By: Isatou Sarr
The Gambia Teachers’ Awards ceremony was recently held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center to recognize and honour the sterling contribution of teachers to the development of their students and that of the education sector.
This year’s awards ceremony highlights the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of Gambia’s youth and their commitment to educational excellence in the country.
The awards ceremony was organized by the Namie Foundation in conjunction with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Across the eight Regions, Angelic Isatou Mendy received the prestigious Gambia National Teachers Award for 2025.
Mrs. Mendy’s achievement was particularly notable as she became the first female recipient of this honor, which has predominantly recognized male educators since its inception in 2019.
At the time of this award, Madam Mendy was a teacher at Pakalinding Upper Basic School in the Lower River Region.
She expressed gratitude for the recognition and dedicated the award to her students.
In her acceptance speech, she commended her fellow educators for their hard work and their influence on their students’ lives.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the National Teacher Award 2025; this recognition is not only mine. It belongs to every student who dares to dream, every teacher who goes beyond the call of duty and works tirelessly to make a difference, and every advocate for education who believes in breaking barriers,” Mendy said.
She reaffirmed her commitment to teaching.
“The journey has just begun, my girls, to the world,” she resolved.
Meanwhile, the award also catalyzes teachers to contemplate their roles in society and the significant impact of education on nation-building.
Bintou Jatta Susso, the Deputy Chairperson of the Namie Foundation, emphasized that the award aims to inspire teachers to continue delivering high-quality education while complementing government efforts in promoting educational initiatives.
Muhammed Mustapha Jagne, a former National Teachers Award winner, highlighted the transformative effect the award has had on his life, noting that the recognition fosters meaningful connections that can impact lives. According to Jagne, the award “has gone far beyond impacting lives and changing the narratives of future generations through public speaking, developing leadership skills, and empowering girls’ education, among other things.”
The post-teacher prize award also creates an opportunity for networking and collaboration, academic advancement and desire for teacher motivation and retention.
Lamin Jarjou, Chairperson of the Selector Committee of the Gambia Teacher Prize, said a good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.
“Mustafa Kamel Ataturk said “a good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others”. And lastly, it has been said that teachers have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together.”
Professor Pierre Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, reassured attendees of the ministry’s ongoing support. He explained, “Every year, MoHERST will give its token, and teachers who have been identified and celebrated will receive scholarships from MoHERST.”
The event also featured remarks from several dignitaries, including Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow and Habibatou Drammeh from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Vice President Muhammed B.S Jallow stated that education is the cornerstone of national development. “Through education, we empower individuals, strengthen communities, and drive economic growth. But behind every educated citizen, every skilled professional, and every leader, there is a teacher who inspired them, challenged them, and guided them.You, our educators, are the foundation upon which our future is built,” acknowledged VP Jallow. He continued:”No country can progress without investing in its teachers. Teachers are not just conveyors of knowledge; they are nation-builders. They mold our future doctors, engineers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. They instill values, ignite curiosity, and equip young minds with the tools needed to build a better tomorrow.”
This year’s awards ceremony underscored teachers’ essential role in shaping the future of Gambia’s youth and highlighted the nation’s dedication to educational excellence.
National award winner Angelic Isatou Mendy received a monetary prize of D100,000, while regional winners were each awarded D50,000. They also received scholarships for further education at any university in The Gambia.
Eight teachers were recognized as regional winners and received certificates of recognition for their contributions to education.
