The gesture marks the second consignment from Book Aid International to The Gambia, following an initial distribution last year.
Out of the total donated, the University of The Gambia (UTG) received 914 books, Gambia College School of Nursing and Midwifery - 503 books and Cardinal Academy School received 653 books.
The books carefully vetted for relevance, age appropriateness, and alignment with the national curriculum was reviewed by the Curriculum Research, Evaluation and Development Directorate of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education alongside subject specialists.
At a handing over ceremony held at TANGO, Ndey Sireng Bakurin, Executive Director of TANGO, highlighted the significance of the partnership.
“These are not second-hand or outdated materials; these are new, high-quality books carefully selected to meet the educational needs of Gambian institutions,” she stated.
“Our aim is to improve learning environments, especially in areas with limited access to resources.”
The donation is part of a broader initiative that began in 2022, targeting both urban and rural schools and institutions.
TANGO ED maintained that future distributions will focus more on schools in remote areas, where book shortages are more acute.
“This is not just about giving books, it's about enhancing the capacity of our education system,” she added.
“We will continue to monitor usage to ensure these materials are well-utilized and contribute meaningfully to teaching and learning.”
The collaboration, she said, aligns with The Gambia’s National Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and quality education for all.
Thus, she thanked Book Aid International for their continued partnership, as well as the Gambian government and all stakeholders involved in the vetting and distribution processes.
Kumba Bah from the Curriculum Directorate, highlighted the thorough evaluation process that the donated books underwent prior to distribution.
The curriculum team, she went on, examined the materials to ensure they were relevant to the Gambian curriculum, suitable for the appropriate age groups, and in good physical condition.
Also, she noted that subject specialists, including those in English, Science, and Mathematics, were tasked with reviewing the books related to their specific fields to confirm their alignment with national learning goals.
Bah also pointed out that the books would cater to a wide range of educational levels from early childhood to higher education institutions.
Some were found to be ideal for use at Gambia College and the University of The Gambia, while others were best suited for foundational learning.
She expressed optimism that the materials would make a meaningful contribution to enhancing teaching and learning across the country.
A representative from the beneficiary institutions expressed their gratitude, thanking TANGO and Book Aid International for the generous donation and affirming their commitment to putting the books to effective use in enhancing learning outcomes.
