The German embassy based in Dakar, Senegal on Tuesday donated school materials to Jedda Lower Basic School (JLBS) at a presentation ceremony held at the school grounds in Brikama Jedda in Kombo Central, Western Region.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Anita Martin, German consular in The Gambia, said no one can doubt the critical need for education in The Gambia and Africa today. She added that there can be no question about its importance and the role that it can play in building a better country and the eradication of poverty.

He stated that though they are faced with a tremendous challenge, they are determined to develop a new generation of leaders who will be ready to take their rightful place in The Gambia. "We live in times of great change but we also live in a time of great hope. Here we have the possibility to make that hope a reality, the chance to produce young people who are truly learned people," he said.

For his part, the Principal Education Officer of Region 2, Ebrima M. Joof, told the donors that inadequate furniture is always a big problem in schools. He said the donated furniture in the school will not only lead to comfortable classroom conditions but also to quality education. He went on to describe the German embassy as a long time supporter to the school and thanked them for the kind gesture. For his part, Sulayman Sawaneh, the principal of the school, explained that the school is a community initiative and that the people of Jedda Ward started it with the help of philanthropists.

He urged the donors to continue the good work and thanked them on behalf of the children and the teachers. Fafa Bayo, a member of the Parent Teacher Association of the school also expressed similar sentiment.