A Telefood programme was recently launched at AjiSukaiNdatehMemorialSeniorSecondary School for girls at Mile 7 in Bakau. The initiative is being powered by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) country office.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Abdoulie Musa Loum, board chairman of the school, said that education absorbs the greatest share of recurrent Government expenditure of cost. He added that it also occupies the time and activities of the greatest number of adults and children and caries the greatest psychological burden of industry and the greatest consumer of public revenues.

The fundamental principle, Mr. Loum went on, is that education must contribute to the overall development of each individuals mind and body, intelligence, sensitivity, personal responsibility and spiritual values.

“This commitment on the part of FAO attests to a growing awareness that the provision of this agreement can make a decisive contribution to socio-economic development of the students of this noble institution that we all cherish,” he stated. He said it is also a testimony that the FAO are willing to positively contribute to the agricultural sector in the country through schools. He assured them that the support from Parents Teachers Association and students is necessary to achieve in this noble courses.

Dr. Baba Gana Ahmadu, FAO representative in The Gambia, said the FAO was formed as far back as 1945. During the first session of the FAO conference in Quebec City, Canada it was decided to promote, support and achieve food security for all. According to FAO boss, FAO’s mandate is to raise the level of nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy.

He said FAO paved the way for people to increase the yield in agricultural food production and added that it also provides the technicalities for people to conquer drought or famines.

Mr. Ahmadu mentioned that they have systems which they operate including putting information within reach, sharing policy expertise, providing a meeting place for nations and bringing knowledge to the field.    

For her part, the principal of the school, Madam Haddy Jammeh, expressed her optimism that the project will boost vegetable and fruit tree production, to agriculture and poultry management and bring significant progress in the development of her school.

She further revealed that it will make the learning in her school more enriching and thus afford the students the opportunity to express their talents outside normal academic lessons. She went on saying this project will no doubt have a very positive impact on the schools development programmes and help students to acquire meaningful educational.

She finally thanked all those who support the project particularly FAO.