By: Fatoumatta Krubally
The Methodist Special School in Kanifing South on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024 welcomed a team of USDA donors for a monitory visit, including Erik Syngle, the USDA-FAS regional agricultural attaché for 6 African Countries including the Gambia and Senegal. The visit was a chance for the students and staff to express their gratitude for the support they have received from the USDA.
As the students handed over flowers to the donors and sang a heartfelt thank-you song, Reverend Lucy Sarto, the school’s head teacher, shared the impact of the donated food on the school community. With 275 students and 27 teaching staff, the school faces challenges in teaching students with learning difficulties and disabilities. However, the food donations have helped to enroll and retain students, ensuring they receive a balanced diet that improves their health and performance in school.
The teachers and students shared their experiences with the donors, highlighting the importance of the donated food in supporting the school community. The food has not only improved the health of the students but also boosted their punctuality and regularity in attendance. The teachers commended the donors for their support and urged them to continue assisting other schools in need.
Chaplin Rev Noble Roberts from the Methodist church applauded the teachers, stating, “If you come here, you will learn how hard they work with little resources because working with special people is not easy.” He emphasized the need for modernization in the school to better cater to the students with special needs.
James Kongnyui, Chief of party MGD FFE-NDOKK project. The program director highlighted the variety of food commodities donated and the local procurement efforts to support the community. He mentioned that the project is a five-year initiative that started in December last year and will run until 2027, focusing on providing nutritious food to improve the student’s health and well-being.
Abdoulie Cham and Jereleves Zee Jassey, students from the University of the Gambia, played a crucial role in facilitating the students in planting trees and creating plays for the visit.
The visit of USDA donors was a special occasion for the Methodist Special School in Kanifing South, showcasing the importance of food donations in supporting students with learning difficulties and disabilities. The heartfelt appreciation expressed by the students and staff highlighted the impact of the donations on their daily lives and emphasized the continued need for support in the years to come.