Date:26th February 2025

Venue: Kunkujang Jaataya, Kombo North District

Honourable Minister for Basic and Secondary Education and all other Cabinet Ministers here present, Members of the National Assembly, Governor of the West Coast Region and other Governors here present Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Maladah Foundation led by Mr Henk of Holland The Chief of Kombo North and other Chiefs present, The Alkalo of Kunkujang Jaataya and other Alkalolu present, Distinguished Guests, Respected Community Members, Principal, Staff, and Students of Maladah, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have gathered here today with hearts full of hope and excitement to inaugurate Maladah Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School. While the event signals a huge opportunity and growth for our children, it is doubly significant, as it coincides with the celebration of our sixtieth (60th) Independence Anniversary.

The ceremony provides us with another delightful occasion to reflect on our lifetime development journey. It is also an opening to ponder over our national development scheme to shape the legacy we aspire to leave behind for generations to come.

As we honour those who fought for our political freedom and probe into the future, we must acknowledge that the greatest gift we can offer our children is education.

Education forms the foundation for dreaming bigger, reaching higher, and unlocking the incredible potential of our youth. Notably still, education is the bridge that connects our children’s aspirations to the future of our beloved Gambia.

The establishment of this school, therefore, represents a commitment from my government and a loud pronouncement of our devotion to ensuring that every Gambian child has access to quality education.

With its upper basic and secondary education levels, Maladah can now facilitate sound academic work and generate substantial learning outcomes, while fostering a supportive environment to cultivate responsible and compassionate leaders.

Here, our students will be motivated and socialised to embrace essential values, such as respect, integrity, and resilience. They will have the opportunity to explore our rich local culture, traditions, and languages, as well as engaging in critical and creative thinking.

I call upon all parents, teachers, community leaders, and students to adopt and support the school as an integral part of our community. It is only through collaborative work and togetherness that we can effectively cultivate an atmosphere where education is valued, celebrated, and fully utilised.

Remembering that, as a custom, it takes a village to raise a child, we must all take responsibility for supporting our children and ensuring that every child in Kunkujang Jaataya and the entire Kombo North District has the opportunity to succeed.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

I fittingly recognise and commend those who played a vital role in making this school project a reality. The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Regional Education Directorate in Brikama, in particular, worked tirelessly to transform this dream into a reality.

Their dedication illustrates what we can achieve through collective efforts. So, I sincerely thank them all for their commitment to the nation, especially to the welfare and future of our children.

As a key part of our sixtieth (60th) independence anniversary celebrations, this inaugural ceremony underscores the role of the school as a beacon of hope for the community.

I am proud to say that this initiative is the result of my government's strong determination to expand investment opportunities and, equally, build and sustain strong diplomatic relationships and partnerships.

The success of this school project highlights the dynamic potential of philanthropy and volunteerism, both of which are essential in our pursuit of providing quality education.

In view of this, we commend the invaluable contributions of the non-state volunteers and partners to the project. I particularly acknowledge the remarkable efforts of the Maladah Foundation and Mr. Henk, together with his team from Holland.

Working concertedly, they have expanded the provision of educational services here from a private nursery school to an Upper and Senior Secondary School. This incalculable investment and contribution towards providing career education for our children and preparing them for WASSCE certification is truly appreciated with gratitude.

Before concluding, I must briefly mention the ongoing Education Sector Reform Programme, which is another important initiative of my government.

The programme is tied to a New Scheme of Service for teachers. It is established with a dual, yet separate, approach to educational administration and the delivery of quality teaching services in our schools.

To conclude, I invite each of you to support Maladah Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School. Whether you choose to mentor, volunteer, participate in the school’s activities, or contribute to local initiatives, your engagement is crucial.

Let us come together to ensure that education remains a priority in our community, empowering every child to excel and reshaping the nation for a much better future for all citizens. A brighter future for everyone is guaranteed for all, if we work as a united front.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now declare Maladah Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School officially launched.

May God continue to bless The Gambia.