By Tabora Bojang
The 4th annual graduation, speech and prize giving ceremony of Matex Academy Daycare, Nursery and Lower Basic Schools took place last week at the school’s ground in Tabokoto.
The colourful ceremony was also interspersed with dramatic play, poetry, and songs as students enthralled watching parents and dignitaries.
The annual event was also designed to reward outstanding efforts of students and teachers in a bid to promote and maintain high standards and improved performance.
Former minister of Tourism and Culture, Angela B Colley who is now a Theme Fellow of the Institute for Government and Leadership Training – Abuja, Nigeria, challenged the graduates to believe in themselves and work to discover their talents to reach potentials through education.
“Successful completion of your foundation education is not an end, but instead the beginning of your tomorrow. Therefore, it is now time to lay the bricks and it needs all your attention to finish it well and to continue the good work and seize the opportunities presented to you,” Madam Colley advised in her introductory remark.
A veteran educationist, she advised them to remain hardworking and vigilant in order to be successful and live a dignified life.
“This is the time you need all the advice and guidance from your elders, be it at school or at home. Be careful of internet. It is a good servant but a bad master, so use it to your advantage.”
Chairwoman Matex Academy, Awa Camara, said since inception, the school has registered “significant” number of children from Serekunda East and its surroundings, and has been serving as a leading example of academic excellence, religious and socio-cultural teachings.
She assured parents and guardians of the school’s continuous commitment to uphold its mission statement with “efficient strategic approaches for the goal attainments.”
Madam Andrea, one of the guest speakers, enjoined parents to be supportive of their children, saying since they are the first role models, they should be continuously determined to impart “good behavioral attitudes” to support children realise their potentials, and be good citizens of the country and society.
Matex Academy was founded in 2014 through the “visionary leadership” of Alex Okechukwa, a Nigerian. The school made significant progresses towards advancing elementary and basic education in The Gambia.
