The US Embassy in Banjul is organizing an essay competition as part of activities marking February as Black History Month, according to a press release the Embassy.

The release stated that this competition is open to students in all senior secondary schools (English and Arabic) and that all entries must be typed and should not be more than 1000 words. "The entries can be sent as email word document attachments to fofanajs@state.gov or betheats@state.gov,” the release added.  

"As this year marks a turning point in the political history of the United States with the inauguration of the first African American President, Barack Obama, the essay competition will focus on the changing nature of US politics and also the defining moment for democracy in the United States," the press release indicated. According to the release, students are requested to submit essays on one of the following topics:

1. What can the world learn from the US experience with race relations, which has come through many dark periods, but now has resulted in the election of the first African-American President in the United States?
2. What hopes do you have for President Obama’s administration and how do you think The Gambia can benefit from the new administration?
3. What is the importance of education and its impact on peace, freedom, justice and prosperity?
4. Culture is an important connection between any two nations. What do you see as an important cultural connection between the peoples of The Gambia and the United States? How can we improve on the cultural link between the two people?

"Essays should be submitted by February 15.  The award ceremony will be held on February 26 and there will be cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners as well as school supplies for winning schools," the release concluded.