On Friday, March 23, an Association of Private Schools in The Gambia, (APSIG), was formally established at a meeting held at St Joseph’s Ex-pupils Primary School, Kanifing.

The meeting attended by a number of proprietors of private schools in the Greater Banjul or their proxies, adopted the articles of association and elected its first executive committee to run the affairs of the consortium for a two-year term.

Members of the Executive Committee were all elected unanimously with Dr Burang Goree-Ndiaye, of Cates International Academy as Chairman, Mr. Ousman A Ndow, of Daddy Jobe Comprehensive School as Vice-Chairman, Mrs. Victoria E Clarke of Zenith Preparatory School as Secretary, and Mrs. Elizabeth Betz of Charles Fowlis Memorial School as Treasurer.

Other members of the committee include Mrs. Nancy Umoh, of the Nigeria International School as Social Secretary, Mr. M A Kpange of Core Comprehensive School as Assistant Secretary, Mr. Ebrima O Faal of Kotu Junior Secondary School as Assistant Social Secretary, Mr. Trawally of SBEC International School to represent the Early Childhood level, Mr. S Sarfo of Methodist Preparatory School to represent the Basic Cycle level and Mr. Eric Yawson of Ndow’s Comprehensive Senior Secondary School to represent the Secondary School level.

The rationale for setting up APSIG is to, among other things, provide a forum for private schools in the country to address issues affecting them collectively, foster collaboration among private schools, and have a body that will be the liaison point between the Department of State for Education and private schools in The Gambia.

The Association, which is apolitical and non-sectarian, aims to have all private schools in The Gambia belong to the body for the growth, development and effectiveness of private schooling to be fostered in the mutual interest of all stakeholders.