By: Amie AP Ceesay
Ecobank-The Gambia on Saturday joined over 30African countries in commemoration of the EcobankDay.
Ecobank Day is an annual commemorative event set aside by the bank to plow back to communities.
This year’s commemoration marked the 10thanniversary of Ecobank Day and it ushers in a new three-year campaign dubbed Transforming Africa through Education under the subtheme Excel with Digital Skills.
In alignment with this year’s subtheme and upon a successful assessment, Ecobank chose to support Latrikunda Upper Basic School in Latrikunda German with 20 computers. The bank also spent over a million Dalasi to refurbish the school’s IT lab.
In his statement at a colorful commemorative event atLatrikunda Upper Basic School, the Managing Director of Ecobank, Mr. John Nyaaba, highlighted that the pan-African bank was proud to kickstart the three-year campaign on its 10th anniversary.
“We are in an era of rapid technological advances, digitalization, and connectivity which are changing so fast in everyday life, activities, and expectations for businesses and everyone throughout The Gambia. In large part, this is being facilitated by the ready and rapid adoption of smartphones which act as the enabler and gateway to digital empowerment,” the Ecobankboss pointed out. This, he continued, makes the 2023 theme for the Ecobank Day so relevant.
Mr. Nyaaba explained that the theme focuses on raising awareness and knowledge about the importance of children and youth having digital skills. The bank, he said, wants to see a major ramp-up in digital education.
“We want a Gambia where our children and youth are prepared for evolving jobs today and tomorrow. It will make them more attractive to employers, expand their career options, equip them, and increase their earning potential,” MD Nyaaba explained.
According to him, the bank’s support to LKUBS focuses on enhancing the school ICT lab with desktop computers, a six-month Wi-Fi connection, painting ofthe ICT lab, white writing board, ceiling fan, and chair for the ICT lab. MD Nyaaba said his bank believes its support to the school will allow the students to “seamlessly learn and build their ICT skills”.
The Principal of LKUBS, Mrs. Kura N. Jobe, expressed gratitude to the Pan-African Bank for the “kind gesture”.
“We used to have an ICT lab but what qualified it to be called a computer lab was lacking due to resources. The magnificent gesture will be put to good use for teaching and learning and will also help students realize their full potential with digital skills. We promise to take good care of these materials,” Mrs. Jobe stated.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Ebrima Sisawo, extolled Ecobank for their support tothe education sector, saying their intervention in the education sector is a “great service” to the country.
PS Sisawo advised the school authorities to take good care of the materials.
“The Ministry will monitor to ensure that the equipment is utilized effectively as it will go a long way to improve quality education in our schools,” he stated.