RAISE GAMBIA Launches Summer School Support Program

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Abdou Mbye

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) in collaboration with Raising Aspirations in Science Education (RAISE) GAMBIA, a UK Charity Organisation for supporting Science Education recently launched summer school support program at Mahad Senior Secondary School in Brikama. The initiative is aimed at supporting Gambian students to improve in the Sciences, giving them the opportunity to prepare and perform better in the GABECE/ WASSCE examinations. Participants were drawn from ten selected Upper Basic and Senior Secondary Schools across Region Two.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Dr BabouJoof -Principal Education Officer (PEO), a trustee and representative from the Basic and Secondary Education Ministry, highlighted the significance of the program, saying the support program is meant to assist selected students from different Schools across the region to perform better in the sciences as well as developing their aspirations to become future Scientists.

He further thanked the trustee members, the Ministry, heads of schools and Regional Education Directorate two for their support and collaboration in making the program a success.

Representing the Regional Education Director, Mr Buba M Manneh, Principal Education Officer (PEO), Region Two advised students to be serious with the classes, saying it is a laudable initiative that would bring a positive impact on their educational career especially in the area of Science.

He asserted: “Take this exercise with seriousness so that at the end of the day, you come out with something meaningful because it will put you on the right track. Science education is the way forward and has made the world a global village through inventions and innovations made by scientists. With science education, there are lots of opportunities and it can help you to gain self-employment.”

Speaking on behalf of the school administration, the Head of the Science Department at Mahad Senior Secondary, Mr Lamin Gomez, welcomed the initiative and urged the students to take advantage of the opportunity as it would improve them greatly. He said the school was pleased to host the program and advised students to make the sessions interactive in order for them to build up their strengths.

Sadan Hydara, a student from Mahad Senior Secondary School, said she was astounded to be part of the program because it would help her to improve significantly in the science subjects, advising her fellow students to be cooperative and serious with the program.