By Lamin B. Darboe
Information Officer, MoBSE
The Gambian leader, His Excellency, President Adama Barrow informed deputies at the National Assembly that the country continues to make impressive gains on enrolment at all levels of the basic education sector.
The Gambian leader delivered this statement on Thursday as he presided over the official opening of the 2021 State Of the Nation Address (SONA) at the National Assembly Chambers in Banjul.
The occasion was attended by the foreign diplomats, ministers, Regional Governors, local authorities, Chief Justice of The Gambia and cross section of the Gambian communities.
According to President Barrow, Gross Enrolment has improved by 5.2 % at the lower basic school level, 2.4 % at the upper basic school level and 1.6 % at senior secondary school level.
For Enrolment at Early Childhood Development (ECD) level President Barrow went on, is above the National Development Plans (NDP) thus the target of 50.2 % and 52.9 % by 4 % for male and female enrolment respectively.
“Through MoBSE, my Government is partnering positively with the World Bank, MRC Holland Foundation and other philanthropists to improve access to quality education in the country,” said President Barrow.
He therefore stressed that, through such partnerships, 2173 new classrooms were completed within these four years adding that plans are in the offing to complete more schools by the end of December 2021.
He informed deputies that from 2017 to date, MoBSE renovated 1389 additional classrooms, built 2505 school toilets across the country and he promised that over hundred more toilets will be completed by December 2021.
Gambian leader reiterated that since teacher motivation and welfare contribute to better performance, 836 rooms for teacher accommodation were built countywide. Hopefully, the number will increase to 1000 noting that 200 are due for completion by the end of December 2021.
“Concerning the zero Out-of-School children endeavor, MoBSE is working with Education Above All Foundation in Qatar and the Office of the First Lady to combat the out-of-School phenomenon. Similarly, we continue to put more focus on Special Needs and Inclusive Education to attain quality education for all he stated.
He informed deputies that MoBSE registered substantial improvement on the 2020/2021 Gambia Basic Education Certificate Examination (GABECE) and West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).
President Adama Barrow commended officials at MoBSE for the improvement and he therefore also encouraged the teaching force to strive harder for the betterment of the country.
MoBSE created new positions in various cadres and effected mass promotions based on merit which President Barrow described as part of the sector’s efforts to motivate and reward performance of their personnel.
