Mr Alhagie Bah, Senior Education Officer Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education, has described Jolly Riders as true friends of Gambian students.

Mr Bah made these remarks at the handing over ceremony of 303 bicycles to three schools in Gunjur last Thursday. He said he who provides you access to education is truly your best friend.

‘I will not hesitate to describe them as true friends of Gambian students. He who provides you access to education is indeed your best friend. The role of Jolly Riders in the development of education cannot be over emphasised. The introduction of Jolly Riders in The Gambia has left no stone unturned in access to school. It has helped tremendously in the performance of students in our schools especially in the rural areas where students walk many kilometers to go to school. “They are indeed our true friends”, he said.

According to Mr Bah, the Jolly Riders have donated over 4,510 bicycles to Gambian schools since 2006. He called on parents and schools to support and maintain the bicycles.

For his part the Director of Jolly Riders in The Gambia, Mr Babucarr Boyo Touray, said that the Jolly Riders will continue to support Gambian students in access to school.

Mr Barry Wright, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Jolly Riders The Gambia, appealed to students to be careful on the busy roads to avoid accidents.

The beneficiary schools are Wuli Foday Kunda Basic Cycle, Pakaliba Basic Cycle, and Albreda Senior Secondary School.