By Pa Ousman Marong
Two grade 9 female students of Sabi Upper Basic School in the Upper River Region have expressed gratitude after receiving a surprise gift of bicycles to ensure their punctuality and further encouragement to complete their educational career.
Fatoumatta Baldeh and Fatoumatta M Sakiliba said they were taken unawares when they were called upon to receive the surprise gift of bicycles on Monday 25th November, 2019 at the school grounds.
Both described the gesture as a sigh of relief of the burden of trekking 10 to 12 kilometers to and from school daily.
“I live in Mampateli which is 5 kilometers from the school and I have to wake up very early to prepare for my hectic journey to school. This is my third year walking to school and arrive there at 9 AM,” Fatoumatta Baldeh asserted.
When asked what time she gets home, she said each way takes her two hours. She added: “School closes at 3.25 PM and I get home after 5.00 PM. When I come to school in the morning, I am exhausted and it is the same thing when I return home. It is a very hectic experience but the bicycle will be very useful in my school life.”
Fatoumatta M Sakiliba said she has just transferred to the school and was wondering how she would continue her education. She said she is filled with joy especially by being assisted by people she never knew.
“On behalf of fellow students, I want to thank the donor, Mr Lamin M Dibba, partners and collaborators for this wonderful gift. I am also thanking TAKE-M for the swift onward transmission. I am really grateful and I am sure my parents will be even more overwhelmed when I get home with this bicycle,” Fatoumatta M Sakiliba alluded.
The Chairman of the village education committee, on behalf of the alkalo, thanked Mr Dibba and partners for the gesture and hailed their stance in ensuring quality education particularly for rural students.
“I personally found Fatoumatta M Sakiliba on her way to school one early morning and carried her on my motorbike. Since that day, I remember her name because she looked very determined. Baldeh’s route is around my compound so I also see her trekking,” Alhaji Sillah stated.
Youth leaders Amadou Jabbi and Bangali Singhateh recognized the efforts of TAKE-M in promoting education in Sabi. They also thanked Mr Dibba and his associates adding that they would be grateful if more items could be provided.
They tasked the teaching staff to redouble their efforts in inculcating knowledge in their students.
Sabi UBS Principal Foday Dukana expressed gratitude to the donors and thanked them on behalf of the students.
He appealed for any possible assistance to improve the school library and science lab. He urged students to take education very seriously noting that they don’t know Mr Dibba and yet benefiting from him. This, he said, is simply because Dibba and partners value education.
The Coordinator of TAKE-M Transformation Organisation, Mr Tunde M N Ogundimu described the event as part of the usefulness of collaboration to improve efforts. He thanked his associate, Mr Pa Ousman Marong for his unflinching love to work for the good of humanity.
It maybe noteworthy to mention that Mr Lamin M Dibba (Lang), a US based Gambian, is the Project Manager of Million Books for The Gambia (MB4G).