By Lamin Njie
Established in 2014, the Jeggan Cole Memorial Foundation (JCMF) has been supporting needy students through its scholarship and mentorship programmes and service. Since its debut, JCMF has supported nearly one hundred students living in Basse and the Greater Banjul Area, some of whom are now studying at the University of The Gambia (UTG).
Besides its three core programmes, the foundation is on a mission to refurbish dilapidated school libraries and restore them to fully functional state, thereby giving students direct access to books and other facilities.
Cultivating a culture of reading while developing healthy reading habits, as well as core language skills, is essential to the overall learning experience of any child. The Basse school library is the first to be refurbished and equipped with furniture. It is fully functional and presently seats up to thirty students.
Speaking at the different presentations recently, Pamela Cole, the Founder and Director of the foundation, said JCMF embarked on a major donation drive of hospital supplies, books, and school supplies to various institutions of health and learning.
“Among the institutions that have benefitted from JCMF donations are: Brikamaba Health Centre, St George’s School in Basse, and Methodist Marakissa Primary School. Bakau Methodist Sunday School also received Christian books, Bibles, and other Bible storybooks. St Joseph’s Senior Secondary School Home Economics department received cake decorating items, fabric, bundles of wool, crockery, and other kitchen utensils. The final stop was the Medical School of the University of The Gambia (UTG), which received reference books, scrubs, and patient and laboratory gowns,” she said.
She said the entire exercise has undoubtedly been a worthwhile venture and that the partnership with various institutions has been empowering and rewarding.
“It is our sincere hope that the donated items will be used judiciously to fill gaps of need in our learning institutions even as Jeggan’s memory and legacy remain alive,” Madam Cole said.
She finally thanked members of the board, particularly Dr. Peter and Amanda Lipsy (USA) for their continual support to the foundation; as well as friends and JCMF alumni scholars in The Gambia, who facilitated the coordination and distribution of the donated items.
