By Abdou Mbye
Following her reappointment as minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Claudiana A. Cole, has been on an outreach to learning institutions in the country. Last week she paid courtesy calls on three schools in regions one and two.
Speaking to the media at her first point of call at New Jeshwang Lower Basic School, the minister underscored the importance of providing suitable learning environment for relevant and quality education across all schools. This she stated remains a top priority of the ministry.
“I specifically come to this school because there is an ongoing construction of new classroom blocks. The old buildings are not fit for purpose. The school is in dire need of a comfortable learning environment”.
She went on: “If we want proper learning to take place for both teachers and students, they need conducive environment. It contributes to quality ". At Latrikunda UBS/SSS, the Minister and team inspected newly inaugurated classroom structures, abreast herself of concerns of the school and its management.
Mr Saidou Jallow, Principal of the school said while the school has adequate classrooms to accommodate the increasing yearly intake in both the Upper and Senior Secondary School, he lamented insufficient staff, and the school not offerring science as a field due to lack of science lab as major challenges.
“I am sure with this visit of the minister, come next academic year most of the challenges I have highlighted will be addressed.
The minister and delegation wrapped up the day-long outreach at Muslim Upper and Senior Secondary School in Brusubi.
“I am happy that Muslim SSS have been successfully moved here and they are well placed; with conducive, airy, and spacious classrooms, and I can see that the students are happy to be here,” she Madam Cole reacted upon arrival at the school’s new place in Brusubi.
She promised to take the findings of her visit to her senior management team for solution.