Social Security and Housing Finance Cooperation (SSHFC) last week donated a cash amount of five thousand Dalasis (D5, 000) to Armitage Ex-Pupils Association (AREXPA) at a ceremony held at its Head Office in Banjul.

Speaking on behalf of the General Manager of SSHFC, Ebrima Dampha, deputy Public Affairs Manager at the Social Security and Housing Finance Cooperation said, ‘this amount was made in response to a request of a donation letter sent to SSHFC’s General Manager by the Armitage Ex-pupils Association in a bid to support their alma mater. According to him, this donation will help them to meet up their needs in preparation for the Annual Speech and Prize Giving Ceremony to be held in June this year.

He further revealed that the Government of the Gambia has been doing a lot in promoting the educational sector, adding that Armitage, as the only Boarding School in the Gambia, needs sustainable assistance.

In receiving the cheque, Karamba Jawla, President of Armitage Ex-Pupil’s Association commended the General Manager and staff of SSHFC for what he described as a good gesture. He also expressed delight and appreciation of what they have done for the association over the years.

Jawla gave a brief history of the Association, noting that it was established many years ago by productive alumni of Armitage. He touched on the big plans the association is about to embark on with a view towards generating funds that are to be added to their monthly contributions.

Mr. Jawla assured SSHFC staff that the donation will be used to buy learning materials, food condiments, cooking ustensils, medicine and materials for shelter among others for their brothers and sisters at Armitage.

Outlining their constrains, Jawla noted that the Association has undergone so many difficulties in reaching out to the school during their annual visit in which he said they delegated some members of the Association to go and witness the Speech and Prize Giving Ceremony. He outlined that transportation is one of the major challenges faced by the Association. He then called on the authorities and all ex-students to come to their aid and raise the standard of their Alma mater, urging them to emulate Mr. Tumbul Danso and his management for their relentless support.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Muhammed Kanteh, Deputy Public Relations Officer of AREXPA, Musa Ndow the Secretary General of the Association delivered the vote of thanks.