By Ndey Sowe
The Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MOHERST), who also oversees the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), Professor Pierre Gomez, embarked on a familiarisation visit to various learning institutions in the Kanifing Municipality and Greater Banjul on Tuesday, 24 September, 2024.
The purpose of the visit was to gather firsthand information on the schools’ preparedness for the 2024/2025 academic year and to address the concerns and challenges faced by head teachers, as well as to assess how students are faring.
The visit provided Minister Gomez with the opportunity to interact with school administrators, teachers, and students, encouraging their commitment to advancing education for the development of an informed citizenry.
The first stop on his tour was Latrikunda Yirinyanya Upper Basic School, followed by St. Therese’s Lower Basic School, Rev. JC Faye School, and finally, Campama Lower Basic School.
In an interview with him at the conclusion of the tour, the Minister emphasized that the visit allowed him to meet with school heads, teachers, and students to discuss the state of the schools’ readiness for the new academic year. He noted some challenges faced by the schools and instructed the Regional Director to propose solutions to the issues raised.
βI am very impressed that teachers had prior engagements and prepared ahead of the school openings. I am also happy that learning started on the first day. We will be speaking with stakeholders, and they will engage parents to play their part by coaching and advising their children to take their studies seriously,” Prof. Gomez remarked.
He went on to express his gratitude to his colleagues at MoBSE, including the Permanent Secretary, Directors, and Teachers, for their dedication to ensuring a successful academic year. He further noted that the government had provided textbooks for senior secondary schools and is working on extending this provision to lower and upper levels this year.
In his message to students, Minister Gomez encouraged them to make the most of the opportunities available to them, reminding them that they are the future leaders of the country. He urged them to build good character, acquire knowledge, obey school rules and regulations, and be open to learning from their teachers.
“Teachers are professionals ready to share their knowledge so that students can take charge of their destinies. Let them be disciplined and focused, understanding that education is the path to freedom, and knowledge is the key to unlocking that freedom,” he stressed. “Knowledge is power, and we need it to develop this nation. It starts with the students. They are the resources of this country, and that’s why the government is investing millions into the school system. I want them to take their education very seriously.”
Minister Gomez emphasized that both knowledge and good character are essential for creating a well-grounded and highly skilled citizenry, something the country desperately needs, which can only be achieved through education.
The heads of the visited schools expressed their gratitude to the minister and his delegation, describing the visit as timely and motivational.
