The Gambia Schooling Fund, a charitable organisation, supported by Brain Keelan’s widow, Araceli Keelan of the United Kingdom on Saturday awarded a full scholarship, worth one million Dalasi to Abdoulie Ceesay, a student of St Peter Technical Senior School to study for a two-year International Baccleriate Residential Course at Atlantic College in the United Kingdom, at a colourful ceremony held at its headquarters in Brikama Sanchaba in Kombo, Central Western Region.
Altogether 39 (thirteen nine) students applied for the scholarship, all of whom come from various schools within Kombo and the Greater Banjul areas, among them the most outstanding students were short- listed and awarded with text books from Araceli Keelan, in memory of his late husband, through Chriss Wright who presented the team on her behalf.
Delivering a statement at the presentation ceremony, Chriss Allwright, alias, Muhamed, Founder Proprietor of The Gambia Schooling Fund has revealed his organisation’s desire to strengthen its support.
Meanwhile, addressing the applicants Mr. Allwight, alias, Muhammed told them that “if they lost the competition today doesn’t mean they have lost everything”, adding that there is still an opportunity for them to be one of the luckiest winners in the future.
He further disclosed that he started the association in 1988, which now sponsors over 360 students, out of which 184 students are orphans. He then added that he has already 9 orphans living with him.
Abubacarr Darboe, The Gambia Schooling Sponsorship Officer, in his statement, dilated on the history of the organisation, stating that the organisation started in 1988, by Chriss Allwright, alias, Muhammed who was then working with Rev Father Murphy, Principal of St Augustine High School.
Other speakers included Baba Jah, alias, Ebou Bah who is the Managing Director of The Gambia Schooling Fund, gave the vote of thanks.