The lawmaker for Foni Jarrol Kebba ToumandingSanneh has maintained that “the sharp drop in diaspora remittances” is the consequence of the mass deportation of Gambian migrants from the EU.
‘’The D544,000,000.00 sent by the Diaspora has dropped significantly due to the mass deportation of our youth within a year,’’ Sanneh disclosed in an interview with this medium.
He said it all stemmed from the agreement that the Barrow Government signed with the EU in 2017.
‘’This is a contributing factor to what the poor Gambians are facing. The government signed this agreement that didn’t benefit the citizens but only continues to compound their miseries,’’ MP Sannehremarked.
“It is affecting our economy. As the deportation continues, the inflow of remittances will continue to decline,” he added.
According to him, The Gambia is a small country butriddled with lots of problems that the government failed to address, saying the issues affecting Gambians keep on degenerating.
“The economic havoc keeps on forcing the youths to embark on the dangerous journey and all that the government could offer was to sign an agreement with the Europeans. As a representative of the people, I am concerned with youth affairs because you don’t expect them to stay in a country that has no job opportunitiesfor them,’’ he contended.
He pointed out that some disturbing figures have put the unemployment rate at 41% while the budget deficitstands at D4 billion and inflation at 12%.
‘’The Gambia is dead with such statistics, which havenever been seen in the history of the country,’’ NAM Sanneh bemoaned.
He urged citizens to pile pressure on the government to create more job opportunities for the youths to minimize irregular migration, adding that the country still mourns the unprecedented number of youths, who lost their lives in the sea in 2023, as they attempted to travel to the EU.
Sanneh further argued that last year was marked by a disastrous failure, asserting that the government could not describe 2023 as a successful year, looking at thevarious areas of challenges confronting the countrysuch as economic hardship, dearth of job opportunities,rampant official corruption, poverty, and high crimerate.
CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATION HELPS CHILDREN SUCCEED AT SCHOOL
The International Day of Education, observed on Jan. 24, 2024, was adopted in recognition of the key role education plays in “building sustainable and resilient societies.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that a successful education can help a student take their place in society as a well-balanced individual.
“We feel that learning should be taken very seriously,” said Walter Sukkau, local spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses of Gambia. “The years spent at school prepare children for the responsibilities they will take on in life. Core subjects like math, spelling, grammar, history and science are vital for a child to become a mature adult.”
There are various obstacles a student may face in receiving a basic education. Thus, success is dependent on having the tools to overcome those obstacles.
“To be honest, I used to think school was a waste of time and didn’t put much effort into it,” says Ithiel, 14, who is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. “Because of that, I was bored in some of my classes and was just getting by.”
The October 2012 issue of Awake! magazine, published by Jehovah’s Witnesses, is titled “How to Succeed at School.” Five keys, based on Bible principles, are outlined for students to follow:
1. Get Motivated.
2. Get Organized.
3. Get Help.
4. Stay Healthy.
5. Have a Goal.
“The article helped me understand that the reason I felt school was a waste of my time was because I was focusing on all the things I didn’t like about it,” said Ithiel. “It mentioned that school can help you develop what the Bible calls ‘common sense and good judgment,’ along with social skills and practical training. When I thought about all the potential benefits that school could bring me, my attitude changed, and my grades improved.”
Parents, too, play a critical role in their child’s success. Jehovah’s Witnesses feel that their children are better served when parents cooperate with educators taking an active, helpful interest in their children’s education.
“My parents helped me in many ways,” said Ithiel. “Not only did they encourage me to adjust my attitude about school, but they helped me when I was frustrated with my homework, and they taught me how important it was to show respect for my teachers.”
To learn more about Jehovah’s Witnesses and their views on education, please visit jw.org. All content is free, and no registration is required.
