The scholarship package includes a laptop, free internet router, and full coverage for their four-year courses.
The award ceremony took place yesterday, January 28, 2025, at the QCell building on Kairaba Avenue, marking another milestone in the foundation’s commitment to education and youth empowerment.
The QGroup Foundation’s scholarship program is designed to recognise and support high-achieving students from underprivileged backgrounds across the seven educational regions of The Gambia. By providing access to higher education, the initiative aims to nurture the next generation of leaders and innovators who can contribute positively to society.
The QGroup Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the QGroup of companies, QCell, Quantumnet, QTV, QMoney and all the Qs through which initiatives and interventions are streamlined with the aim of contributing their quota to the national development efforts.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ansata Jah, Executive Director of the QGroup Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s dedication to sustainable development since its establishment in 2016. She noted that their initiatives focus on education, health, youth empowerment, and community development, including scholarships, medical aid, disaster relief, and support for small businesses.
Mrs Jah explained that the partnership between the QGroup Foundation and MoBSE began in 2018 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance educational opportunities through active collaboration.
“This year, under the leadership of our visionary Chairman, Mr Muhammed Jah, we have doubled the number of STEM scholarships from 10 to 20 annually. Over four years, this program will support a total of 50 students,” she said.
She emphasised the scholarship program is both merit-based and need-based, ensuring that hardworking students with limited resources are given the chance to access tertiary education.
Addressing the awardees, Mrs Jah urged them to maintain a minimum B average to continue benefiting from the scholarship. She encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity and prepare to tackle the challenges facing their country.
The Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Habibatou Drammeh, congratulated the students for being awarded scholarships based on their outstanding academic performance and financial need.
This achievement is not only a personal milestone for the students and their families but also a realised dream made possible by the generous support of the QGroup Foundation,” she said, stating her profound gratitude on behalf of her ministry and the Government of The Gambia. She also commended the foundation for its remarkable contributions and dedication.
Highlighting the foundation’s impact, she describes their support for the education sector as exemplary, emphasising that their commitment to funding talented students reflects an outstanding model of corporate social responsibility. She urged other institutions serving the Gambian population to follow this inspiring example.
The Chairman and CEO of QGroup of Companies, Muhammed Jah, thanked the Executive Director of QGroup for initiating the scholarship program in 2022, pointing out that even before its launch, the company had been offering scholarships and would continue to do so.
He added that the partnership with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education was created to expand the program and award more scholarships to young Gambians, especially given the high number of applicants - 200 this year alone - which highlights the growing need for support.
Jah shared that his parents strongly valued education, and because of their belief in its importance, he was not among children left without direction. They believed education was the key to success and achieving one’s dreams. He expressed pride in continuing their legacy by giving back to society and honouring the foundation his parents laid.
Reflecting on the past, Jah noted that education was once difficult to access, but thanks to the Gambian government, it is now free and more accessible. With advancements in digital learning, anyone who wants to pursue education can now do so, he echoes.
He encouraged all scholarship recipients to focus on their studies, reminding them that their hard work today could enable them to support and inspire future students in the same way.
Amadou Tijan Bah, delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the students, expressed gratitude to QGroup for their support and encouragement.
He also called on other service providers to follow QGroup’s example and contribute to similar initiatives.
