The colourful ceremony was characterised by poetry presentations, quiz competition, drama, dance, cultural displays, a football match and other social activities by pupils of Sannehmentereng Nursery and Lower Basic School; events also marking 25 years of the school’s existence.
The organisation’s support enables Gambian children from poor and large families to receive educational and professional training. Its aim is to give children and young people the best possible start to their young lives.
For the past 25 years, it has provided free education, school materials, feeding, uniforms, skills training, bicycles among others to pupils of Sannehmentereng Nursery and Lower Basic School.
Hatab Beyai, coordinator for Socialis for The Gambia expressed delight with the celebration of 25 years of providing free education for all, noting that they could not have achieved it without the support of the organisation.
Mr Beyai pointed out that they have not only been providing free education for Gambians but are also offering free skills training for the communities of Brufut and Sintet. He described education as the backbone of every nation.
He thanked the association for its support over the years. He also thanked The Gambia government for creating the conducive environment. He went on to thank the management, staff and students of the school.
Karin Neumuller, president of Socialis for The Gambia expressed pride in supporting Gambian students for the past 25 years.
She added that the development of the children from the school motivated them to keep going.
She highlighted that the cooperation between the German and The Gambia governments is good for the future of Gambian schools, expressing hope that the future president of The Gambia will come from Sannehmentereng Nursery and Lower Basic School.
She commended girls of the school for their outstanding performance and encouraged boys to redouble their efforts.
She noted that they look forward to continuing working together to improve their assistance for years to come. She also thanked the former headmaster of the school and current staff and management for their efforts towards the advancement of the school.
Omar Jammeh, headmaster for Sannehmentereng Nursery and Lower Basic School said his school is the only completely free school in The Gambia and as such thanked Socialis for The Gambia for their support over the years.
He added that the association’s efforts are meant to complement government’s efforts. He urged parents to support and encourage their children to work harder, be punctual and always be on time at school. Mr Jammeh also pointed out the achievements registered by the school over the years.
Samba Sowe, coordinator for Socialis for The Gambia at Sintet Skills Training Centre said the association is supporting them in agricultural training and tailoring.
He therefore expressed gratitude to the association for their support towards the community and country at large.
He described their assistance as very helpful and impactful particularly to youth and women. Mr Sowe went on to describe skills acquisition as very important, noting that young people should take advantage of the opportunity and put it into meaningful use.
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