By Mahzouba Maya Faal
In a significant diplomatic overture, the Vice President of The Gambia responded to an official invitation extended by the Rwanda Cooperation Agency.
Leading a delegation on the transformative three-day mission - November 28th to 30th, 2023 - the Vice President explored the Rwanda EQUIP Educational Transformation program—an innovative collaboration between the Rwandan government and NewGlobe as technical partners.
The VP Jallow and his delegation of technicians sought inspiration from this initiative to replicate its success in The Gambia through the proposed GambiaTOPS, aspiring to elevate all public schools to meet global standards.
The Vice President Jallow also engaged in a strategic meeting at the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Rwanda. Hon. Twagirayezu Gaspard, Minister of Education, warmly welcomed the delegation, and highlighted Rwanda’s education system from foundational to higher learning.
A pivotal moment ensued at Kacyiru Primary School, where VP Jallow and the delegation witnessed the impactful RwandaEQUIP Educational Transformation program in action. This collaboration between the Rwandan government and NewGlobe serves as a beacon for the proposed GambiaTOPS initiative, aimed at elevating public schools in The Gambia to international standards.
The day culminated in a productive meeting with Jay Kimmelman, Co-Founder and CEO of NewGlobe, where he presented the proposed GambiaTOPS for enhanced learning.
The Vice President expressed admiration for Rwanda’s educational model, recognizing it as a commendable benchmark for emulation.
Under the guidance of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rwanda Cooperation and NewGlobe, Vice President Jallow took the opportunity to embark on an insightful exploration of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, gaining profound insights into Rwanda’s historical fabric.
Subsequently, he engaged in a constructive meeting with Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente on the government’s action coordination, oversight of national forums, national development plans, and performance contract monitoring across sectors and districts.
As the visit concludes, the collaborative efforts between The Gambia and Rwanda in the field of education stand poised to yield transformative outcomes, fostering a shared commitment to educational excellence.
The delegation comprised Mr. Ebrima Sisawo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE); Mr. Alpha Bah, Director of Standard and Quality Assurance (MoBSE); Mr. OusainouNgum, International Consultant for NewGlobe, Mr. Sulayman Cham, Consultant, and other esteemed members.
