By Lamin B. Darboe
Information Officer, MoBSE
Gambia Food and Nutrition Association (GAFNA) on Friday donated 120 Covid-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education at a ceremony held at the ministry’s main conference hall in Banjul.
The donated PPE according to GAFNA officials are meant for six schools in Region two of West Coast Region namely: Mayork and Fatima senior secondary schools, Bulock, Kafuta, Somita and Sibanor Upper and Senior secondary schools respectively.
Speaking at the ceremony, basic education minister, Claudiana A. Cole commended GAFNA through their Country Director, Yusupha Gomez for responding their appeal on time.
“On behalf of the entire ministry staff and on my behalf, we are appreciative of your kind hearted gesture because it will ease Covid-19 PPE burden on us,” said minister Cole.
Minister Cole explained to GAFNA officials that quality education is not only about teaching and learning but having school conducive environment will help students build more interest in education.
Basic education minister advises GAFNA officials to assess the level of their refugee sponsor students academically as they are pumping huge amount of money into their education.
“You should assess their level of academic performance in school to know whether they are doing well or not. Because you need to have the know-how whether you are spending your money for better or not,” minister urged GAFNA officials.
GAFNA Country Director, Yusupha Gomez expressed his institution’s profound appreciation to minister Cole and the entire ministry for the cordial relationship existing between the two institution.
He informed basic education officials about some of the programs they are undertaking in the country especially the sponsoring of refugee students within Foni and some part of Kombo.
According to Mr. Gomez, the purpose of the donation is to assist the ministry with PPE in support of the reopening of schools in the country. Thus explained about GAFNA’s readiness to work with MoBSE in uplifting the academic status of the future leaders of The Gambia.
Certificate of appreciation was presented to GAFNA Country director, Mr. Yusupha Gomez by Permanent Secretary, (PS) Louis Moses Mendy.