of the association.
“They (former executives) had already built the foundation for us. This is why the job is very easy for us,” he said, while thanking them for their foresight and devotion to the community’s development.”
Representing Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Omar Bah Youth MP for Foni Jarrol described the annual event as ‘of paramount importance’ in enhancing social cohesion and development.
“To ensure community development we must learn.” he advised.
Giving an overview efforts and achievement of SGSA, Basiru L. Bah, resident said the association has been raising awareness on cross cutting issues in the community and its satellite communities especially in the areas of education, environmental protection, law and constitutionality, livestock management, importance of life-skills and among others.
“The association has sponsored students, lobbied sponsors for a university student living in the community, and presented prizes to outstanding students living in Sare Gubu.” he noted.
He noted that SGSA has also provided furniture to Sare Gubu Basic Cycle School to ensure a conducive learning environment in the school.
Bah, however, lamented some constraints affecting the growth of the association, saying it only depends on monthly contributions of members to organise its annual awareness forum and also undertake other social development initiatives.
Prof. Sidat Yaffa, Dean, School of Agriculture at the University of The Gambia, who attended the event applauded SGSA and Sare Gubu Basirou residents for their dedication to the progress of their community.
He pledged his support to the community of Sare Gubu and that it was through such social initiative that the community would also benefit from social developments such as good road network, electrification and bring health centre to their doorstep.
Representing Sare Gubu Diaspora Association, Yunusa Bah called on parents to persistently enroll and retain their children in school so that they acquire the requisite skills and knowledge.
“Please be educated before you travel to any country. If you travelled to Europe without education, things will not be easy with you. And to have a decent job you have to be educated,” Bah, who travelled to Europe for greener pasture, advised Sare Gubu youth.
Penda Mballow, women leader commended SGSA and all youth of Sare Gubu for their immense contribution to the development of the community, while urging them to continue the good work they offer the community.
