US Ambassador Visits more schools in URR

The ambassador of the United States of America to The Gambia Tuesday visited the Fatoto Upper and Senior Schools; and St. Georges Upper Basic School in Basse, Upper River Region (URR). Ambassador Pamela White is currently on a three-day tour of the URR.

Fatoto UBS&SSS

In Fatoto, the US ambassador and delegation were received at the entrance of the village by students and the elders of the village. Welcoming the delegation, Abdourahman Baldeh, the alkalo of Fatoto expressed gratitude to the US diplomat, and through her to the government of the United States of America for the support they have been rendering to the village.

Alhaji Bacho Ceesay, the chief of Kantora District thanked the ambassador for the visit, which he described as very important. Demba Bah, the principal of Fatoto Upper and Senior Schools said the visit is unique, as it is the first by the US ambassador to the school. He maintained that the school has a good relationship with the US Embassy in Banjul, adding that they benefit from their support particularly the service of the US Peace Corps who have left a legacy in the school.  He informed the delegation that the only female teacher at the school was a Peace Corps volunteer.

He then highlighted some needs of the school, which include water supply and the school assembly hall that needs refurbishment, while appealing for support from the US Embassy. Bah also highlighted some of the achievements recorded by the school over the years, saying many students passed through the school with flying colours. He added that the school has also been doing well in the WASSCE exams. He finally thanked the US ambassador for the visit.

For her part, Ambassador White urged the students to continue the hard work no matter where they find themselves in life. She stressed that every country is important to the US adding that The Gambia is known for its peace, stability and religious tolerance among others. She also described education as important as it determines the future of any country. She then urged the students to be focused on their education.

Kaddijatou Malado and Maimuna Drammeh, all expressed delight over the visit of the US ambassador. They stated that women are working tirelessly in their own different ways to ensure that their children are educated. Tula Orum, the public affairs officer at the US Embassy in Banjul presented textbooks like science, mathematics, and writing books to the school on behalf of the ambassador.
 
St. Georges UBS visit
Ambassador White later in the evening proceeded to St. Georges Upper Basic School were she also presented books to the school and spoke some words of encouragement to the students. She was later hosted to a drama performance titled “The right of the girl child to education”.

Community projects
In another development, the communities of Bassending, Koba Kunda and Demba Kunda also hailed the US government for supporting them. Currently, Bassending is benefitting from a Milling machine; Koba Kunda is benefitting from a water pump, while Demba Kunda is benefitting from a health centre, all provided by the US government.

During a visit to the sites, the communities expressed gratitude to the US government through Ambassador White for the projects, which they acknowledged have uplifted their living condition. However, they also appealed for more support from the embassy, as the recent project has been very helpful to them.

For her part, Ambassador White said the support is meant to uplift the lives of the people in the rural areas. The ambassador and entourage are expected to wrap-up the tour today with a visit to a well project in Sololo Village and a power tiller project in Niamina Kudang.