Office of The Gambian President: State House Online: Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh

The pilot phase of free education for girls project in the Gambia has been launched by president Alh. Yahya Jammeh on Thursday at State house.

The project dubbed "Pegep" has been established by government to encourage the enrolment and retention of girls in school.

The scheme will sponsor over three thousand students from 16 Upper Basic and Senior Secondary Schools within Great Banjul area and Western Division.

In his launching statement, the Gambian head of state reaffirmed his government's commitment to use education as a tool in eradicating ignorance in society, and advised parents to desist from removing their daughters out of school for marriage.

He however said that parents who do not adhere to this warning would be asked to refund government all that has been spent on their child.

President Jammeh also urged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunities provided by government for their future development.

The head of state also used the occasion to thank the Republic of China for its efforts and generosity in helping the Gambia's education sector.

Also speaking on the occasion the Vice President Mrs. Isatou Njie-Saidy praised the Gambian leader for his efforts in improving the socio-economic status of Gambians.

Vice-President Njie-Saidy also urged students to work hard and contribute positively to nation building.

The Secretary of State for Education Ann Therese Ndong-Jatta commended President Jammeh for what he described as a laudable gesture.

Mrs Adele Sock of Saint Joseph Senior Secondary School expressed optimism that girls, from now on, would concentrate more on their education that has in the past been mared by either financial or matrimonial reasons.

A student,who spoke on behalf of her colleagues,Fatoumatta Ndure, commended government and the President Jammeh in particular, for providing an unhindered access for girls to learn in schools.

She promised that they will take their studies seriously."we will try to catch up with our male counterparts on areas we are beaten, and continue to beat them where we have been beating them", Ms.Ndure said.

The launching ceremony was attended by Secretaries of State, diplomats, senior government officials and students.

The director of Press and Public Relations,office of the President Marcel Thomasi chaired the occassion. .CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES

Reported by Lamin SM Jaiteh.