By Baba Sillah
The management, staff and students of the Gambia Telecommunications and Multimedia Institute [GTMI] on Friday converged at the institution’s hall to officially launch what they called a ‘Student Union’.
It is the first of its kind since the establishment of the institution almost decades ago.
The formation of the union came about following a daylong forum organised by the Ecowas institute, GIABA in partnership with their representatives in The Gambia called Financial Intelligence Unit [FIU].
Following the return of the GTMI representatives including nine students and one resource person from the forum, they decided to form the union in consultation with the GTMI management.
Key among their objectives include the promotion of academic excellence through debates, dramas, poems among students, enlightenment of members in the twin effects of illegal migration, drug abuse, terrorism and terrorism related activities.
The Director General of GTMI Malick Bah, welcomed the idea and praised the students for coming up with it.
He elucidated that the institution always endeavors to put the interest of the students at the core of their development plans and it is on that basis the management approved the idea of the formation of the student union, which would cater for the welfare and interest of the students.
Therefore, he advised the union to always engage in dialogue amongst themselves in terms of decision-making and be respectful.
Deputising the president of the union, Bora Ceesay who is also a senior lecturer is hopeful that the formation of the union will help students connect with right employers for job opportunities, and entrepreneurship programmes for self-employment.
Ceesay said the union is highly conscious of challenges that lie ahead in meeting their objectives, but said through hard work, dedication and commitment from all they can leave behind a lasting legacy for posterity.
He thanked their sponsors, Gamtel and Gamcel for the successful launching and hopes this is the beginning of a long-term fruitful and mutual partnership.
The launching was interspersed with drama on ‘Teenage and Peer Influence’ by GTMI students, debate and entertainment.
