Abdou Badjie, Governor of Western Region has said that the provision of education and educational opportunities to children is indeed a religious and moral responsibility.

Governor Badjie made these remarks last Saturday while deputising for His Excellency, President Yahya Jammeh, in laying the foundation stone of a new basic cycle school, sponsored by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, in Kanfenda Village, Foni Kansala District, and Western Region.

Acording to him, education is important for the spiritual, economic and social development of individuals and their societies which he said is why our spiritual fathers and leaders, and Prophet Muhammad (SAW) urged muslims to seek knowledge up to China.

“Education empowers people and increases their knowledge and understanding of their environment and the world. It is in this light that our President, Dr Alhagie Yahya Jammeh, always emphasized that the sky is the limit for education of Gambian children”, he said.

Governor Badjie added that Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is known in this country as a worthy partner of the government for the spiritual and socio-economic development of the country, adding that the day was a good testimony of their resolve to supplement the efforts of the Government of The Gambia in providing access to educational institutions for every Gambian child.

Mr. Badjie, however, urged the people of the area to make good use of the facilities and services of the school.

In his remarks, Baba F Trawally, Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in The Gambia, said love for one’s country is part of faith as said by the holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), adding that this love is manifested in one’s participation and contribution to nation building and development.

“Education is indispensable in national development. It’s a historical truth that the followers of all the prophets succeeded and became great nation builders not because of their physical strength and material wealth. This school will be constructed at a tune of over D900, 000”, he said.

According to him, the establishment of educational institutions is not enough, adding that people have to utilize them maximally.

He also expressed gratitude to President Jammeh for his dynamic leadership, noting that Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat will continue to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

Gibril Bah, Principal Education Officer (PEO) of Region II, on behalf of the SOS for Education expressed similar sentiments.

According to him, the government of The Gambia attaches great importance to the education of Gambian children, adding that it is in the government’s new education policy to decentralise the educational institutions around the country.

“Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat are well known for their key role towards the education of Gambian youngsters”, he said.

He finally urged the parents to send their children to school especially female children. Other speakers at the ceremony included the districts chief, Alkalolus, and community elders amongst others.