The Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), Professor Pierre Gomez on Tuesday, 28th November 2023, presided over the inauguration ceremony of the newly built American Corner in Fajara.
In his opening statement, Hon. Professor Pierre Gomez described the American Corner as a beacon of knowledge, enlightenment, and cultural exchange. The centre, he went on, will serve as a powerful representation of the unwavering dedication to the advancement of education, promotion of literacy, and the reinforcement of the shared principles that unite The Gambia and the United States of America.
Further highlighting the relevance of the ‘Corner’ to the education system of the country, Minister Gomez said the newly built facility exemplifies the essence of intellectual inquisitiveness, offering a haven for knowledge acquisition, investigation, and the interchange of thoughts and concepts. “The Corner serves as a symbol of the lasting camaraderie between our nations; it shall assume a crucial function in cultivating the cognitive development of individuals, advancing intercultural comprehension, and cultivating a spirit of togetherness within our society’’, he added.
The Hon Minister used the opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation to the American Embassy for their steadfast dedication and unwavering assistance in the realm of education. He reaffirmed that The Government of The Gambia appreciates the significant contributions of the American Embassy in the promotion of education in The Gambia.
For her part, the Ambassador of the United States to The Gambia, Her Excellency Sharron L Cromer, noted that the Fajara American Corner facility will serve as a platform where the core values and cherished traditions of the United States of America and The Gambia come to life, ready to be explored, shared, and celebrated. The centre, she added, offers free access to many resources, allowing people to study about American history and culture, develop new skills, and explore a vast spectrum of topics.
The Ambassador further explained that it will be a place for workshops, lectures, and events that foster understanding, tolerance, and appreciation of both our similarities and differences.
She concluded by encouraging Gambian entrepreneurs; especially women, to use the Corner “to collaborate and build the dreams that advance economic development”.
