The Gambian Children First (GCF), a foundation based in Holland, Thursday presented a 15,954 euro scholarship package for 100 students in vocational training institutions in The Gambia. The scholarship package targeted mainly girls and some boys who are unable to afford the cost of their education.

The skills training institutions that benefited from the GCF scholarship package are: Sobeyaa Skills Training Centre, Taku Legay Skills Training Centre, President International Award, Sajuka Skills Training Centre and Sima Vocational Training Centre.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Yankuba Colley, the mayor of Kanifing Municipality, described the presentation as a worthwhile gesture. He stated that the assistance would go a long way in addressing the educational needs of the under-privileged students who without such assistance will not be able to continue their education. He thanked GCF for complementing government's effort in the area of education, noting that this is not the first time the organisation is supporting students in KMC.

Foday Touray, the country director of GCF, disclosed that thefoundation was founded in 2002 and since then the donors have supported 400 children mainly girls who cannot afford the cost of their education. He also revealed that 100 children would benefit from this year's GCF scholarship package. He then thanked the government for creating the enabling environment for the Dutch organisation to lend support to Gambian children.

The acting registrar at the National Training Authority (NTA), Babou Ceesay, said that helpingstudents is a good thing, noting that the future of this country depends on the children and educating a girls child means educating a whole nation

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Binta Sidibeh, the proprietress of Sobeyaa Skills Training Centre, thanked GCF for coming to their aid at a time they needed it most. She assured them that the monies presented will be spent judiciously.

At the end of the ceremony, Sobeyaa Skills Training Centre received 5,495 euros, Taku Legay Skills Training Centre received 2,260 euros, Sima Vocational Training Centre received 4, 574 euros, Sajuka Training Centre received 2, 250 euros and President International Award 1, 375 euros.