Toy production training for schools ends

Speaking, Alieu Sillah, program development officer for Kabafita and Bafulotto who also doubles as the communications focal person for the federation said the programme is intended for the three ECD centres in the region. “The funds are used to procure ready-made educational toys and at the same time train the parents of pupils of the three ECD schools on local toy production.  Sixty people will be trained on the production in order to provide a conducive learning environment for the children. Toys are an object for children to play and play serves multiple purposes in both humans and animals. They also provide entertainment while fulfilling an educational role; toys enhance cognitive behaviour and stimulate creativity, he said. Sillah noted that the toys aid in the development of the physical and mental skills which are necessary in their latter life and can support cognitive growth, improve problem solving and attention that are considered as the basis of education. “Educational toys and games are among the most significant tools to create the right learning environment for child and thereby improve his learning ability. As a child protection and development community-based organisation, this training and procurement of the materials will help us in our drive to attaining our core objectives,” he added. Fatou Bessie Njie, headmistress of Nema Lower Basic and ECD described the training as worthy because the locally made toys that are being made by the parents will facilitate the learning of children in the dream corner of the school where various instruments are kept. Kalilu Colley, headmaster Penyem ECD, who also doubles as the village head stated that the training will reduce the burden on both the parents and the school in buying toys while hailing Saamasang Federation and Child Fund The Gambia for their humanitarian gesture. Ousman Joof, community mobiliser for Penyem, Fakebba Jatta, head of the Darsilami ECD, Fatou Janneh, a parent from Penyem, Buba Majay Sanneh, school management committee chairperson at Nema Lower Basic School and Binta Saidy, the school management committee chairperson of Darsilami all lauded Saamasang for their support towards the success of the training.