Jole Rider Foundation, UK, in collaboration with the board of the foundation in The Gambia, on Friday, handed over 300 (three hundred) bicycles to students of Bansang Senior Secondary School, Diabugu Senior Secondary School, and Diabugu Upper Basic School at a colorful ceremony held in the Gunjur Co-operative Sicko in Gunjur Village, Kombo South District.

The donation is complementary to the previous assistance given to various schools within the Western and Lower River Regions, and more recently Central and Upper River Regions. The ultimate aim is to reach all the regions of the country.

In handing over the bicycles to the beneficiaries, Lamin Sanneh, the governor of Western Region, spoke at length on the importance of education.

He revealed that The Gambia has attained the objectives of the Education For All (EFA) project, as the government is relentless in the effort to take education to higher heights. According to him, President Yahya Jammeh is ever prepared and ready for the development of the nation.

Governor Sanneh further added that the government is aware of the support the foundation is giving to the Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education, adding that they will continue to give their support to the foundation. He finally urged the beneficiaries to take care of the bicycles.

Speaking earlier, Babucarr Touray, director of programmes for the foundation, said, in his introductory remarks, that education is key to development, adding that currently they are in partnership with 21 (twenty one) schools in The Gambia and arehoping to reach more schools across the country. According to him, by September this year another consignment will arrive for delivery to additional schools.  

In his statement, he also highlighted that they have already delivered over 2000 (two thousand) bicycles, and are closely monitoring the bicycles to ensure they serve their purpose and that maintenance services are being conducted frequently.

Among the speakers were Alhagie Kujabi, the councillor of Kafuta ward, who represented the chairman of the Brikama Area Council, Janko CS Bojang, Gunjur ward councillor, Mbarka Touray, who spoke on behalf of the alikalo of Gunjur, HB Ampro-Kroma, the principal of Maahad Senior Secondary School, who spoke on behalf of the Director of Region Two, and Kalipha Jatta, principal, Diabugu Senior and Upper Basic School, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries.