Kerewan school ends Senegal tour

 

The visit, which was part of a twinning programme with their counterpart in Senegal, was aimed at fostering greater understanding between the two institutions and help in contributing to sub regional integration, provide avenue for students and for teachers to share best practices in promoting educational attainment and strengthening the brotherly ties between the two sister countries. The twinning of the two schools was conceived in 24th May 2008 and since then both schools continue to consolidate the relationship. The twinning programme also encourages students to study French and English as subjects in schools in order to enhance communication between the students.

In his welcoming remarks, the principal of Kerr Madiabel High School Professor Babucar Nyang thanked the management, staff and students of Kerewan Senior Secondary School and expressed hope that the visit would help in building future generation to adopt positive attitude towards contributing to the realization of sub regional integration. Mr. Nyang assured the visiting school of their resolve in promoting the spirit of twinning to bring about mutual respect and understanding between the peoples of The Gambia and Senegal.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Mohammed Kebbeh, senior education officer for Regional Education Directorate for Region 3 underscored the importance his office attaches to the twinning of the two schools, saying that such initiative would have positive impact on the children’s educational attainment while it would also encourage the culture of sharing and learning from one another. Mr. Kebbeh lauded the noble initiatives of both schools and said the twinning continues to develop the capacity of students in accelerating the development aspirations and educational requirements of their countries.  

As part of the visit, the students discussed the theme: “Loss of African Values” and presented a poem titled: “I have a dream for Africa” and “Senegambia”. The topics considered the factors responsible for the loss of African values, such as globalization, colonialism and inferiority complex. Both the debate and poem were highly educative and informative as they were full of admiration and are lessons for thought for African leaders.

The Kerewan students, joined by their hosts, also visited the Kahone Electrical Power Plant located approximately 6 kilometers away from Kaolack. The students were informed that the power plant produces 2500 kilowatts of power per hour. They also learnt that all the equipment is computerized and hence it is easy to detect any fault on the machines. The power plant, it was learnt, supplies thirty times more of the power needed in Kaolack and power generated is also sent to Dakar for onwards distribution, thus making electricity available 24 hours around the clock.

Mr. Margeth Sarr, a teacher and specialist on History and Geography presented a paper on “Integration of Africa”. The paper highlighted efforts through which integration of Africa could be achieved. He identified abolishing political boundaries, facilitating good road networks, encouraging a common language, and cooperation in trade and exchange of goods and services as pertinent in achieving a united Africa. According to him, there is the need to totally abandon the issuance of laissez passé between The Gambia and Senegal.

Speaking further, Mr. Sarr blamed colonial masters for exploiting Africa’s natural and mineral resources, which he said has greatly undermined development efforts of the continent. He then saluted the efforts of ‘iconic’ African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, Leopold Sedar Senghore, and Thomas Sankara among others, who he said made invaluable contributions to the liberation of the continent and towards its unification.

Draman Janneh, Momodu Kinteh and Babucar Sanneh, all teachers of Kerewan Senior Secondary School commended Kerr Madiabel High School and the authority for providing an opportunity for the two schools to establish such an important link. They suggested that in future, government representatives should be invited to such forum. Various speakers also expressed the need for the eradication of laissez passé for the people of Senegal and The Gambia, with the view to promote integration and enhance the economic status of the two states.

A conference for students and teachers was also held and the discussion revolved around the educational system of the two countries. The vice principal of Kerr Madiabel School, Monsieur Joof spoke extensively on Senegal’s educational system, noting that schools constitute Disciplinary, Finance and Guidance and Counseling councils from among teachers, students and parents. He said it is the duty of the Finance Council to decide how funds are spent. Mr. Joof also said students found guilty of unruly behavior are suspended for three days or a week depending on the gravity of the offence. He also noted that it is mandatory on schools to write quarterly reports to the Academy of Senegal, from where the report would be forwarded to the Ministry of Education.

Responding, Mr. Mohamed Kebbeh of the Regional Education Directorate Region 3, North Bank Region gave a brief account of The Gambia’s education system, emphasizing the importance the government attaches to the attainment of quality education.

The conference also gave both schools opportunity to found a journal named Senegambia Journal. According to them, the journal would publish poems, articles, stories, news etc. The delegates also recommended that the schools print T-shirts with a logo signifying the symbol of the twinning which would indicate solidarity and unity of the Senegambia region.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting students, Ebrima Jassey and Kadijatou Bah of Kerewan Senior Secondary School thanked the students, teachers and the community of Kerr Madiabel for the warm welcome accorded to them. They also promised to utilize the lessons learnt.