Conferences

MoBSE (ANFEU) - Global Meeting 50th Anniversary of the International Literacy Day
Reading the past, writing the future 8-9 September 2016 UNESCO HQ, Paris
NATCOM Consultation Meeting with National Coordinators on Governance Quality
Assurance of ASPnet 16 17 November 2016
Fellowships
With a view to expanding and increasing training opportunities abroad, UNESCO
negotiates the terms of jointly sponsored fellowships. UNESCO has adopted a
proactive policy towards the encouragement of partnerships with governments,
institutions of higher education and foundations, so as to increase training
opportunities to other Member States. This scheme is known as the UNESCO
Co-Sponsored Fellowships Scheme. Under this scheme, Member States,
foundations, institutions and private donors may offer fellowships (contributions-
in-kind), or, may finance fellowships (cash contributions, or either through cost-
sharing arrangements and through total funding) in fields within UNESCOs
competence. The terms of reference (TOR) for each programme under the Co-
sponsored Fellowships Scheme are negotiated, and agreed upon, with each
donor.
Two types of schemes are included under the UNESCO Fellowship Programme
(either partially or fully funded by UNESCO)
UNESCO/PR China Fellowships
2015 Sept. July 2016 1. Lamin Jarjou (NATCOM)
Communication Studies 2. Ali Sowe (Gambia College)
English Linguistics
2016 Feb. Feb.2017 1. Kumba Khan (Gambia College
School of Nursing) Nursing 2. Kawsu Barrow (Banjul City
Council) Public Management & Chinese Governance 3.
Neneh Isatou Bah (Womens Bureau) Chinese Language
2016 Sept. July 2017 1. Alhagie Haruna Cham (NATCOM)
Philosophy 2. Salieu Janneh (Global Education Centre) Public
Administration
UNESCO/RoK Fellowships 2015 ( Teacher Training for Basic Education;
Use of ICT for Education (or e-Learning); and Leadership in Global Education)
MoBSE Babanding Manjang
Gambia College Sheikh Mbodge
UNESCO/Israel (MASHAV) Fellowships - NIL
UNESCO/Poland Fellowships
2015 Fakebba Senghore (Geology Department)
Prospecting for Mineral Deposits

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 International Celebrations

International Day of Literacy (ILD) 2016

Introduction:
The United Nation International Literacy Day falls annually on September 8

each year. This day is set aside by nations of the world to reflect on the role of

literacy in our societies. The theme for 2016 commemoration is Reading the

Past, Writing the Future

The rationale behind this celebration is to raise public awareness and interest

in literacy for greater participation, to highlight the importance of adult literacy

to individuals, communities and societies, to promote the recognition of Non-

Formal Education as a strategy for reducing illiteracy geared towards the

achievement of Education For All (EFA) goals, and also to pay tribute to all the

learners and stakeholders who contribute towards reducing illiteracy.

The National celebration of International Literacy Day was held on the 29 th

November, 2016 in Regional Education Directorate Two (2) in the West Coast

Region. In the Gambia, the celebration is observed annually in rotation from

one region to the other. This year event was co-hosted by the Regional

Education Directorate 2 (RED2) and the Association of Farmers, Educators and

Trders (AFET), a local based NGO.

Adult and Non-Formal Education Unit (ANFEU) in collaboration with the

National Technical Committee (NTC) on literacy, held a meeting as part of the

preparation marking the day (See minutes of meeting in (annex IV).

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The Celebration was graced by the Chief Executive Officer of Brikama Area

Council, Principal Education Officer of Regional Education Directorate, Two (2)

who deputised for the Regional Director of RED 2, the National Technical

Committee members, literacy providers and participants, members of the

communities and scout band provided the music for the march pass.

The event was covered by both electronic and print media such as Gambia

Radio and Television Services (GRTS), the Daily Observer, the Point News Paper,

the Standard News Paper etc.

Activities marking the Day:

The activities marking the day included the following:

A march pass of the literacy participants, members of the Technical

Committee, Regional Education staff and school children led by the

Scout Band from the Jah Oil filing station to the RED 2 Grounds in

Brikama;

Speeches highlighting the importance of literacy in our societies;

Songs by the traditional communicators portraying key messages on

literacy;

Demonstration of literacy& numeracy skills and exhibition of products

(materials) produced by literacy participants and providers.

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 Welcoming Remarks by the Principal Education Officer, Regional Education

Directorate 2

Mrs. Fanta Ceesay Samateh who deputised for the Regional Education

Director, Region 2, gave welcoming remarks .In addressing the gathering, she

welcomed every one present at the ceremony. She told the participants that

International Literacy Day is observed by the United Nations Educational,

Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) each year since 1966 on the 8th

September with special themes, reminding the international community about

the status of literacy and adult learning globally. She said literacy skills

facilitate the society to acquire knowledge, attitudes and values

that are vital for sustainable development. She further reiterated that

every literate person is a victory over poverty, because Literacy

provides tools for men and women to better understand the world

and shape it to meet their aspiration.

She also expressed appreciation and gratitude to the Ministry of Basic and

Secondary Education through Adult and Non-Formal Education Unit (ANFEU)

for several interventions designed to improve literacy by supporting the

establishment of literacy centres across the country to empower citizens. (See

annex 1)

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 Summary of Statement read by the Chief Executive Officer of

Brikama Area Coucil, on behalf of the Hon. Minister of MoBSE

The Chief Executive Officer of Brikama Area Coucil expressed his

delight and appreciation to the National Technical Committee

members, the Regional Education Directorate, literacy providers,

school children, the scout band, media and the community for

their enthusiastic participation in making the event a success. He

then proceeded by reading the statement read by the

Honorable Minister of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary

Education on the International Literacy Day , 8 September 2016.

He said this year marked the 50th anniversary of International

Literacy Day and the session would take stock of progress made

in literacy at both national and global levels over the last five

decades.(see Annex II)

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Literacy and numeracy skills demonstrations by participants:

A group of learners from AFET, Wecc International and WACC demonstrated

numeracy skills in addition and subtraction, and literacy skills. Although they

have never attended any formal school, they are now able to read, write and

do basic calculations. They have the desire to continue their learning skills by

transiting to conventional schools, especially the young ones. All the

demonstrators were highly commended for their magnificent skills.

Cultural Activities:

Traditional communicators performed marvellously and entertained the

audience which made the event lively and colourful. Key messages about

literacy were highlighted.

Exhibition of Literacy Materials:

Products made by participants were displayed to showcase their knowledge,

skills and abilities to do livelihood skills

The Chairperson then invited the audience to the exhibition site where

materials such as food stuffs and craft materials were displayed for sale.

Closing ceremony:

A vote of thank was delivered by a literacy participant from AFET.

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ANNEXES:

Annex I: Full Statement by the Princial Education Officer,RED Two (2)

Chief Executive Officer, Brikama Area Council

Director, Basic and Secondary Education Programmes Directorate

Acting Secretary General, the Gambia National Commission for

UNESCO (NATCOM)

Principal Education Officer, Adult and Non formal Education Unit

Heads of institutions of literacy providers

Venerable religious leaders

Regional Education Directorate staff

Literacy participants

Ladies and gentlemen

Good morning

All other Protocols Respectfully Observed.

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I am privileged and honoured to deliver the welcoming remarks

marking international literacy day celebration hosted by the

Regional Education Directorate Two (2) in the West Coast Region.

The event is always celebrated around the globe on the 8th

September each year which was adopted in1966 by the United

Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

(UNESCO).It is worth celebrating the day because the international

community is reminded of the status of literacy and adult learning

globally.

Today, Tuesday December 29th 2016, The Gambia is glad to join

UNESCO and other international entities to do the national

celebration. The theme for this year celebration is: Reading the

Past, Writing the Future. Literacy skills facilitate the society to

acquire knowledge, attitudes and values that are vital for

sustainable development. It has been said that every literate

person is a victory over poverty, because Literacy provides tools for

men and women to better understand the world and shape it to

meet their aspiration.

According to the Director of the UNESCO Institute for Statistics there

is improvement among youths in terms of reading and writing skills

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and a steady reduction in gender gaps. 50 years ago, almost one-

quarter of youth lacked basic literacy skills. Despite several multi-

faceted efforts, literacy rate across the world looks alarming; 758

million adults two-thirds of whom are women remain illiterate.

He, therefore, recommended that renewed efforts are needed to

reach the new literacy target of the Sustainable Development

Goals by 2030, ensure that all youths and a substantial proportion

of adults, both men and women achieve literacy and numeracy.

In this regard, all stakeholders should endeavour to implement

systems locally and internationally, geared towards increasing

adult literacy, achieving gender parity and improving the quality of

education. We should be determined to provide every woman and

man with the skills, capacities and opportunities to become

everything they wish, in dignity and respect. Literacy is a foundation

to build a more sustainable future for

all.

Moreover, this years celebration will mark the 50th anniversary of

International Literacy Day under the banner Reading the Past,

Writing the Future. International Literacy Day 2016 celebration

reflects on the past five decades of national and international

engagement, efforts and progress made to increase literacy rates

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around the world. It is also a moment to suggest possible solutions

to address current challenges and look forward to innovative ideas

to further boost literacy in the future.

The Gambia has much to celebrate in the area of literacy because

we have made appreciable gains in the percentage of literacy.

The several interventions used by the Ministry of Basic and

Secondary Education were designed to improve literacy. Adult &

Non-Formal Education Unit (ANFEU) has registered tremendous

success in coordinating and supervising adult education service

provision in the rural communities. As a result, many literacy

participants, especially for women, can now read and write letters

in the local languages, calculate figures, recognize numbers from

0 to 9. They are also able to do livelihood skills, attained a high level

of competence in many things not obtained before and have

become more enlightened than before.

Research has shown that when citizens of a country are literate, it

places the country in a better position to meet complex social issues.

There is also empirical evidence that there is a positive correlation

between strong literacy skills and the overall health and standard

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of living of citizens of a country. A highly literate nation is filled with

people who are strategic, innovative, creative and tolerant. These

are the qualities that citizens need to embody in order to ensure the

economic and social development of a country. Literate citizens

understand cause and effect relations and makes human beings

better.

Today, on International Literacy Day, I urge all stakeholders to

continue to consolidate their gains and advance their commitment

to the promotion of national and global literacy so that our country

will continue to grow in all positive respects. The Ministry, therefore,

salutes all literacy providers, supervisors, facilitators and learners for

their commitment and devotion to literacy programmes.

I offer commendations to parents and sponsors for their support

and enthusiasm for cause of literacy programme.

I, immensely, congratulate all social and corporate entities,

particularly, NATCOM, that provides opportunities for literacy

development across our beloved country, the Gambia.

I thank you so much for your kind attention

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Annex II: Full Statement read by the Chief Executive Officer of Brikama Area
Coucil, on behalf of the Hon. Minister of MoBSE

Good Evening Fellow Gambians.

I feel deeply honored and privileged to make a statement on this

auspicious occasion of International Literacy Day which falls

annually on September 8. The ultimate aim of this celebration is to

raise public awareness and interest in literacy for greater

participation. This year celebration is unique in the sense that it

marks the 50th anniversary of International Literacy Day.

Moreover, 2016 is the first year of implementation of the 2030

Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes Sustainable

Development Goal 4 (SDG4) to ensure inclusive and equitable

quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for

all.

Fellow Gambians, this day is set aside by nations of the world to

reflect on the role of literacy in sustainable development. Literacy

is a fundamental human right that empowers individuals and

advances societies for sustainable development. This year marks

the 50th anniversary of International Literacy Day and UNESCO is

celebrating it under the banner Reading the Past, Writing the

Future.
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This session will take stock of literacy progress made at global

level over the last five decades.

Fifty years ago, around six out of ten adults could read and write

globally. According to the UN Secretary Generals message on

International Literacy Day (UNESCO, 2015), more than 750 million

adults in the world are illiterate; two thirds of them are women.

Some 250 million primary school age children do not have basic

literacy skills while 124 million children and adolescents are out of

school. All of these people deserve the chance to learn to read.

When we give them that opportunity, we will create more

productive, stable and secure societies for all.

Fellow Gambians, the contrasting situation reveals that literacy

rate in the Gambia is quite impressive. The literacy status of the

population among persons aged between 15 and 24 years is

76.9% for male and 67.4% for female. (GBoS, 2013). The literacy

rate for the population aged 15 years above stands at 65.9% and

45.0% for male and female respectively (GBoS, 2013).

In the past many adults in the Gambia, especially women folk,

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could not read and write. Since the establishment of Non Formal

Education Directorate in 1982 by the Act of parliament, MoBSE has

provided selected type of learning to particular sub-groups of the

population such as adults, out of school youths and in some

instances children in difficult circumstances. As a result of this

laudable initiative many adults who have not been opportune to go

to formal schools are now able to read and write in their own local

languages; many of them can solve numeracy problems and do

livelihood skill activities. Another important benefit was that some

learners were able to undergo successful transition from functional

literacy to formal school and their progress was very satisfactory.

In order to consolidate these gains, I therefore call on all partners

on this International Literacy Day, including the UN family, private

sector, individuals to join forces and give the required attention

literacy deserves as an essential component of the bright future

we want for our beloved country, the Gambia. In this regard, I

further urge all partners to redouble their efforts to ensure that

literacy is fully recognized as one of the most powerful

accelerators of sustainable development. The education sector

has successfully developed a road map for the efficient and

effective delivery of non-formal education.

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MoBSE has maintained partnership with the private sector to

increase the availability of literacy programmes responsive to the

needs of the target groups and to ensure significant

improvement in the levels of literacy for both adults and children.

In this regard, I take this opportunity to applaud the efforts of our

development partners for the supports given to the sector. In the

same vein, I would like to extend my special gratitude to all non-

formal education literacy providers, facilitators, supervisors and

members of the communities who have contributed immensely

towards the creation of a literate environment across the

country.

On behalf of my ministry and its stakeholders, let me thank the

government of the Gambia under the able leadership of His

Excellency, Professor, Dr. Alhagie Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh ,Babili

Mansa, for the support given to education sub-sector.

I would also like to appeal to the inter-governmental

organisations, private sector, development partners, area

councils, municipalities, civil society organisations, Non-

Governmental Organisations and Community Based

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Organisations to join forces and continue to support Non-Formal

Education programme.

I thank you all for your kind attention

ANNEX III: PROGRAMME SCHEDULE FOR 2016 ILD

9:00-10:00am Arrival of invited guests and literacy participants

10:00-10:45 am March pass of participants led by the Gambia National Scout

Band

11:30-11:45am Prayers by religious leaders

11:45-11:55 am National Anthem School Students

11:55-12:05am Welcoming remarks by the Regional Education Director,

Region Two

12:05-12:20am Literacy demonstration and songs by literacy participants

12:20-01:05pm Statement by the CEO Brikama Area Council

01:05-1:10pm Entertainment by cultural troupe

1:10-1:25 pm Exhibition of Products made by literacy participants

1:25-1:30 pm Vote of thanks by a literacy participant

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Prepared by: (LAMIN CEESAY)

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International Day of Peace (Peace Day) is observed around the world each year
on the 21st of September. Established in 1981 by resolution 36/37, the United
Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening
the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and people. Furthering the
Days mission, the General Assembly voted unanimously in 2001 to adopt
resolution 55/282 establishing 21st September as an annual day of non-violence
and cease- fireThe National Federation for Gambia UNESCO Clubs and Centers
(NAFGUC) believe that a country that wants to realize meaningful development
and growth should uproot the seed of violence and sow the seed of peace.
This year the National Federation of Gambia UNESCO Clubs and Centers
(NAFGUC) decentralized and observed the day on the 21st of September 2016,
in Essau, North Bank Region of the Gambia.
The occasion was observed in the form of a March pass/parade lead by the scout
band of the region (North Bank Region). The march pass started from the police
check point through the streets of the village of Essau along with other satellite
villages at a distance of 800 meters. The parade started with 60 participants
initially but the further the parade the more people from the community joined
the crowed, the children were not left out cheering throughout under the scorching
sun all in the name of PEACE. The parade was followed by Speeches from
different personalities and stakeholders ranging from the National Commission,
Federation of UNESCO Clubs and representative from the National Youth
Council. Recitations of poems on peace, drama skits on peace performed by the
Peer Health Educators and a short play on call on peace.

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Cultural performance from the local traditional communicators (kanyeleng)
were part of the celebrations, they sang songs relating to peace as well as send
the message out to the community in local languages with proverbs meaning
the important of peace and how to maintain it: to accept our cultures, each other
as brothers and sisters in our society and communities. These groups are very
vital in our local communities when disseminating information and educating
people. The celebration was followed by a symposium, another interesting part
of the program, in which everyone participated and contributions came from the
participants: the village elders and other youth groups. The issue of youth
migration was among the discussions and when they should to stay and prepared
the BLOCKS FOR THE BUILDING OF PEACE.

The occasion was graced by the community of Essau and its surroundings, from
Community elders, religious leaders, and village chiefs. All the UNESCO Clubs
across the nation were represented including stakeholders and youth
organizations.

The president of the federation Mr.

Momodou M. Sarr welcomes elders,
and participants for joining the
Federation in the celebration. He
highlighted on the importance of peace
and it being everybodys responsibility to
make sure peace prevail. Thanked
UNESCO for funding such a great
occasion.

NAFCUC President

In his statement for the day, the Secretary General of

the Federation Mr. Lamin Ceesay thanked
UNESCO Dakar for funding such a great occasion.
He highlighted on NAFGUCs main functions
promoters of UNESCOs ideals and activities.

He also told the gathering that the Federation holds a

strong belief in the importance and strategic role of
young people in preventing and resolving conflicts
non-violently, bearing in mind the crucial part being NAFGUC Secretary General

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 played by young people in the field of human endeavor and as the back bone of
every development. Today, I believe each of us has a shared responsibility to
shape a better future for all through peacebuilding in our own lives, every day.

He further reminded the audience that it is the turning point of the year for the
world, when States define a new global sustainable development agenda. This
must be an agenda for peace BUILDING BLOCKS FOR PEACE across the
globe and at all levels of society. The Secretary General reminded once again that
man those not live with conflict but with difference, therefore in order for a
peaceful coexistence to become the order of the day between neighbors, families,
family members, children, boys and girls, youth, students and teachers, let us
appreciate and consider our individual differences which are not our faults. He
ended his speech with the preamble of UNESCO quoted:

SINCE WARS BEGINS IN THE MINDS OF WOMEN AND MEN IT IS IN THE

MINDS OF WOMEN AND MEN THAT THE DIFENCES OF PEACE MUST BE
CONSTRUCTED

The Senior Program Officer for Communications and Social and Human
Sciences, Ms. Maimuna Sidibeh conveyed the UNESCO Director Generals
Message on the occasion of the 2016 International Peace Day Celebration.
The 2030 Agenda states that there can
be no sustainable development without
peace and no peace without sustainable
development. The 17 sustainable
Development Goals set forth a new
transformative vision of how to build
peace where UNESCO playing a key role
at every level, to strengthen, in the words
of SDG 16, peaceful, just and inclusive
societies, on the basis of good
Senior Programme Officer Sidibeh
governance, inclusive institutions, accountability and
justice for all.

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Mr. Alhagie Jarju the Program Manager of National Youth Council also gave a
statement on behalf of the Executive Secretary,
National Youth Council. Mr. Jarju highlighted on
the role of young people as the back bone of every
development and Sustainable Development Goal
16 is our shared vision in constructing peace,
justice and strong institutions. This is a global
responsibility to be observed every day and
challenge young people to be the change they
should be and learn to combine their enthusiasm
with patience, realizing the importance of living
together and should be responsible to defend the
frontiers of peace and non-violence. He Said
Young people should not be the obstacle of any Programme Manager, National Youth Council
development but be invaluable resources, for development and should be part of
solution to the problem in schools and communities. International day of peace
should be celebrated by young people every day.

Mr. Lamin Jarjou , Senior Program Officer,

Culture, at the National Commission for
UNESCO The Gambia presented on the theme of
the year BUILDING BLOCKS FOR
PEACE as well as the role of UNESCO in
peace building. Mr. Jarjou started his presentation
with a quotation from Madiba Mandela who
said Let there be work, bread, water and salt
for all he also highlighted on the sustainable
Development Goals which are integral to
achieving peace in our time, as development and
peace are interdependent and mutually Senior Programme Officer, NATCOM
reinforcing. Mr. Jarjou outlined the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and its
associated 169 targets. On the role of UNESCO in peace building, it has been
recognized that the International Institute of Peace brings to UNESCO a unique
focus and expertise in addressing the violent conflicts that take place in cities and

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 urban areas. Mr. Jarjou presented in both English Language and local language.
He explained what the theme means in the local language since the celebration
took place in the rural community. Mr. Jarjous presentation was comprehended
by all students from UNESCO School clubs, Community base UNESCO clubs,
the stakeholders and the community of Essau.

In his presentation the Program Manager

of the National Youth Council Mr Alagie
Jarju presented on the Role of Young
People in Peace Building. Young people
should not be the obstacle of any
development but are invaluable resources,
for development and should be part of
solution to the problem in schools and
communities.

International day of peace should be celebrated by young people every day he

said. Young people are vital stake holders in conflict and peace building they
have the potential to act as community leaders in peace building, reconciliation
and post conflict reconstruction.

An open discussion took place on how peace can prevail and how can we as a
people promote the sustainable
development goals?
The head of the village development
committee started the discussion with
an issue on the female genital
mutilation which he said is a cultural
practice that is a violation of Human
Rights. If human rights are not
respected peace cannot prevail.

Esau Village Development Committee Member

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The President of the Gambia University UNESCO Club Omar
Malmo Sambou highlighted on some of the obstacles to peace
building and maintenance, Omar stressed that if justice does not
prevail between the poor and the rich peace will never prevail.
He also stressed on that job opportunities are not enough this is
causing many young people traveling out of the country for
greener pasture and if all the back bone of the development of
the nation leave the country how will the country be develop?
President of the University Of
If there is no development there will be no peace. The Gambia UNESCO club

On his part the Head of Fidyaanu Sidiqin

Association, this is an Islamic youth
association which also is out to create
awareness on the essence of peace in the
society, Mr. Cham highlighted on the
misconception of all violent extremism going
around the world with the Islamic religion
which he said is condemned by Islam, Islam is
peace. He ended up saying Islam is a religion
which always embarks on praying for peace as whenever individual Muslims
meet they will say SALAMU ALAIKUM meaning peace be with you.

The president of the Brikama Community

Base UNESCO Club Mr. Amfall Daffeh,
in his contribution to the open discussion
highlighted on how important it is in
creating more UNESCO Clubs in the
communities as UNESCO Clubs promote
the ideal of UNESCO and this ideal is to
promote peace. He also reminded parents
on the gathering that let them not be worried about their children holding series
of meetings with UNESCO Clubs as the only thing we discussed is peace and
how to disseminate the information to others. And also advised the young people
to be focused as the elders in the gathering have played their role. It is now the
responsibility of the young people to see that lasting peace exist, he concluded.

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The Secretary General of the federation Mr. Lamin Ceesay also took part in the
discussion, he reminded the young people that if we stick on our cultures peace
will prevail but our cultures are fading away. He
reminded that individual differences come along
with our traditions and cultural back grounds which
reflect in the environment where we live all our
childhood.
Remember! Are we born with special food or
cloth? If not then all we need to consider is live by
adaptation in other to maintain PEACEFUL
COEXISTENCE among ourselves as humans.
But with reality if only we could try eating our
neighbors diet for about a week we would begin to like it and later love it. This
is how our forefathers were living but today young people do not want to engage
on this. If we do not heed to our traditions peace to prevail will not be easy he
reiterated.

There is a silence into which the world cannot intrude

There is an ancient peace you carry in your heart and have not lost.
Peace is a natural heritage of spirit
Everyone is free to refuse to accept his inheritance but he is not free to
establish what his inheritance is.
Peace and understanding goes together and never can be found alone.
Strength and innocence are not in conflict not in conflict but naturally are in
peace.
Lay down your arms and come without defense into the quite peace.

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Where heavens peace had all things still at last.
Lay down all thoughts of danger and fear.
Let no attack enter you.
In this quiet state alone is strength and power.
Here can no weakness enter, for here is no attack and
therefore no illusion.
Peace is God
You who is part of God is not at home except in his peace.
READ BY:
MUHAMMED CAMARA OF (ACHDEACON GEORGE SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL
UNESCO CLUB) Kanifing Municipality or Region One

Hello Peace, your name on our tongue quite often

Prior vital I am a need not for greed
Peace are you ever seen? Peace are you ever felt?
Or can be ever heard, shall I ask about smell? Sure you are a living thing. Do
you fly like a bird?
Oh! No, I am living in your paws, look, dont you call for peace when joy
comes?
Remember, you pray for peace to replace sorrow, when be felt.
Spread your fingers, use your mind to open your eyes and ears you can grab
me into your face.
Peace our love, get well in our midst
What a call Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
Welcome by people, education. Association and the community embodiment
Never escape never escape

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Ive got you now
Peace! Peace! Peace!
DRAMA AND A SHOT PLAY BY: MUHAMMED AND OUMIE from
(Archdeacon George and Brikama Community Base UNESCO Clubs
respectively)
Region one and Two

Oh Children of Africa, why are you crying?

Why the spoil of innocent blood?
Stop the war and let PEACE prevail.
Mother Africa is bleeding, the Children are dying of
hunger, and there is no work in the East, West, North and South.
We need no war but work, we need PEACE in mother Africa.
READ BY:
KADDY KUMBA JALLOW (KOTU SEN SEC SCHOOL UNESCO CLUB)

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Finally, the executive of the Federation believes that such a gathering should be
an annual celebration in the Gambia in the course of promoting peace. It is of
conviction that a more interactive socio-political dialogue should be organized in
order to allow a proper discourse to take place between the politicians and
communities. This can be held annually in the other part of the regions.
To partners, the Federation seeks to build a strong collaboration to share ideas
and knowledge on Peace Education issues. Capacities need to be built and
awareness created. The youths of this nation consist more than 50% of the
population and therefore needs to be empowered since they are the future leaders.

THE GAMBIA TEACHERS UNION/UNESCO-NATCOM

WORLD TEACHERS DAY (WTD) 5TH OCTOBER 2016
NARRATIVE REPORT

UNESCO proclaimed 5th October to be world Teachers Day in 1994, celebrating

the great steps made for teachers on 5th October 1966 when a special
intergovernmental conference by UNESCO in Paris adopted the UNESC/ILO
recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
This year 2016 GTU joins the rest of the World in commemorating the 50th
anniversary of World Teachers Day in grand style across the length and breadth
of the Gambia in all the administrative regions.
The theme for this year is valuing teachers improving their status.
In view of the aforementioned, the GTU together with the Ministry of Basic and
Secondary Education, the Ministry of Higher Education Research Science,
Technology and Religious Affairs, UNESCO/NATCOM, Action Aid International
The Gambia, Civil Society Organisations and all stakeholders in Education
gathered together with a view:
To creating a forum whereby various stakeholders in education engaged
the policy holders on matters of interest as regards valuing teachers;

To increasing awareness on the need to ensuring that society holds high

esteem and respect for teachers and regard them as part of the natural
order of things;

To encouraging public-private partnership and increase in education

financing and commitment to improvement the teachers status;

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 To advocating for better working condition for teachers

For ownership, sustenance and inclusiveness, nationwide celebrations were

held simultaneously on Wednesday 5th October. This was marked with
processions with support from Police and in some cases, the Scout Bands. This
was meant to draw public attention to the day and the plight of teachers.
The National Radio and Television covered the highlight event. Local radio
stations covered both the regional and national celebrations and in some
instances live coverage. National Media Houses published a Press Release on the
occasion of the Day.
In all a total number of 1200 teachers from all regions , officials from
MoBSE/MoHERST, Regional Governors, Alkalos, Representatives of civil society
organizations , NGOs, Parents, Students, School Management Committee
Members, Local opinion leaders and students were in attendance
On the eve of the day, 4th of October, the Minister for Basic and Secondary
Education Honourable Dr. Fatou Lamin Faye made a television broadcast to the
Gambian population. In her state of the nation address, an excerpt of her speech
is as below:
Tomorrow, we will be joining the world over to celebrate our gallant teachers. I
invite people from every walk of life to recognize the indispensable, often difficult
and self-sacrificing role played by teachers in providing quality education. I pay
tribute to all members of the teaching profession, not least to those who are
working in the most difficult conditions. We encourage all teachers to take pride
in their profession and to continue working within their chosen career, for
improvement in the quality of their teaching and for the achievement of our
national targets. Teachers are vivid exemplars of lifelong learning and
information societies.
The Permanent Secretary delivered the Keynote address during the highlight
event. He asserted that, according to the Education Policy 2016 to 2030, during
this policy period and in addressing the needs of the teacher, the sector intends
to .... Develop and implement sound and comprehensive strategies in support of
teacher professional standards and ethics, systematic in-service training and
periodical external curriculum review for teacher education. Such strategies will
be intensified to strengthen teacher quality and the institutionalization of in-
service teacher training with a view to producing well trained teacher educators.
To this end, the current continuing professional development programme will be
further developed to meet the diverse training needs of teachers within a

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framework of a motivational teacher education programme as inscribed in the
Education Sector Policy 2016 to 2030.

The President of the Union, Mr Martin Gomez reminded the gathering that
Education International, the parent body of Unions encourages all unions to
cooperate with relevant education stakeholders, including, the Ministry of
Education and other education authorities, UNESCO, civil society and other
partners in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ILO/UNESCO
Recommendations Concerning the Status of Teachers and demanding its full
implementation by governments. The voices of teachers must be heard
throughout the world on 5th October and governments must be reminded of their
obligation to improve the status of the teaching profession.
Mr Lamin Jarju Senior Programmes Officer at UNESCO National Commission
read the joint message from agency heads of UNESCO, ILO, UNDP and Education
International. According to the respective agency heads, teaching could be an
attractive, first choice profession, if teachers were valued commensurate with
the immense value they provide to our children and if their professional status
as educators reflected the enormous impact their profession has on our shared
future.
In his turn, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Higher Education Research
Science, Technology and Religious Affairs reiterated a point in the Global
Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2013/14 that the quality of an education is
only as good as the quality of its teachers. He alluded to the fact that, in the
strength and effectiveness of teacher education and teacher professional
development there are some essential components such as:
1. Good conditions of employment including appropriate contracts and
salaries, and prospects for career progression and promotion.

2. Good conditions in the work environment, based on creating school

contexts that are conducive to teaching, high-quality pre-in-service
training for teachers based on respect for human rights and the principles
of inclusive education and effective management including teacher
recruitment and deployment.

During the Symposium and open forum, teachers raised pertinent issues ranging
from teacher deployment to training opportunities. This led to serious
engagement between the teachers and their employers and representatives.

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The Permanent Secretary made very strong commitments to consolidate the
gains already made in relation to valuing the teachers in the Gambia. As a sector
we will continue to prioritise the investments on teacher education and welfare
with a view to improving the teacher quality in the education system.
The Ministry will look for every possible means to make teachers more
comfortable in discharging their duties. He asserted his Ministrys commitment
in fulfilling the pronouncement in the Education Sector Policy 2016 2030.
The Celebrations ended with a lot of Funfair.

General Secretary GTU (L R) P.S MoBSE, President GTU, P. S MoHERST

The President GTU Cross Section of Participants RED 1

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57
High table from RED 3 Kerewan March pass in RED 3 Kerewan

Scout Band RED 3 Kerewan Cross section of participants in Mansakonko

Teachers marching in RED 4 Mansakonko The high table in RED 4 Mansakonko

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