By Abdou Mbye
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in The Gambia, and the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), on Friday, February 9th launched the McGovern-Dole Food for Education programme project, locally called “Na Dindingo La Karango Leh Kumuyata” (NDoKK), at the Never Again Memorial Arch, in Banjul.
The five-year project, funded by the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) at the tune of 28.5 million Dollars, aims not only to improve literacy, health and nutrition outcomes in the six target regions of The Gambia, but also to enhance the quality and access to education for students across The Gambia.
Speaking on behalf of the President, H.E.Adama Barrow, the Minister of Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination and Delivery, Baboucarr Bouy acknowledged CRS’ long-standing partnership with the government in supporting various development programmes, ranging from health, community development, to agriculture.
“The government has placed high importance on the welfare and up-bringing of children particularly school-aged children. This will enable them have a better future through a holistic development approach”.
The Minister noted education is the most effective way a country can embark on in its fight against poverty. “This is why, the comprehensive education policy adopted by government is the most appropriate approach to combat underdevelopment sustainably. Until recently, education could not be compulsory as there was a significant lack of school infrastructure. Today, we have made tremendous efforts to build more schools nationwide, thanks to the government and partners’ investment in this sector,” Bouy remarked.
The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Claudiana A. Cole described the School Feeding Programme as the biggest social protection programme under MoBSE since in the 1970s.
However, she noted that the programme has undergone some transformation; from school feeding programme, food aid, to, recently, home-grown school feeding programme.
Having hailed CRS for their long term partnership, the Education Minister indicated that the NDOKK Project will further foster a smooth partnership that ensures the successful implementation of the project, thereby complementing government’s efforts in providing daily nutritious school meal to 57000 children as direct participants in 186 early childhood and lower basic Sschools in all regions of the country.
Her Excellency Sharon L. Cromer, United States Ambassador to The Gambia expressed excitement for the official launch, and the belief that the project will address issues of literacy, gender parity, health, nutrition, and sanitation, while also building the capacity of local farmers, “who grow the crops necessary to feed the children long after the project ends”.
“When school children are properly fed, they perform better in school,” the ambassador added.
Sean Callahan, CRS President and Chief Executive Officer affirmed that the project aims to improve performance, and enhance retention in schools.
CRS West Africa Regional Office Director, Jenifer Overton, affirmed the strong partnership and collaboration between the government and CRS for over sixty-years, and acknowledged the role of The Gambia government in the programme.
Bakary Kanyi, Chairperson, Senior Management Committee for Region One, Dr Nancy Paul; Principal of Rev. J.C. Faye School, Mbissen Willan, both expressed gratitude to the government and CRS for supporting the educational needs of the Gambian children.
Other high-profile dignitaries present at the event included: the First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, Her Excellency Fatou Bah Barrow; the Lord Mayor of Banjul, Rohey Malick Lowe; deputy permanent secretaries and regional directors.
