The Taiwanese Ambassador to The Gambia, Dr. Patrick Chang, yesterday presented two cheques amounting to over 11 million dalasis, to the Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education at a ceremony held at the department’s office.

The first cheque was for $496,160 and the second was for $70,000. The monies, totaling US$ 566,116.94, equivalent to D11, 322,340, were the final payment for the construction of Mayork Senior Secondary School.
In presenting the cheques on behalf of his government, Ambassador Chang expressed his delight at making the final payment for the construction of the school. He thanked the contractor, Armed and Security Engineering Company, for the good work done so far on the project. “I do hope that you will continue with the good work so that children in that area can enjoy the facility,” he said.

Commenting on the occasion, Mrs. Fatou Lamin-Faye, the Secretary of State for Basic and Secondary Education said that work on the site was expected to finish last May but due to some adjustments on the site it has exceeded the initial time frame. She however expressed hope that the project would be completed as soon as possible as they now have the necessary resources. She thanked Ambassador Chang and his government for their continued support to The Gambia’s education sector.

Speaking on behalf of the contractor, Lt. Connel Biran Saine, Chief of Gambia National Guard, thanked the Taiwanese Ambassador and the Department of State for Education for reposing the trust and confidence in giving them the contract. He promised that they would live up to expectation.
Babucarr Boye, Permanent Secretary of the Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education, chaired the ceremony.

In another development Ambassador Chang later in the day also presented certificates to the winners of the just concluded 38th world scholarship Art Exhibition organized by the Association For Education through Art Republic of China, held in Taiwan from October 16-31, 2007.
The winners are Omar Sanyang and Alex Gomez of Old Jeshwang Lower Basic School. Omar received the bronze certificate while Alex received the selected certificate.

Presenting the certificates at his office, Ambassador Chang congratulated the winners. He encouraged more children to enter the contest next year. The winners also received cash prizes.