Dr Patrick Chang, Taiwanese Ambassador to The Gambia, on Monday presented a cheque for US$ 344,718 equivalent to D90, 390,386 for the construction of a Maths and Science Academy at Kanilai Village,Western Region.
This academy is expected to house a library, lecture theatre, a mate room, multi purpose centre, and staff quarters, among others. Work is expected to be completed by June 31, next year.

Crispin Grey Johnson, Secretary of State for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, received the cheque at a presentation ceremony held in his office at the new GRTS building in Kanifing.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr Chang said this first payment represents 20 per cent of the total cost of the project, noting that President Yahya Jammeh attaches a great importance to the development of education.

Ambassador Chang added that the total sum of the project is US$1.723,590, equivalent to D46,536,913. He said the academy will train more young people in science, research and technology.
Ambassador Chang added the project work is contracted to the Gambia Technical Training Institution (GTTI). He commended GTTI for the construction of two senior schools in Siffoe and Mayok.

In receiving the cheques, Secretary of State Grey Johnson, said Taiwan continues to demonstrate solidarity with the people of The Gambia in national development process. “Now that the president has decided that this country must open up into a different face, and that we must venture into high-tech and become a scientific - technological society, Taiwan has once more stepped in to helping us prepare the ground for this to happen,” he said.

He pointed out that the academy is expected to start preparing young men and women, who will then proceed to the universities of scientific and technological discipline, that would allow us to be able to implement and sustain the silicon valley objectives and to have our science park operate effectively and efficiently.

SoS Grispin Grey Johnson described the project as a breakthrough and then applauded the government and people of Taiwan through Ambassador Chang for the excellent of friendship and partnership in the development of the country.

For her part Fatou Mbye, Director of GTTI, whose institution is entrusted with the supervision and consultancy of the project, commended the Taiwanese people for their assistance to The Gambia. According to her, this new institution will be of good quality.
The ceremony was also attended by Ismaila Sambou, Secretary of Sate for Local Government and Lands, Momodou Lamin Gibba Director of Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), and Professor Andreas Steigen, Vice-Chancellor of the University of The Gambia.
The ceremony was chaired by Dr Saidou Jallow, Permanent-Secretary at the Department of State for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology.