By Zainab Sesay
Scanaid Upper and Senior Secondary school, a Scandinavian affiliated school in Brufut, held its annual graduation and prize-giving ceremony for over 100 students recently.
Established through the support of Norwegian Scan-Aid International, the school aims to bring access to quality and relevant education for students of Brufut and its satellite villages.
Celebrated under the theme ‘importance of discipline in education’, the event was attended by school’s board of governors, dignitaries, parents, guardians and well-wishers of the school.
Speaking on the theme ‘discipline in education’, a senior lecturer and head of political science department of the University of The Gambia Dr Ismaila Ceesay, reminded the young graduates the importance of discipline as a basic requirement in their search for success in life.
He stated that the importance of individual discipline to development has never been more apparent in contemporary times.
He said: “Citizens of a disciplined nation work with a spirit of cooperation and unity.
To be successful in life everybody needs to follow certain discipline to successfully maintain an authentic lifestyle without any distraction and leave behind an inspiring story of success for others.”
According to him, empirical evidence has shown that societies with highest rate of discipline are the fastest developing societies whilst the least disciplined societies only witness “ever-worsening conditions”.
He asserts that as the future looks more uncertain with current global challenges, young people need to be open and ready to take up the responsibility of bringing about a steady growth and development to society.
“Therefore, as you pass through the gates of this school as graduates, make it a habit to excel at whatever you do no matter the challenge. Be open to new challenges, be willing to compromise,” he advised.
The principal of the school, Momodou Jallow, said the event marked yet another milestone in the history of the school in terms of achieving and maintaining its standard as a reputable learning institution.
He explained that since the inception of the school some 11 years ago, it has witnessed significant increase in “enrolling students, notwithstanding impressive academic results” in the Gabece and WASSCE examinations.
The principal paid tribute to the efforts of the founders of the school for providing much needed support .
