By Mahzouba Maya Faal
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST) has officially inaugurated a committee tasked to oversee the revitalisation efforts of Technical, and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Madrassas (Islamic education system) in The Gambia.
According to the Minister of Higher Education, Professor Pierre Gomez, there is a need to bring back TVET to the people; adding that as advocates of democracy, this involves those youth in the secondary education in Madrassa system.
“You can have mastery of the Quran and also acquire skills to become a tailor, engineer, mechanic, etc. for your livelihood,” Minister Gomez,” argued.
He urged the newly inaugurated committee to develop a programme proposal that will identify key areas of intervention which will not go against the core values of the Madrasa system.
Imam Essa Darboe, the President of the Supreme Islamic Council; and Imam Baba Leigh both members of the committee, expressed delight and hope in the established committee. They described the setting up of the committee as a welcome initiative and assured of their commitment to working closely with MoHERST towards its successful implementation.
The committee further highlighted that Madrassa students are very intelligent and need to be motivated to become responsible citizens of the country.
