Sierra Leone's High Commission to The Gambia, Soulayman Daramy last Friday visited three schools established by a Sierra Leonean who lived in that country for 28 years, according to information attaché at the mission, Ralph Sawyer.
At the Nursery, the ambassador said he was pleased to be invited "to see for myself the vision and product of a citizen of Sierra Leone imparting knowledge into pupils of a sister country."
"Teaching minors and watching over them is not an easy task but as I look at them they are well dressed so I want to commend both teachers and the Proprietor for their contribution to the development of The Gambia through education" he said.
He told the children to study hard and be obedient to their parents and teachers.
At the YAKANU Lower Basic Primary School and High School, the diplomat praised them for “being studious and hardworking at all times”. He said it would be "a source of pride for all citizens of Sierra Leone to see the accomplishment of such a venture...the proprietor is no doubt an Ambassador of his country and a bright example to all."
He cautioned the pupils against behaviour that was contrary to the aims and objectives of their school and urged them to make the best of their quest for knowledge and responsibility so that they become role models.
"Go for gold by studying hard for your public exams and get very good results, as that would put your school on the educational map” he said adding. “It would also make your principals and teachers proud."
The ambassador promised the Embassy’s support when he next visits the school.
The Sierra Leonean born proprietor of the school, Lamin Kandeh said the institution, “which has produced many good students”, was now recognised and being compared to high grade schools in The Gambia.
The YAKANU chain of schools is named after a Sierra Leonean philanthropist and it comprises a Nursery, Lower Basic Primary and an Upper Basic High School called the Da Vinci Technical Senior Secondary School with over 1,000 pupils.
© Politico 19/11/14
