The University of The Gambia (UTG), in collaboration with St Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM), yesterday conveyed a symposium at the Gambia Girl Guides headquarters conference hall in Kanifing.

The conference was aimed at Promoting Education and Cultural Exchange (PEACE), strengthen exchange activities and foster greater collaboration between the staff and students of both institutions.

The highly qualified visiting professors of various disciplines, accompanied by two librarians and two research students are hosted by the University of the Gambia for two weeks.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Andreas Steigen, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Gambia described PEACE as vital. He commended Peace Corps, The Gambia, for their immense contribution to the development of the University of The Gambia.

According to him, education is a key to development and success noting that bad education is anti-development and commended St Mary’s University for the contribution to the University of The Gambia. Professor Bill Roberts, Professor of Anthropology, described Gambians as generous people.  He commended the students of the University of The Gambia for being very supportive and committed to achieving education. He revealed that the peace programme started in 1996. “This is not only a St Mary’s programme but the University of The Gambia as well. It is all about full exchange between the two institutions on both education and cultural aspects. It will help students from the University of The Gambia to visit the United States and learn about the culture. It will also help St Mary’s students come to the Gambia and learn about the Gambia,” he said.

According to him, all these efforts are in place to put more knowledge and wealth in the students noting that, it is another step in expanding the collaboration between the students of the two institutions.

Professor Katherine Socha, Professor in Mathematics, expressed delight at being in The Gambia. She implored the students to take their courses seriously and commended Gambians for their hospitality.  She gave a lengthy statement on her experiences as a Professor in Mathematics, and what she has learnt so far in The Gambia. She assured that the cooperation between the two institutions will greatly help and will continue. Professor Roy Hopkins, Professor in Psychology, described the PEACE as relevant for the student’s education. He said the UTG is young, but it is with the possibility of promoting several opportunities for Gambians.

He commended the students of the UTG for being very dedicated and committed in attaining education noting that, the PEACE programme is vital for the two institutions. He also congratulated the UTG for the immense progress and expressed hoped for a positive future.

Alhagie Gumbo Ali Touray, Director of International Affairs and Information at the UTG said, they are working hand in hand to facilitate the stay of the delegation and their activities. “We arrange lectures, seminars for them, visits to RVTH, MRC, NARI and other people. We are responsible for the general welfare of the visitors in The Gambia” he said.

He described the team as highly qualified professionals in various discipline. He expressed hoped that the UTG students will gain immense knowledge from the visitors noting that education is the road to development. He further stated that knowledge is a catalyst to national development.

Dr Saja Taal, a part time lecturer at the University of The Gambia, also commended the Peace Corps volunteers’ efforts towards the UTG. He quickly urged for organisational structures in the UTG to build strong grounds for the students.

Dr Taal further described education as relevant for the development of any nation adding that building capacity for the UTG is vital. “There is enough in our environment to start with, for the ground work of the programmes. We should go beyond the classrooms and reach the community” he urged. He also commended the delegation from St Mary’s and the UTG for organising such a programme.

Other speakers at the ceremony amongst others included Professor Femi Ojo-Ade, Professor of French and Literature languages, at the St Mary’s College.