By Amadou M Jadama
Maahad Senior Secondary School in Brikama Jamisa in the West Coast Region last Monday held its 10th graduation and prize giving ceremony for 229 students.
The colorful event, held at the School’s campus, brought together government officials, heads of departments, parents and well-wishers.
Addressing the graduates, Lamin M Bojang, principal of the School, said the ceremony is another milestone in the annals of the school’s history.
He spoke at length on the importance of education, adding that the event marks a day of reflection for those who earned academic excellence and for those who could not achieve this, attitudinal transformation is needed to yield a positive result in subsequent exams.
“It is a day of reward for the hardworking and deserving students who will be receiving wonderful prizes.
“An occasion of this nature is indeed very important because it marks the end of an educational program for a given set of students.”
Principal Bojang hailed Maahad as a “great and imposing institution in the educational map of this country because of its wonderful contribution the school has made in the lives of young men and women since her inception in 2001 to date.
“She has consistently produced and will continue to produce worthy students who will occupy key positions not only in The Gambia but also on the global context. As stakeholders in the business of education, your high turnout this morning is a clear manifestation of your deep interest and unwavering support for our guest to advance the ideals of education,” he said.
Mr Bojang further disclosed that, the rapid expansion of Basic and Secondary education over the years in this country is another strong indication that educational pursuit is a top priority for government.
“Therefore,” he went on, “the input of every stakeholder is a prerequisite if The Gambia is to catch up with the rest of the world through the achievement of vision 2020 and the MDGs.”
On the Academic performance, he said: “Our WASSCE candidates deserve some commendation for their excellent performance. The School registered 264 candidates and out of this amount only ten students could not get a single pass. The rest were awarded certificates indicating a percentage passes of 95 percent.
“The most outstanding students in the examination was Katim Touray with 9 credits.”
Mr Bojang called on other young Gambians to join the teaching profession and reminded them that the task of building this nation is a primary responsibility of all and sundry.
He also implored on the government of President Adama Barrow to look into the conditions of teachers.
He applauded The Government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for granting them an operating license as well as their continuing support “morally, technically and professionally.”
Prizes were given to outstanding Students.
