arlier this week , the Office of the First Lady, Her Excellency Madam Fatou Bah Barrow, awarded scholarships to the top 10 female students of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The event, held at the State House in Banjul, saw the presence of key government officials and celebrated the academic achievements of these outstanding young girls.
A delegation led by the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST), Prof. Pierre Gomez, alongside Permanent Secretaries Mr. Louis Moses Mendy of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) and Dr. Yusupha Touray of MoHERST, joined senior officials and the honored students at the office of the First Lady at State House.
During the ceremony, First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow emphasized her commitment to complementing government efforts in providing quality education. “I feel that I have a role to play and I should contribute my quarter in one way or another. Whatever you do, do good because you might benefit from it in the future,” she remarked. Encouraging the students to aspire to become professionals in fields like aviation, medicine, and engineering, she added, “Education is a way of breaking the poverty cycle of any country, and I believe with education, the sky is the limit.”
Prof. Pierre Gomez highlighted the continuous support from the Office of the First Lady towards underprivileged and high-performing female students, noting the impact of such initiatives on national development. He expressed gratitude for the First Ladyโs foresight and ongoing efforts.
Mr. Louis Moses Mendy, Permanent Secretary at MoBSE, expressed pride in the collaboration with the First Ladyโs Office. He emphasized the importance of the scholarships as a “clarion call” to address the gap in female education, particularly in their transition from basic to tertiary education. Mendy called for additional scholarships for students with high academic credits to ensure their progression to higher education, which he believes is crucial for national development.
Dr. Yusupha Touray, Permanent Secretary at MoHERST, reiterated the significance of these scholarships in motivating young girls to excel in their studies and contribute to the countryโs growth.
Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Anna Jobe, expressed pride in celebrating the students’ achievements, stating that the scholarships would help them pursue their dreams of becoming impactful citizens.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Suwadou Jammeh extended her gratitude to the First Lady for her unwavering support and assured her of their commitment to meeting societal expectations and giving back to their communities.
