By Abdou Mbye
African Solidarity for Action (ASFA) International e.v., a Gambian-German-based International Organisation founded by Gambian students in Germany on Friday, 19 January 2024 donated Smart-Tec gadgets to MoBSE at Aji Sukai Ndateh Senior Secondary School in Bakau.
The gadgets are meant to bolster the use of smart technology in schools’ teaching and learning processes. The donated materials include smartboards, Whiteboards, printers, and projectors desired to enhance the effective educational delivery system through a technology-based approach.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Hon Claudia A. Cole expressed gratitude for receiving such a magnificent gesture, citing the significant role of the accessories in supporting educational advancement in the Gambia, particularly digital learning.
“We are in the world of technology and the Gambia cannot be left behind. We have to join the bandwagon moving on with technology. During COVID, children were at home and we were able to meet them through digital learning. Suppose we have all these digital materials donated by Mr. Kijera’s Organisation. In that case, we cannot thank them enough because it is putting us on the right footing for better educational technology,” Minister Cole acknowledged.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) Administration, Mr. Sang Gomez delivered the welcoming remarks on behalf of the Permanent Secretary at the presentation ceremony stating the ministry’s appreciation and gratitude to the donors for the huge support, saying that it is a milestone opportunity in advancing digital education.
Sheriffo Kijera, the Chairman of ASFA International e.v., posited that their organization aimed at tackling challenges faced by many Gambians in Germany as well as fight against illegal migration in the Gambia through investing in education and health as key sectors to better people’s lives, averting youth migration.
“We had started with donating furniture to Gunjur Health Center and Gunjur Lower Basic School. When we got back to Germany, we tried all our best to get these materials for ministry to enhance digital education”, he expounded.
He further thanked all the partners who supported in providing these materials to the ministry and urged for more collaboration from partners and his fellows in the diaspora to support the enhancement of better education in the Gambia.