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Three Nobels launch prize for Spanish-language woman writers

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Three Nobel laureates threw their support Monday behind a prize to be awarded to Spanish-language women writers 35 or younger living in the United States or Mexico.Gabriel Garcia Marquez from Colombia, Toni Morrison from the United States and Seamus Heaney from Ireland offered their support for the Aura Estrada Prize in memory of a Mexican writer who died in 2007 at age 30.The authors won Nobel awards in literature in 1982, 1993 and 1996 respectively."Good causes must be supported. This prize...

Source: http://www.dailystaregypt.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=18192

Ngoyan win replay final in Banjul

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:03:08 GMT

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Ngoyan beat Plumbi 1-0 in a replay final to left the Banjul knock-out title on Saturday.

The sides had to settle for a replay after their first meeting ended in a 1-1 draw a week ago. However, Ngoyan counted themselves lucky on Saturday when a second half lone goal proved to be the match decider. As champions, Nyoyan received a Sport House sponsored giant trophy and a cash prize of D15,000, while Plumbi consoled themselves with D10,000.

Despite missing out narrowly on the knock-out title, Plumbi can still make up for the defeat, when they take on Green House in the Banjul league final on
Saturday at the Banjul community stadium. The winner of the league title, which is solely sponsored by the Banjul Sports Committee, will also bag D15,000, while the runners up will go home with D10,000.

Author: by Nanama Keita

Tutu honoured with US Fulbright Award

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:20:17 GMT

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu was awarded the Fulbright Prizefor International Understanding on Friday from the US State Departmentfor his work in fostering understanding and campaigning for peace and human rights. The J. William Fulbright Prize forInternational Understanding was created by the Fulbright Association in1993 to recognize individuals who have made extraordinary contributionstoward bringing peoples, cultures and nations to greater understandingof others.

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SAGoodNews/~3/463784129/tutu_honoured_with_us_fulbright_award_.html

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Announces Winner of 2008 Prize

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:38:34 GMT

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Festus Gontebanye Mogae, the former President of Botswana, was announced yesterday as the winner of the 2008 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. Established to recognise and celebrate excellence in African leadership, the Ibrahim Prize is the largest annually awarded prize in the world, consisting of US$5 million over 10 years and US$200,000 annually for life thereafter. The Foundation will consider granting a further $200,000 per year for ten years towards public interest activities and good causes espoused by the Laureate, a news release from the MO Ibrahim foundation says yesterday.

Announcing the 2008 Ibrahim Laureate in front of an audience of London’s African diplomatic community, civil society representatives and the media, Kofi Annan, the Chair of the Prize Committee, said: “President Mogae’s outstanding leadership has ensured Botswana’s continued stability and prosperity in the face of an HIV/AIDS pandemic which threatened the future of his country and people.”

Kofi Annan went on to praise President Mogae’s stewardship of the Botswanan economy. He said: “Botswana demonstrates how a country with natural resources can promote sustainable development with good governance, in a continent where too often mineral wealth has become a curse.”

The Ibrahim Prize has been established by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, launched in October 2006 as an initiative to support great African leadership. The 2008 Ibrahim Laureate was selected by the Prize Committee of six eminent individuals. The Prize Committee assesses democratically elected former Executive Heads of State or Government from sub-Saharan African countries who have served their term in office within the limits set by their country’s constitution, and have left office within the last three years.

The announcement of this year’s Ibrahim Laureate comes a fortnight after the publication of the 2008 Ibrahim Index of African Governance in Addis Ababa. Assessed against 57 criteria, the Ibrahim Index ranks sub-Saharan African nations according to governance performance. The Ibrahim Index is one of a number of independent and authoritative sources which, the Prize Committee uses in its deliberations.

On hearing the outcome of the Prize Committee’s deliberations, according to the release, Mo Ibrahim, the founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, said: “I am delighted that the Prize Committee has selected President Mogae as the second Ibrahim Laureate. He is another example of outstanding leadership from the African continent. I offer President Mogae my warmest congratulations and best wishes.”

In October 2007, Joaquim Chissano, the former President of Mozambique, became the inaugural Ibrahim Laureate. The Prize Committee’s citation praised President Chissano’s “achievements in bringing peace, reconciliation, stable democracy and economic progress to his country”.

Kartong School: On Sound Footing

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:14:12 GMT

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

St. Martin’s Basic Cycle School at Kartong has recently held their 2nd Speech and Prize Giving with the 4thbatch of students graduating from Grade 9. Though the school stands away from the city, it has challenged other Basic Cycle Schools in the country and have no fear to do so in the future if what thy cry for is provided to enhance their studies. The school cries for the basics other schools have at their disposal. The school has made an immense stride to put its name on the map as one of the best schools to belong to. The Principal, Pa Harry Badjie, who is praised by the school and the Kartong community and beyond, has put a lot in place in the school since he took over. He is praised as a silent but firm worker with lots of visions to improve the learning situation and improve the community in his own way. Augustine Kanjia delve into what he and the school have been into, their successes, needs and plans. Read on and tell others about St. Martin’s.

The transformed school (St. Martin’s Basic Cycle) gathered hundreds of visitors and citizens of Kartong to show how their children are doing their best to be counted. The school is a host to several schools who come to visit them and the area. Their hospitality has been rated as one of the best and many other schools have appreciated their gesture towards strangers.

Pa Harry Badjie remembers his conversation with the Catholic Education Secretary, Emil Kujabi when the task was given to him to head the school at Kartong then Emil Kujabi said to him; “Now prove yourself, here is the challenge.” This statement has since been the motivating factor to his continuous stride to development in line with the Millennium goal. “Thank you Mr. Kujabi for this, it keeps making me strong every day,” Pa Harry said.

Pa Harry Badjie addressing his fellow principals and those in the same profession said, “Life is full of opportunities which will be open to anyone to receive and merit, that they may begin to appreciate your innate worth and offer the same compassion and respect that you would give to others.”

Compared to other far away schools, St. Martin’s Basic Cycle recounted their achievements saying: Under him the school provided furniture, through Ingared School, Danish Gambian Friendship Association, World Bank, CCF. The school also in line with the principal’s vision in 2002 in collaboration with his staff were able to get a staff quarter with the help of CES, AID, LINK, DFA Ireland. They secured solar electricity for teachers’ quarters and classes for night studies, which is compulsory from Grades 7 to 9. The school’s fencing project is still on course, yet to be completed. Renovation of three classroom blocks was done by SDF. Mr. Roche sponsorship has been able to sponsor 76 students while Alingsa’s sponsoring 57 students.

“I am also delighted to announce that no sooner than later, more Solar panels will be mounted for 24 hours. I believe that Charging of mobiles, lights in staff houses and computer would be in full use soon. The Poultry house (project) is about to start and the building is ready. A new and well built toilet with a reserve tank is now on going and would be completed soon.” He was happy to report that girls’ enrollment is more than boys comparatively. In 2005/2007 boys numbered to 338 and girls were 352.”

Talking on constraints, life does not go without such as many other schools would be St. Martin too is engulfed with such and have been looking around for help and are still soliciting for such help to let them help others into higher heights. Many see the principal’s move as helping not only the school but the society in which the school stands and he is bent on helping as such.

He says, “No matter how best you have or want to achieve your goals there are bound to be constraints or short comings. Some of which are: The lack of an equipped Home Science classroom for better results. We lack a computer laboratory to enable our students acquire computer skills, especially when we are expecting solar power. There is a very big need to have a Science laboratory, equipped to meet the needs of the children. We have provided Metal and Wood Work as subjects but there is no workshop formulated for that purpose. We need one to enhance a good practical knowledge to improve on their skills for a better future. We badly need to extend the solar light from Grades 1 to 4.” Pa Harry Badjie stressed for some minor improvements which he said would be seen only when people come to visit the school and decide to give a help in hand especially citizens and those who passed through the school and are now in responsible positions and or are out of the country. “My development drive of the school must be shared with parents in one way or the other in the community,” he said.

According to the hard working principal, the school registered some academic successes with the help of CES, REO, PTA who helped to create an ideal learning atmosphere for teachers and pupils. “With the lack of manpower resources and inadequate resources and many other problems my staff and I did not relent to let our children excel though we did not reach our desired goal but we are in the process of reaching it.” He pointed out that the percentage passes in the years fluctuated. “In 2004/2005, we had 40% passes, (our first attempt), in 2005/2006 we had 45% passes and in 2006/2007, we had 61% passes. We keep progressing as years come and go,” he said. Academic success he said is their priority and they would leave no stone unturned to reach their goal and “I ploy for your continued assistance.”

Pa Harry Badjie says, “Before a baby walks he or she would have to place the hands on the knees of someone first then can stand and walk.” He thanked all that have been helping the school in all capacity. He urged all philanthropists, citizens of Kartong to take the challenge and develop the school and their community. He thanked Modou Lamin Jarjou living in USA, a citizen of Kartong, commonly known as M, living in America, who had helped the school when they badly needed help towards their Speech and Prize Giving ceremony. He asked those Gambians in the Diaspora to see reason to help a school willing to improve and to improve the society.

The Guest Speaker, Bai Matarr Drammeh resoundingly gave a flash back of the village and how schools were not many but with high corporation. “I gained admission abroad and went to study not as a “Bombster” but a learner. Life is not easy,” he said.

Bai Matarr Drammeh, a native of Kartong and a highly educated man, said teachers teach everything but do not teach children how to find job. He said they would rather tell you all about how job can be acquired by “connection.”

He advised that when finding a job one should first find out about the institution you want to be employed in. Try to know about the secretary and upon facing her ask about her family quoting names. She would direct you straight to the MD you are asking for. He further said that people should not just write, “Application for any vacant position,” that it is wrong, “One should be specific,” he said. He gave his experience on how he was taking newspapers from door to door in USA while he was studying and how his friend, Darboe had influenced him to leave the job and go for another. He thought packing books was heavy for him but Darboe convinced him and he stayed on. He said he told him a wanted a table and pen job, but it was not possible. In his boss absence they packed all books off as his master would do. The boss came back and was angry and said, why and how did you do that? After my explanation he gave me a table and chair to take charge of invoices. He cited his experience with his boss when he saw ghettos in a developed nation and said, “We owe it to ourselves to develop.”

He further said he told his wife he wanted only 250 Dollars to return home to The Gambia and leave them there. And he made it through on his return. He talked about his successes ranging from the repairing of the Banjul beach through his construction company facilitating it, by a Deutch Company, the formation of Great Alliance Insurance, “For all I have done shows that there is nothing the human mind cannot do,” he said. Including my being the president of the Gambia Chambers of Commerce, he said. Planning and discipline are vital for such and you should listen to your teachers. He thanked all present and praised Lamin Jamba Jammeh, the counselor of the area. Many invited guests and dignitaries were in attendance. To reach the school call: Tel: 00220 9701135/7783864

Prizes were given to the Nursery, Lower Basic and the Upper Basic School, past and present students.

Author: By Augustine Kanjia

Source: Picture: Principal Pa Harry Badjie

BS Holds Speech and Prize Giving

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:18:47 GMT

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

The Greater Banjul Upper Basic School, commonly known as BS, last Friday held its annual Speech and Prize Giving ceremony at the school grounds in Kanifing.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Omar Jatta, Principal Education Officer Region One, described the event as a day of reflection for the graduation class and the school as a whole.

In his report, Omar J. Ndur, principal of the school, said that the school is one of the most improved schools in the region both in academic and disciplinary terms. This, he said, has been made possible by the philosophy “ believing in oneself” which they preach to students.

In giving a brief history of the school, principal Jatta said that the school initially belonged to Banjul City Council and was established to cater for primary school dropouts until 1976 when the government took it over. He outlined the various challenges the school faced in term of structures. These, he said, included their movement from one place to another within Banjul and finally to its current location.

On enrolment, he said that the school has a population of 1,300 students covering both morning and afternoon shifts. He thanked the Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education, African Muslim Agency, Friends of Gambian Schools and all those who support the school.

On staffing he said that the school has a teaching staff of 43 and non-teaching staff of 13.

The school, he continued, entered 366 candidates for 2007 GABECE out of which 314 passed and only 22 failed. He pointed out transportation and furniture as major constraints facing the school and thus appealed for assistance.

Yamai Secka Jack, Association Peace Corps Director for Education, was the guest speaker at the occasion.

She encouraged the outgoing students to work hard, be respectful and disciplined in order for them to become responsible citizens. “Your result in the grade nine exam will determine your future. Continuing education is a matter of must,” she told them.

The occasion was marked by drama and a change of office by the student’s council.

Prizes and certificates were awarded to deserving students.

Author: By Nfamara Jawneh

Source: Monday 30th June 2008 Issue Picture: BS Students passing out

GMA holds Speech and Prize Giving Ceremony

Wed, 21 May 2008 05:10:22 GMT

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

The Gambia Methodist Academy (GMA) on Friday held its 12th annual speech and prize giving ceremony, at the school ground in Bakau.

In delivering her report, Hannah Harding, principal of the school,disclosed that the 2007/2008 academic year commenced on the 17 of September 2007 with an enrollment of 683 pupils. Of the total number of registered students, she said 55% are girls.

According to her, under the Catchment Area Design System of the Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education, they conditionally admitted 41 students from the Methodist Preparatory and Kindergarten School last September and 78 students from other schools were also granted admission after successfully sitting to an entrance exam.

At the senior school, she added, 121 students were enrolled into grade 10 in September 2007, to pursue courses in Science, Business Studies and Arts. These students obtained aggregate 14 and better in the May/June 2007 GABECE, she oulined with a satisfactory mood.

She further noted that about 109 candidates sat to the May/June 2007 WASSCE and their choice of subjects came from twenty four disciplines, noting, of these 24. As a result, the school recorded a hundred percent credit passes in 10 of them, of the fourteen remaining subjects, only Maths and Chemistry had below 50% credit passes. ‘‘In 2006, 78.8% of our students had credit passes in 6 or more subjects. In 2007, had credit passes in 6 or more subjects. We eagerly look forward to recording a 100% credit passes in at least 70% of the subjects offered”, she hinted.

For her part, Mariatou Ceesay, head girl of the school, thanked God for witnessing yet another Speech Day. She therforethanked the Methodist Mission for establishing this great institution that continues to have a positive impact on the educationnal sector. She also thanked the parents, guardians and sponsors for their care and energy and the teachers for their love, patience, care, dedication.

Author: by Assanatou Bojang

Lucky Little dancer!

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:45:42 GMT

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Friday, April 25, 2008

This little young lady was standing around with her mum and friends in Bakau. The grown-ups were singing and dancing while they waited for His Excellency the President to come by. The little young lady was such a groovy dancer that she caught the President’s eye - and got the prize!

Author: DO

Upper Nuimi District Tourney Final Sunday

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:58:49 GMT

Thursday, April 17, 2008

The final of the Upper Nuimi District tournament, organised by the Upper Nuimi Sports Committee, will take place this weekend between Mass Sosseh of Kerr Mama and Wallidan of Fass Omar Saho.

Solely sponsored by Cherno Omar Jallow, National Assembly Member of the area, Sunday’s final will take place at Albreda football field.

A handsome prize of D7,000 with a giant trophy awaits the winner of the championship, while the runners up will be awarded D4,000 with a trophy.

The final is expected to be graced by four Secretaries of State namely; Mass Axi Gaye for Youths and Sports, Ousman Sonko of Interior, Momodou Kotu Cham of Forestry and Yankuba Touray of Fisheries.

The president of the Gambia football Association, Seedy /MB Kinteh, and the National Assembly Member of the area, Hon. Cherno Omar Jallow, will also grace the final.

According to Bai Dodou Jallow, member of the Upper Nuimi Sports Committee, the occasion will be used to present D110 balls that where donated to them by the Washington State Sports Association.

Source: Picture: Mass Sosseh of Kerr Mama FC

Gambian Children Participate in the WCPRC 2008

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:21:00 GMT

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Up to 34 schools in The Gambia recently participated in the World Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child (WCPRC).

WCPRC is an annual event organised globally by Children’s World an NGO based in Sweden which works towards educating children on democracy and their rights. Candidates for this year were Jose Fina Condori from Peru, Agnes Stevens from the United States and Somaly Mam of Cambodia.

The event, which was set aside for children to vote for the rights of the child, started on the 3rd of April and ran until the 11th.

In The Gambia the Child Protection Alliance (CPA), a leading body in the protection of children’s rights, dispatched officials to the event. The group was led by Mr. Badjie and Mr. Kujabi of CPA and they monitored the voting processes in those schools selected to take part.

Elections were held at St. Joseph’s ex-Pupil Lower Basic Old Jeshwang, Simon Bolivar LBS, Bakau Upper Basic, Gambia Methodist Academy and Serekunda LBS among others.

Mr. Kujabi, speaking as voting was going on at St. Joseph’s ex-Pupil, expressed delight at the successful conduct of voting at the school. He underscored the need for children to be given much protection and care. He revealed that there were no problems encountered during voting at the school and added that it was the first time the school had taken part in WCPRC.

For her part, Mrs. Hannah Cherry, Headmistress at the school, also expressed similar sentiments. She commended her staff for their cooperation.

In Old Jeshwang Simon Bolivar LBS Madame Elisabeth Ndow, Deputy Headmistress, and Lamin J. Ceesay, schools monitor in the Region One, rated the school as one of the best models around. Deputy Ndow expressed happiness at the fact that her school was participating for the first time. She commended President Jammeh and his government for protecting the rights of children.

She further added that her school will continue to participate and do its best for the development of The Gambia. Madame Ndow finally outlined her personal commitment and dedication to continuing the good work and revealed that there is a huge amount of cooperation between staff members at the school.

Binta Chorr delivered the well-received closing remarks.

In Bakau UBS, Adama Samateh and Fatou Ann all emphasised the importance of voting in their lives as it will provide them with their own rights and safeguard their welfare.

Their Principal, Mrs. Tilda Willan, also expressed gratitude to CPA for their continued support in protecting children against violence, abuse and exploitation. She applauded CPA for their remarkable support and urged them to keep up the good work.

In Serekunda LBS, where lots of entertainment was put on, candidates distributed their manifestos and plans for if they are elected.

Addressing their supporters at the rally in the school the three candidates all promised the electorate that, if voted in, they would strive to improve the welfare of young people.

One of the candidates, Agnes Stevens who stood for the United States, informed supporters that her party is the only party they should vote for, adding that they are synonymous with development.

The results of the vote are yet to be released as few schools have sent their votes to the CPA offices in Bakau.

Author: By Yerro Mballow & Malamin Conteh

Source: Picture: A student speaks as part of WCPRC 2008