The delegation, led by Chairman of the Foundation, Alhassan Susso was at the State House to introduce its work to country's No 2 official and seek government support in achieving plans set for the country.
The Vice President, himself an educator, expressed delight at the initiative taken by the Foundation to complement the efforts of the government in national development, especially in the education sector.
"We have built a strong partnership with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, The Teacher's Union, Gambia Organization for the Visually Impaired (GOVI) and NGOs like Catholic Relief Services to support education and educators in The Gambia," Mr Susso told the Vice President, adding that partnership is expanding to include others in the education sector like The Gambia College, among others.
"Motivating teachers is the best thing any government can do to ensure a successful education system. We are delighted that you have decided to come home to contribute in this endeavor," Vice President Jallow said.
He also assured the Foundation of governments support in the realisation of its work in the country.
Born in The Gambia, Mr. Susso migrated to the United States as a nearly-blind teenager but never forgot where he came from. He is the 2019 New York State Teacher of the Year, the 2020 NEA National Educator of the Year, and in 2017 was named one of “The Top 50 Outstanding Educators in the World” by the Varkey Foundation.
Mr. Susso took the initiative following this worldwide recognition of his work, to register The Namie Foundation in The Gambia, so as to facilitate support for national development efforts of his home country, especially in the areas of education and educators, as well as uplifting the teaching profession in general through civil society initiatives in partnership with the government.
He was accompanied to the State House by the Foundation's Chief Operating Officer, Fatou Susso-Jobarteh and Public Relations Strategist, Sanna Camara.
