In a historic move to revolutionize distance learning education in The Gambia, the Digital Radio Mondiale Consortium (DRM ) in collaboration the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) through St. Josephโs Senior Secondary School, organised the first public demonstration of an innovative project to deliver education at a distance via radio.
The event which took place in St. Josephโs Senior Secondary School demonstrated how lessons from the UK radio broadcasting station can deliver audio lessons via DRM shortwave to students in St. Josephโs SSS via tablets and mobile phones through a local WiFi connection to the radio.
The initiative marks a significant step in leveraging technology to deliver accessible education across the Gambia, aligning perfectly with MoBSE’s policy on distance learning through radio and digital platforms like the I-Learn Gambia Platform.
The Ministry plans to utilize the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) initiative to broadcast audio lessons via its existing radio stations.
Father Mbokeh, representing the Catholic Bishop of the Gambia, warmly welcomed the project. He emphasized the Bishop’s strong belief in the power of digital learning to democratize education, ensuring that even those in the most remote parts of the country have access to quality learning opportunities.
Ms. Hanna Kippi Cocker, the Principal of St. Joseph Senior Secondary School expressed her enthusiastic support for the E-learning radio.
She highlighted the critical role of technology in education, recalling how St. Joseph’s SSS successfully employed digital tools to maintain learning during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. “This digitalized radio will bring learning directly to the doorsteps of children in the Gambia,” she affirmed, “leaving no child behind.”
As the pioneering institution for this pilot project, the Principal pledged unwavering commitment to the judicious use of the equipment to maximize its reach and impact.
She expressed deep appreciation to Ms. Daramy and her German team for the partnership, promising to strengthen collaboration with them and the Ministry in advancing this initiative.
Mr. Ousman Bah, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Administration at MoBSE, deputizing for the Permanent Secretary, Louie Moses Mendy, hailed the project as a “worthy and noble cause” that directly supports the Ministry’s vision for advancing education through technology.
He highlighted the Ministry’s past success in using technology to ensure continuous learning during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis.
Mr. Correa of the Catholic Secretariat lauded the initiative as a “monumental breakthrough” for E-learning, not just for the Gambia but potentially beyond its borders. He urged students to use the provided gadgets responsibly and avoid any misuse.
Ms. Janet Daramy, the key link between St. Joseph’s Senior Secondary School and her German counterparts, elaborated on the transformative potential of the technology to make learning universally accessible.
She emphasized that this launch represents a first-of-its-kind achievement for the Gambia and the world at large. Ms. Daramy commended the school principal for her visionary leadership in embracing this project.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Marian Conteh, a grade eleven student, expressed gratitude for this significant advancement in educational opportunities for students across the nation.
