By Saikou Suwareh Jabai The Regional Education Directorate (RED) 2, last week, hosted a presentation of 150 books to six selected upper and basic cycles schools in the region.The Book, entitled ‘Mathematics Dictionary’ for upper and basic cycle schools was written by a veteran teacher and school administrator Mr. Lamin Sanneh, who doubles as a senior teacher at the Jamisa Upper and Senior Secondary School in Brikama. The beneficiary schools include, Kalagi Upper School, Sangajorr Basic Cycle, Sibanor Upper School, Ndemban Upper School, Kafuta Upper School and Kabafita Basic School. In addressing the gathering, the Principal Education Officer, Mr. Bakary Ceesay, commended Mr. Sanneh for his foresight in writing such a relevant material in a most challenging area, Mathematics. He said the number does not matter but the intention in which it was done, as few writers of the author’s calibre will make such a donation. Mr. Ceesay urged Gambians with potentials to partake in the development of education more especially at the grassroots communities by emulating Mr. Sanneh. He cited an example of education in Philippines and said that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is always ready to support Gambians to adopt the culture of writing books for use in the schools as this will promote their policy pronouncement of giving accessible, relevant and quality education to the students. Mr. Lamin Sanneh, the author, who holds both a higher teacher certificate and bachelor of arts degree, in a brief statement, thanked the almighty for giving him the wisdom of writing such materials and also the heart to donate to schools for the advancement of education in the respective schools. ‘’The books are useful and will help students in their schools to better understand the basic definitions of mathematical words and terms as well as on how to use them to solve problems,’’ he said. Sanneh further noted that the donation of the books was as a result of the lack of clear understanding of words as most students find it difficult to quickly understand certain words. ‘’I am inspired by a declaration of the year 2012 as year of Science, Technology and Innovation by the President,” he concluded. Alhagie Pa Modou Saye, a retired Educationist, also speaking at the ceremony, urged the author whom he described as ‘his student’ to keep up the good work and come up with another piece of material in another area of his specialisation, Agricultural Science. Mr. Lamin Jabang, Principal of Kafuta Upper Basic School, lauded the author for the gesture, promising that the donated books will be put into good use at all times. Kemo Bah, Education Officer RED2 chaired the ceremony.]]>
