In an attempt to complement the Government’s efforts in education, Pa Ousman Njie, a native of Jamaly Ganyado Village in the northern stretch of Central River Region (CRR), pioneered and inaugurated Jamaly Wakilareh Skills Centre.

The centre will offer training on adult literacy, tie-dye, batik, soap making, village mapping, amongst others.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Madam Wayne, a Lady President, said the dream for the creation of the skills centre was suggested by nine village members, led by Pa Ousman Njie, the pioneer, in collaboration with a charitable organisation, Future In Our Hands Sweden The Gambia.

Delivering a statement, Mr. Njie recalled that in 2006, the organisation agreed to sponsor the construction of a skills centre in the community, through the Community Development Office in CRR north. He commended the organisation for complementing the Government’s efforts towards the socio-economic development of Gambians by fulfilling their promise. He then assured that the skill centre would be utilised to achieve the targeted goals.

Bukary Gaye, Community Development Officer for CRR north, said the skill centre should be accessible to all cluster members. The CD officer advised members of the committee charged with the management of the Jamaly Wakilareh Skill Centre to maintain the facilities for their sustainability.

Babucarr Suwareh, Regional Education Director for Region 5, thanked Future In Our Hands Sweden The Gambia and Pa Ousman Njie for their vision. Mr. Suwareh urged other Gambians to replicate the examples of Mr. Njie and called on members of the village to make the best of the skill centre.

Mr. Njie was a credited for pioneering the creation of Jamaly Lower Basic School.