By Ndey Sowe
Professor Pierre Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education, Research Science and Technology, on Monday, 23 September 2024 inspected senior secondary school textbooks authored and produced by Gambian writers.
“For the first time in The Gambia, textbooks authored and produced by Gambian writers specifically designed for senior secondary school’s curriculum will be implemented in secondary schools across the country,” he said.
Professor Pierre Gomez inspected the textbooks at the Gambia Printing and Publishing Corporation (GPPC) and described it as a big achievement.
“Introducing textbooks written by Gambians can enhance the relevance of the material, ensuring that it reflects the country’s culture, history, and context. This will not only support the education system but will also promote Gambian writers and encourage a more inclusive and representative curriculum,” he added.
The textbooks will be delivered to the various schools through regional education officers.
Prof Gomez hailed the initiative which came through the collaboration of key stakeholders such as The Conference of Principals, Writers Association, GPPC and the Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education, who worked to ensure that the books to be written are of high quality both in terms of content and physical materials to enhance quality education and access.
Prof Gomez outlined that the textbooks are expected to transform the education sector by producing quality.
“We cannot continue to have senior secondary schools using books that are not produced by our own people,” Prof Gomez underscored.
Prof Gomez therefore urged beneficiaries to embrace a reading culture in schools to ensure quality education. He also encouraged people to read and liberate themselves and get knowledge to be part of those who are builders of the nation.
Meanwhile, he applauded the GPPC for their role in printing the textbooks and urged the public to support the GPPC in their effort to provide quality locally produced services.
Momodou Ceesay, Managing Director of GPPC, revealed that in April this year, MoBSE contacted the GPPC to print and publish textbooks written by local authors amounting to two hundred and thirteen thousand books which cover different subjects before the re-open of schools across the country.
Mr Cessay said this is the first time the Government of The Gambia and key stakeholders in the education system have worked towards having such standard books for senior secondary schools in The Gambia.
He explained that the entire books are printed and ready for distribution across the country.
“One of the core mandates of this institution is to print, publish, and distribute books to schools in the Gambia. We want to ensure that we will live up to those challenges by improving the capacity of our delivery,” said Cessay.
