Banjul, 3rd March 2025: The Rural Development Institute (RDI) recently held a graduation ceremony for five batches, at Mansakonko, in the Lower River Region.
Speaking at the ceremony, the principal of the institution, Mr. Bakary Fofona, welcomed the dignitaries and congratulate the graduands while commending them for being found worthy in deed and in character.
The Principal also informed that there are students in 2022-2024 class who were unable to meet the academic requirement and therefore did not qualify to be part of this graduation. “I am happy to say that all of our trainees of the class of 2019 - 2021, numbering 36, have been found worthy in both deed and character to go home with our precious certificate,” he stated.
The Director of the Department of Community Development, Fatou Gibba thanked partners for their collaboration and highlighted the challenges faced by the institution, while outlining their efforts for improvement.
“The ministry and the department are committed to improving and expanding the learning and teaching environment necessary for efficient and effective learning.“It is known to all that the RDI over the years have been experiencing serious infrastructural issues; thus, affecting the output and growth of the institution to prepare and nurture extension service workers across this country” she stated.
The governor of Lower River Region (LRR), Lamin Seedy Bah, welcomed the guests and reacted to the challenges highlighted. He informed that the Chinese ambassador to The Gambia plans to visit and promised to hold discussions regarding the challenges faced by RDI.
Oher speakers were Bakary J. Janneh, one of the new graduates, who expressed gratitude to the management of RDI; and Mr. Ebrima Jallow, a lecturer at RDI, who noted the important role of RDI in national and community development.
The Rural Development Institute is one of the units of the Department of Community Development responsible for training of both pre and in service personnel of the department established in 1979.
By Amie Choi
