Education

Access to learning materials is crucial for children’s education, as it enhances their ability to learn effectively, fosters engagement and critical thinking, and ensures equitable access to information—ultimately leading to better academic outcomes.

Research shows that children with access to quality learning resources perform better academically than those with limited or no access. This challenge is also present in The Gambia, where many children lack essential learning materials.

Committed to promoting quality education for all, ChildFund took a significant step on Friday by handing over three 40-foot containers of textbooks—valued at over USD 1 million —to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE). These materials will be distributed to schools and colleges, ensuring that more children have the resources they need to succeed.

Donated by ‘Books for Africa,’ the supplement books are meant to support the ministry in providing free and quality education to all children. The ministry also received education kits from ChildFund, donated by Lutheran World Relief. Each kit contains a school bag, exercise books, pens, pencils, erasers, pair of scissors and colors.

Musu Komma, Country Director for ChildFund The Gambia, said ChildFund will not relent until children attain quality education, irrespective of where they may reside.

“We have been providing opportunities for all children to develop reading, math, and critical life skills,” she said, adding that they will continue to do so for as long as necessary.

She noted that one of their key strategies put in place is to make sure they increase the age-appropriate and numeracy skills of children.

“The government cannot do it alone. So as partners, we felt it deeply appropriate to complement the efforts of the government by bringing in the school materials that are needed for children to practically gain skills that are fundamental to their development and protection,” she added.

The textbooks which include Science, Mathematics, and English language are meant for Basic and Secondary school children as well as students attending College.

Momodou Jeng, Director of Curriculum, Research, Evaluation and Development at MoBSE applauded ChildFund for their benevolence and assured them of the government’s commitment to providing support for children to improve teaching and learning in schools.

Demba Yabou, Registrar at The Gambia College also thanked ChildFund and partners for the support, assuring that the materials would be put into good use. “Not only Gambia College students will benefit from books when they are in their library, but University students as well.”