The bags were donated and shipped by Melissa Gourley, co-founder, owner and CEO of Upreach, LLC, an agency based in Columbus, Ohio, that provides support services and residential programmes for adults with physical and developmental disabilities.
Speaking at the presentation, deputy head teacher Bakary Sanneh said the beneficiaries are among the neediest in the school, noting that the gesture will put smiles on their faces and motivate them.
"We have no doubt that this gesture will put smiles on the faces of these students and will also serve as a source of motivation for them," Sanneh said.
Founder and CEO of Walimang Foundation, Lamin Dibba, who is also a staff at Upreach, said the 100 bags were donated by Melissa, who also covered the shipping cost. He recalled previous assistance rendered by the foundation to these schools as he encouraged pupils to work hard, adding that Melissa has promised to do more in future.
Country Coordinator of the foundation, Banta Jarju, advised pupils to take their education seriously and remain committed.
She described the initiative as part of the foundation's commitment to supporting children and easing challenges facing them.
"There are times when we see pupils coming to school without school bags," Jarju said.
"At this point, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to our generous donor Melissa Gourley, whose support has made this initiative possible. We are grateful for her generosity and belief in our mission of empowering children through education."
"I would also like to sincerely appreciate our CEO Lamin Dibba, whose leadership, commitment and effort helped make this initiative a reality. Without his support behind the scenes, we would not be here today," she added.
