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Chancellor’s literary award in the offing

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 06:21:07 GMT

Monday, November 10, 2008

The country’s highest institution of learning, the University of The Gambia (UTG), has issued a strong call for playwrights, novelists and poets to send in their literary works as it prepares to launch the ‘Chancellor’s Literary Award.’

The award, as is evidenced by its title, is supported by the chancellor of the university, President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh. It is open to Gambians and non-Gambian writers resident in The Gambia who are deemed worthy by the quality of their work.

Among the objectives of the program are to stimulate creative writing, promote the development of literature and also to contribute to the strengthening of literature in The Gambia.

The contest will be in the following forms of production: novel, poetry, short stories, novella and drama.

The submitted works will be judged by a panel of jurors who will form a local committee to be selected by the Vice Chancellor. The local committee will comprise 5 members mainly from the Department of Humanities who will shortlist the applicants.

The Chancellor Jury will consist of 7 members – 4 local and 3 international. The jury will also include academics of high standing, writers of various genres and literary critics. There will be at least a female representative.

The award will be presented by the Chancellor, Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, during an official ceremony.

Author: DO

UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBA: OFFICE OF THE UNIVERSITY REGISTRAR

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:56:18 GMT

Monday, November 10, 2008

THE CHANCELLOR LITERARY AWARD CALL FOR LITERARY WORKS

The University of The Gambia is organising a literary competition for all writers under the canopy of the Chancellor’s Literary Award Competition. Get set, ready, go….

Fervent is the conviction that The Chancellor Literary Award scheme will not fail to whip up enthusiasm in both potential Gambian and non-Gambian writers to pen away and produce works in all spheres of literature.

This conviction does not stem from the pecuniary gains the awardees will receive, but rather from the fact that hardly is there any form of honour to be bestowed on a writer than make him or her attain planetary recognition.

We are not oblivious of the plethora of constraints that writers are beset with in The Gambia, but at the same time, we should not let these challenges plunge us into helpless passivity. If I do not write, if you do not write, if we do not write, if they do not write, how can our beautiful culture and history, our cohesive and wholesome socio-political heritage be revealed to the world and be preserved for posterity?

All we are asking you to do is to wake up, if you are still sleeping, sit down, if you are still idling around, and take your pen and start writing. Your novel, your play, your collection of short stories and poems mean a lot to us more than anything else.

Please submit your manuscript or book (7 copies - For a work to be considered, it should have been published three years or more before the award date) to the University Registrar, UTG on or before MARCH 31ST 2009.

Author: DO

Society: Speech by the former vice chancellor, University of The Gambia, delivered to an audience at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, during a send off get-together organized in his honour by the university authority

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:04:00 GMT

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Three years passed so quickly! Even so, they may be learning years; changing your life forever, for better or worse.

It is change itself that challenges all of us. The three years as VC has definitely been learning years and years of change, years of experience and fascination. When I accepted the job, I knew very little (which actually means “nothing”) about the University of The Gambia and The Gambia itself. The task, however, was irresistible. My wife and I knew it would strain the family economy dramatically and also put demands of our small and closely-knit family. It was, however, too tempting and exotic.

So we went for it, my wife and I.

If I had known then, what I know now, I probably would have shunned the challenge and stayed at home amidst my books. Well, I came, and I do not regret it at all! And my wife stayed at home facing three straining years. But this is also her 7th visit to The Gambia!

When I arrived, I was in for tough learning sessions.

When I first met UTG, the initial surprise was this:

I thought I should run a university, others thought I should make it. Secondly, and not very encouraging, I was told the university was lying down with a broken back. Not the neck, however, I was pleased to observe! Today UTG is standing upright, but the back is still paining a bit. Thirdly, during the first two weeks, I met with every (well, almost every) staff member, and I realised there was a lot of committed staff members willing to sacrifice and build the UTG. There is where it actually started - It always starts with people. Dedicated staff members on all levels are UTG’s most valuable assets.

Accomplishments

It has been an interesting three-year voyage. Most important of what we have accomplished is this:

We have been able to put up the foundations for a developmental university; a unique Gambian University model for The Gambia that Gambians have confidence in.

An instrument for progress that, if it is well nurtured, will give significant and continuous contributions to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals and Vision 2020 in The Gambia.

Our back is not fully restored. Without dedicated support from the whole nation, UTG will not reach its potential. Let me restate: the whole Gambian nation. To count on donor support for running UTG, is not sustainable. I know of no other successful university that does not have a functioning library, laboratories, lecture and seminar rooms, facilities for student activities, meetings, sports, a cafeteria and so on. Do you? The time has come to go from words and syntax to action and the materialisation of physical premises. The time has come to perform. Now! Because that is what is about: to deliver!

The future realisation of a “state of the art” campus at Faraba Banta fills me with enthusiasm and great expections.

But the delay of the Kanifing campus is seriously hampering intuitional development. The lack of facilities for the medical school obstructs the development of future health services.

Achievements

What we have been able to deliver the last three years within the resources available, is not bad at all:

A better salary structure to retain staff at UTG

A modernised academic structure

New conditions of service

New student handbook

We implemented strict rules on exams and set up an exams office to secure confidence in UTG. Without compromising on quality we have opened academia to thousands of Gambians through access programmes and by introducing a bridging year, and we started up a department of law under difficult conditions. The number of paying stunts has increased from 2007 to 2008 by 77% and up to 1250 students.

We have started master programmes. We have a successful school of medicine and allied health sciences. We are conducting reviews on salaries, allowances and benefit and we are conducting a full staff review to increase efficiency, we have implemented a tenure system and a transparent and predictable process of academic promotions. We have set up an intentional office and increased international collaborations on institutional level.

Financed by a Norwegian philanthropist, DOSHERST and GTTI in collaboration, are building the new first house for the UTG to be opened in January 2009: The “Peace House” as we call it. We have set up educational programmes in collaboration with government and the private sector. We have taken initial steps to start programmes in Tourism, media, and performing arts and there is more to come.

Hard work and dedication of staff members have made this possible. But all this may be in vain and collapse if the UTG shall continue to be deprived of the most basic needs of a university.

It is my opinion that the most important mechanism to secure and increase the effects UTG has on Gambia’s development will be the establishment of a national student loan fund.

The Gambia is the smiling coast, which is true! But Radio Can-Can is the most popular radio station. Gossip is a highly appreciated pastime. So, please allow me to straighten out a few things, just for the record:

First: This year I have visited Limoges twice as UTG VC to develop and sign an MOU on a joint master in French. For both of those travels I paid the tickets from my private purse.

Second: When I, as VC, visited St Mary’s College of Maryland in the US and St.Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, the ticket was paid from my purse; my wife followed me on two of those trips. She paid from her private purse.

Another issue brought up repeatedly, is the fact that I have been teaching at the University of Bergen. Well, they supported me with a 20% professorship to make it financially possible for me to accept the VC-ship at UTG. That means two months work annually, which I have never had time to deliver to them. When out of The Gambia I have been in constant contact with UTG and worked for the institution. Do not worry; I have definitely spent the 1700 working hours annually for UTG, which I was supposed to do.

To run a university is like conducting an orchestra. As the conductor you are responsible for the repertoire and the quality of the performances. You have to inspire and monitor the players, include the right instruments and make the orchestra play in harmony. You also have to remove players unable or unwilling to play in harmony. But most of all, you must be willing and able to identify and appreciate those musicians producing the unexpected rhythm, playing the original cord or cadence. You must be intellectually and artistically open to recognise the music that is innovative and can bring the whole orchestral collective to new heights and achievements.

I have said it before and allow me to repeat: For me it has been a joyride. The vision you adopt for your workplace or institution is what keeps you going to work every morning. My vision for UTG has been “the university that cares and dares! My aim has been to catalyse UTG into a developmental university.

It has been a pleasure to go to work at UTG and to participate in other activities in The Gambia; I have met people of exceptionally high integrity and quality, inside and outside UTG. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity so unexpectedly given to me; I hope I have been able to give something back, something of lasting value.

My vote of thanks!!

I am leaving The Gambia, but I am leaving The Gambia, and The Gambia will certainly not leave me. It is in my system. I am involved in new projects that I hope shall materialise for the benefit of this unique, small nation. Small in size and numbers, yet great in aspirations and possibilities! I also intend to be a good Ambassador in Diaspora. Some staff members are already identified to go to the University of Bergen for training or as visiting scholars.

I thank you all sincerely, but allow me to recognise a few (for those of you not mentioned specifically, please forgive me; for those not present: this is for the record!):

First my thanks go to my SoS up till October 1, Crispin Grey-Johnson: Together we initiated the integrated developmental university of the future. I am fully convinced that what has been started will prove to be an indispensable engine for the development of The Gambia. I am confident that UTG will continue to be a source of strength for DOSHERST and that this relationship will be mutual.

PS Saidou Jallow, thank you for the day-to-day contact. I have been impressed by and never doubted your dedication to the sciences. The strengthening of science at UTG is imperative for development and it will be expensive. I will not mention money, just indicate the needs. SoS Fatou Fye and PS Baboucarr Bouy. It was the two of you that convinced my wife and me to use three years for The Gambia.

Thank you so much. You have always been there for UTG and in some cases, for me. The chairman of council, Abdoulie Touray, has given me immense support and impeccable and critical advice. Council and its members have a great ownership in what we have achieved. Senate has critically and vigilantly discussed, reshaped and supported most of my ideas and proposals brought to them. The heads of departments has acted more and more independently based on the powers delegated to them. That pleases me a lot, and the future strength in UTG lies in your hands.

My closest partner at UTG has been the University Registrar Lamin Sam Jaiteh. Without you, I could not have delivered. That is all there is to say! But there is one thing to do!

The rest of the strategic management team: thank you for all the good decisions and the good laughs. And thank you for your good advice when I was ready to do very un-Gambian (or as you easily understood: silly) things. Together we were a strong, dedicated and inventive team.

To Dr. Ousman Nyan, the provost, DVC, and now acting Vice Chancellor: I have learnt to know you well. If the UTG staff and DOSHERST give you the support and respect you deserve, and the time you will need, the UTG, now gaining speed at the runway, will easily take off into the high skies. A warm gratitude goes to all staff members in the whole UTG organisation! I warmly acknowledge and appreciate the role played by the Student Union. The Union Presidents have critically supported me and dedicated themselves to the task of building UTG.

Thank you to all the students! You are the university’s core! And there are so many others:

Allow me to mention the Vice-President and SoS for Women’s Affairs, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Isatou Njie-Saidy and thank her for our good meetings and steadfast support.

Thanks to SoS for Health and Social Welfare, my good friend, Malik Njie. Warm thanks to SoS for Tourism and Culture, Nancy Njie. You will be an important part of my future Gambian life. A special appreciation goes to the Taiwanese Ambassador, his staff and the Taiwanese government who support UTG and its students in many well targeted ways.

Warm thanks go to the Cuban Ambassador and the Cuban government who strongly support the medical school.

Friends and colleagues at Gambia College, GTTI, MDI and MRC, thank you all.

Thanks to My dear Oumiela and Kanila at UTG. My driver, Corporal (soon Sergeant) Sainey Baldeh. My guard, Corporal (soon Sergeant) Lamin Tamba. Quantumnet, who provided excellent internet and Skype connection. Safari Garden, where I spent intercontinental evenings with wonderful people from all over the world. (In an ongoing global competition to win an international prize on responsible tourism, Safari Garden is one out of three finalists; 700 were nominated.) My across-the-street restaurant, Shanghai. Brussels Airlines, who transported my family, so many friends, and me very comfortably and safely to The Gambia and back.

Thanks to Musa and Ernest who have been my watchmen, gardeners and handymen, and to The government who provided security guards. And I shall never forget my maid, Alimatou Jammeh, who cleaned my house, washed my clothes, cooked my food, and taught me about Gambian customs and the Koran.

A special appreciation goes to Dr. Momodou Jain who invited me to teach at UTG with unforeseen consequences, and gave me one of the greatest surprises of my life when I was called to be VC.

To those of you I have forgotten to mention: I deeply apologize and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Finally, I would like to express a sincere vote of thanks to the Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, His Excellency, the President of The Republic, Alhagie Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh, for the unconditional support he has bestowed upon the UTG and myself. He has been a great inspiration, especially when I felt little inspired. I really have appreciated the open and honest discussion we have had. His never failing support is of immeasurable value to UTG. And finally, this saga has a heroine: My wife and companion for 38 exciting years, Elsa.

The last three years, when she was busy keeping the family and the economy together and looking after her 90 + year-old mother on top of her job as lecturer in secondary school, I was having stimulating times at UTG and in The Gambia. I know, however, that she has learnt to love and appreciate this country and its people as much as I have.

You have had hard times, but cheer up: Your janitor is coming home!

Ultimately: Do I entertain any regrets? Not for one split second. Thank you for your attention!

Author: DO

SoS Badjie visits Pan-African e-Network

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:14:41 GMT

Thursday, October 16, 2008

The secretary of state for Communication, Information and Information Technology, Fatim Badjie-Janneh, yesterday, visited the Pan-African e-Network site at the University of The Gambia (UTG).

This e-project will connect 53 participants from different African States and the AU Headquarters to provide e-service with priority on tele-education, tele-medicine and Very Very Important Person (VVIP) connectivity. The connectivity will also enable the UTG to link with major universities in India and other African countries thus ensuring distance learning opportunities.

Speaking at the site, SoS Fatim Badjie-Janneh lauded the Pan African e-Network for their foresight in bringing the project to The Gambia. "This project will greatly help developing countries and Africa, especially The Gambia which is trying to develop such a project as well. We have to train people and build capacities. So the importance of this e-project cannot be overemphasised. I must commend the Department of State for Health, for their tireless efforts in partnering with this wonderful e-project," she said.

According to her, the main idea is to connect AU countries.

SoS Badjie-Janneh also thanked the Gambian leader, President Yahya Jammeh, for his untiring efforts to make The Gambia a model country.

She commended all stakeholders and the Indian consultants for their tireless effort to ensure the final realisation of the whole project.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lamin S Jaiteh, the registrar at the University of The Gambia, on behalf of the vice chancellor, welcomed the new project, noting that it would further enable and promote e-learning and built capacities.

According to him, this project will not only help the students but the staff as well.

"Capacity building is an important area in the development of any institution. I can assure you that the project will be put to good use. I would also thank the Indian engineers for their hard work and dedication," he said.

Lamin Camara, principal ICT officer and the national co-ordinator of the Pan-African Network, said the government of The Gambia, through the Department of State for Communication, Information and Information Technology, recently, signed a country agreement with the Telecommunication Consultants of India Limited (TCIL).

"This agreement paves the way for cooperation between the two countries in the area of ICT. It will guide the implementation of the Indian government’s initiatives to create a Pan-African Telecommunication Network," he said.

According to him, this facility will further provide teleconferencing and Voice Over the Internet Protocol (VOIP), among other things, between African leaders.

He noted that as part of the tele-medicine program, the Serrekunda Hospital will be linked to major specialised hospitals in India and Africa to support the country’s health service delivery.

Sanjay Kumar, a satellite engineer at the Telecommunication Indian Limited also spoke at the ceremony.

Author: by Sheriff Janko

The end of a successful term

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:06:39 GMT

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

The University of The Gambia, last Saturday, organized a memorable sendoff for its former vice chancellor, Professor Andreas Steigen, sealing the successful scholastic journey of a man of quite a formidable character – that is according to the testimony of all the people who spoke at that farewell meeting.

Although that night supposedly belonged to the estimable Professor, it also served as a forum to highlight a lifetime’s achievement, the establishment of a promising citadel of learning. As in the words of one of the speakers, the UTG has become an instrument of progress for Gambians. Well, that is exactly what was in the mind of its architects at the point of conception. But the get-together also provided an opportunity for the authorities in charge of the country’s most senior of educational institutions to share from the experiences of the old hands.

University education is an essential machination of development; this is manifested in the tremendous change we can clearly see in an array of sectors in this country; from the commercial sector to the security institutions. Education, in terms of provision of teachers for the basic education sector, is another area that has been benefiting greatly from the establishment of UTG.

There is an enormous potential from the UTG in the long run, the achievement of which largely depends on consolidation of current gains, which would serve as precursors for future gains. But before all this, the memories of the old hands will be quite crucial, as their experience will kind of serve as a guiding light for the current breed of leaders. That is an aspect of Professor Steigen’s farewell speech that deserves thorough consideration. And it is an area that is thought worthy of emphasizing on.

Author: DO

UTG bids Steigen farewell

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:55:44 GMT

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

The University of The Gambia, last Saturday, threw a befitting farewell party in honour of its departing vice chancellor, Professor Andreas Steigen, who is leaving the country at the end of his 3-year scholastic duty, having been at the helm of affairs of the country’s highest institution of learning.

Last Saturday's get-together at the Kairaba Beach Hotel was graced by diplomats, government officials, students and officials of the UTG. Also in attendance was the first ever chairperson of the UTG governing council, Dr Lamin Marena.

Professor Ousman Nyan, the provost of the medical school and deputy vice chancellor, who is currently the acting vice chancellor, told the gathering that it was a difficult moment as they were only getting ready to take off, in reference to the encouraging level of development the university had undergone during the tenure of the outgoing VC. He had unreserved appreciation for his former boss, saying that Professor Stiegen had played quite a great leadership role. He cited the achievements realized at the medical school as attributable to the professor's leadership role. Professor Nyan noted that inevitable achievements to be realized in the coming years cannot be divorced from Professor Stiegen's contribution, stressing that all of it will be thanks to not only his leadership, but his vision.

Speaking on behalf of the chairperson of the UTG governing council, Alhajie MB Jaign echoed the sentiments of the professor of medical sciences, describing the 'man of the night' Professor Stiegen, as hardworking. He recalled the early days of the UTG, when cynics had expressed unqualified scepticism as to the possibility of realizing the dream of the founding father of what was to become an institution of pride. Today's success, he noted, was ensured by hard work.

Describing the departing professor as 'the man of the hour,' Dr Hendry Caroll, the solicitor general and legal secretary at the Department of State for Justice, who is also a senior law lecturer at the UTG, told the gathering that Stiegen's appointment was a well deserved one. Taking "a laconic walk through memory lane" the captivating judicial secretary reminded the gathering of the emergence of the noble initiative, calling for a concerted effort in consolidating the gains realized at the UTG.

Professor Stiegen himself, in response to the numerous words of praises showered on him, described his 3-year stay at the UTG as "years of learning, years of change and years of experience". He hailed the people of The Gambia for being determined in making sure that they had a university of their own, a modern university that he said has become an instrument for progress. According to Professor Stiegen, his achievements have far reaching implications on the Gambian society, citing the increased number of intakes the UTG now registers annually as a demonstration of the popularity of the institution.

Author: Kemo A M Cham

UTG to host Diploma in Social Work

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:43:07 GMT

Monday, October 06, 2008

The university of The Gambia last Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding with the SoS Kinderdorf International Regional Office North West Africa for the hosting of a Diploma Programme in social work in the university of The Gambia.

The objective of the social work programme is to provide the needed training for the growing demand for social work professionals in the country and the sub-region as well as upgrading the delivery capacity of those already rendering social work services without basic knowledge of the social work profession.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at his office, the vice chancellor of the UTG professor Andreas Steigen revealed that he was fascinated by the initiative. He said that the UTG is a potential home for the social work programme owing to the dynamism of the UTG. He affirmed that they at the university have learnt how to welcome and accommodate the need of the general public hence the hosting of the programme. He revealed that the UTG has changed as a result of new instruments such as the Access Programme and the Bridging Programme.

He called for a close collaboration with the Department of State for Education and the SoS Kinderdorf International for the upliftment of the Gambian society.

Dr Saidou Jallow, permanent secretary, Department of State for Higher Education, said that the hosting of the social work programme is a demonstration of the University’s development purpose. He revealed that the UTG is meant to address the challenges facing society and noted that the programme would no doubt be very useful to social workers. He urged the UTG to take their time so as to further develop the programme to Bachelors and Masters levels. He used the occasion to revealed the hosting of a Masters degree in Nursing at the UTG as soon as possible.

For his part, Mr Josel Kittl, director, SoS Kinderdorf International Regional Office North-West Africa, described the implementation of the programme as a milestone and urged the Department of State for Social Welfare and the UTG to work together with them in partnership so as to help develop Gambian society. He noted that the programme is a significant one that needs to be sustained and said that he was proud to be associated with the programme.

The director, Social Welfare, Fanta Bai Secka, revealed that she had long nurtured the idea of the implementation of the programme. She said the programme is a very challenging one that requires tactfulness, “you have to be tactful, and sociable to be able to execute the job”. She promised to render her continued support to the programme.

Other speakers included the Head of the Social Sciences at the UTG, Dr Senghore. The registrar of the UTG, Lamin Sam Jaiteh, gave the vote of thanks.

Author: by Amadou Sonko Bah

UTG Sign MoU With SOS Kinderdorf International

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:56:37 GMT

Monday, October 06, 2008

The University of The Gambia UTG recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the SOS-Kinderdorf International Regional Office for North/West Africa for the implementation of the social work program in the Gambia and the sub region.

The signing ceremony was held at the office of the out going UTG vice chancellor’s office at the University’s AdministrativeBuilding in Kanifing.

The objective of the social work program in the Gambia is to provide the needed training for the growing demand for social work professionals in the country and the sub region as well as upgrade the delivery capacity of those already rendering social work services without basic knowledge of social work.

According to officials, SOS will host the certificate program while UTG to host the diploma program.

Speaking on the occasion, the UTG vice chancellor professor, Andrew Stigen expressed pleasure in seeing the program come to a reality.

He described the program as very important and interesting. He opines that for the program to be more relevant in future there is a need to provide specialisation in social work.

Mr.Josef Kittl Director SOS-Kinderdorf International Regional Office for North/West Africa described the day as historic. “An NGO partnering with UTG to offer such a professional course is very significant”.

Mrs.Fanta Bai Secka, Director Social Welfare, said the Gambian communities need social workers while welcoming the introduction of the program.

Other speakers include Dr.Saidou Jallow Permanent Secretary for Higher Education, Dr.Senghore, Head Social Sciences and Mr. Lamin Sam Jaiteh Registrar UTG respectively.

Author: Nfamara Jawneh

IAAF president, UTG vice chancellor meet VP

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:59:11 GMT

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Friday, September 26, 2008

Lamine Diack, president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Professor Andreas Steigen, the outgoing vice chancellor of the University of The Gambia (UTG), yesterday, paid a courtesy call on the Vice President, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, at her office at State House, Banjul.

Speaking to journalists shortly after his audience with the vice president, Lamine Diack, the IAAF president, who was accompanied to State House by Sheriff Gomez, the secretary of state for Youths and Sports, said his visit was to discuss issues regarding the development of the sports sector from the grassroots level. He proposed that the school syllabus should include the teaching and learning of sports from the lower level to the tertiary level.

Mr Diack added that his intention is to make The Gambia one of the 12 countries in Africa where sports education will be prioritised to enable the country to participate in many international sporting events such as the Olympic games.

He finally thanked President Jammeh and the vice president for receiving him and his delegation. He also expressed hope of a fruitful co-operation.

In a similar engagement, the vice president also received in her office Professor Andreas Steigen, the outgoing vice chancellor of the University of The Gambia.

Professor Steigen told journalists that he went to the vice president’s office to discuss his achievements at the University of The Gambia, as he ends his three-year tour of duty to The Gambia. He added that they also discussed strategies that will be put in place to ensure that every candidate from the University of The Gambia has a job, among other things.

"We also discussed the limitations, the lack of infrastructure, the lack of highly qualified teachers and the lack of funding because it is very expensive to run a university. In The Gambia, we have to develop the necessary approaches," Professor Steigen remarked.

The UTG vice chancellor said they want to ensure that many Gambians have access to the university, stating that the Bridging and Access Programmes are meant for those who do not have the required qualifications.

"One thing I will like to mention here is that the president, Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, the chancellor of the UTG, has been my inspiration and he has been dedicated to the cause of the university. Through my conversations with him, I have learnt how dedicated he is to the country," he revealed.
Professor Steigen also thanked the vice president for her efforts towards national development.
The UTG vice chancellor was accompanied to State House by Professor Ousman Nyan, the deputy vice chancellor and Lamin Jaiteh, the registrar of the UTG.

Author: by Assan Sallah

SoS Faye hails Peace Corps

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:56:20 GMT

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

The secretary of state for Basic and Secondary Education, Fatou Lamin Faye, has underscored the invaluable role the United States Peace Corps is playing in the development endeavour of The Gambia.

She told a parked crowd of dignitaries who graced the swearing-in ceremony of twelve Peace Corps Volunteers, last Thursday, at the American Embassy, that if the Gambia government were to value Peace Corps programs in the country, it would cost it millions of dalasis. She noted that her department of state and its sister Department of State for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, acknowledge the contribution of the US government, through the Peace Corps program, towards their policy objectives.

According to SoS Faye, the volunteer program, since the inception of its operations in the country some forty years ago, has contributed immensely to the education sector of The Gambia. “As regards the ICT program,” she said, “in this world of rapid scientific and technological development, where no meaningful progress can be realised without the use of the ICT, the significance of the intervention of the Peace Corps cannot be over emphasised.” She went on to say that there was strong evidence to show the impact of the volunteers’ support in establishing computer science laboratories, with the provision of training packages for students, teachers and members of the local communities on computer skills.

Apart from the involvement of the Peace Corps volunteers in the area of ICT in the education sector, SoS Faye noted, they also were involved in the establishment of libraries in various schools, as well as the production of teaching and learning aids using local materials. This, she observed, does not only cut down on her department’s expenditure on the provision of resources to facilitate learning, but also equips teachers with knowledge and new skills.

The SoS went on: "Peace corps involvement in the education sector continues to help in addressing the growing needs for qualified teachers and relevant teaching and learning techniques, in the quest for quality and relevant education. We are also aware of the support of the peace corps at the level of the University of The Gambia (UTG), The Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI), as well as The Gambia College Extension Programme at Janjangbureh." While reaffirming her department’s resolve to work hand in glove with the Peace Corps, SoS Faye noted that The Gambia government very much values their programmes for their strong commitment, decades of true partnership, and their immense support to the socio-economic development of the country.

For his part, Mr Mike McConnell, Peace Corps country director, recalled that the former US president, John F. Kennedy, had created the program with three goals, notably to help the people of interested countries in meeting their needs for trained men and women, to help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the people served and to help promote better understanding of the other people on the part of Americans.
According to him, the Peace Corps is a non-political and independent NGO, with no hidden agenda but the aforementioned three goals set by its initiator.

"These goals have not changed in the 46 years since the Peace Corps was created. We are dependable partners and we go to destinations were we are invited and where there is real work to be done," Director McConnell said, noting that the twelve sworn-in volunteers would teach, train teachers and teach computer technology.

He then reminded the volunteers that they represent the goodness and generosity of their country and that as such, they should live up to expectations during their tenure of service in The Gambia.
Mr Barry L Wells, the US ambassador to The Gambia, who facilitated the oath of administration of the twelve volunteers, reminded them that they were bound to encounter some challenges, and called on them to commit themselves to the cause of peace.
Madam Yamai Secka-Jack, a senior officer at the Peace Corps Country office, moderated the occasion.

Author: by Hatab Fadera