By Yunus S Saliu
Namie Foundation in collaboration with the Gambia Teachers Union (GTU) and Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MOBSE) on Saturday unveiled the judges for The Gambia Teacher Prize 2025 and also orientated them.
The Gambia Teacher Prize launched, on 25th September 2023, and is now in its second edition was founded by the Namie Foundation and partnered with MOBSE and GTU with the major aim of celebrating and honoring exceptional Basic and Secondary Education School Teachers in all disciplinesthat have profoundly impacted the lives of their students and the field of education.
Also the initiative was created to address the pressing need for recognition and support of dedicated teachers who play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the nation.
In the first edition of The Gambia Teacher Prize, MohammedMustapha Jagne won the National Prize, and Mr. Omar J Ndure, Chairman of The Gambia Teacher Prize, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Education.
Speaking on behalf of the founder of Namie Foundation and sponsored of The Gambia Teacher Prize, Lamin Jarjouwelcomed the Panel of Judges for The Gambia Teacher Prize.
He said their expertise and dedication to the field of education are invaluable in the quest to recognize and celebrate outstanding educators in The Gambia and address the regional context of education “in our country.”
As they embark on this journey to honor excellence in teaching, he said, “We seek your guidance and wisdom in selecting the most deserving candidates for this prestigious award,” while welcoming the new judges and “To our returning judges, thank you for your continued service; your efforts have helped elevate the teaching profession and inspire countless educators.”
Giving an overview of the selection process, he said the application has been open for submission since 7th October 2024 and will close on 15th November 2024 while the awards night is slated for 20th February 2025.
Making remarkable speeches at the orientation program among others were, Mariama Chow, Director of SQAD at MOBSE, Essa Sowe, Deputy General Secretary of GTU, Omar Ndure, Chairman of the Panel of Judges for The Gambia Teachers Prize.
Prizes as highlighted during the orientation are as follows, Regional Prize is D50,000 for each Regional Prize Recipient, while an additional prize of D50,000.00 goes to the National winner/recipient.
About Namie Foundation
The Foundation was founded by Alhassan Susso and is dedicated to promoting education in The Gambia. The core mission is to mobilize resources and people to provide high-quality and innovative professional learning opportunities for educators, from Early Childhood Development to Grade Twelve and beyond.
Committed to creating educational opportunities and supportfor learners through sponsorship and exchange programs between educators in The Gambia and their counterparts in the United States of America with a Vision of repositioning The Gambia’s education system through quality teachers.