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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
 Posted - 22 Dec 2006 : 22:07:52
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quote:
Originally posted by MADIBA
Konds i take your answer for my christmas present. Not so?
Yea ABUA last known station was Ministry of Education. I hope he is still alive.
Happy Christams to you |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 22 Dec 2006 : 22:35:02
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Kon, stop claiming you don't have a degree. Degrees will never tell who have them and who don't. Admiting that you know Abu king tells me you have tested the great food at Armitage. Am sure you know something about Wasulung (AKA "BAHIND".
We know you are humbled but your postings on this forum speak volume about your education and wealth of experience.
Please don't move too far to right which might prevent you from spearheading the debate on this forum. Am sure your level of sacrifice in the Gambia and standing up as you said is greatly appreciated.
What is your take on registering non profit groups to sponsor students and expand to other causes?
To those of you who are involved in sponsoring individual students it is great, but we need to do it in a larger scale. I have been involved in running a scholarship program in the Gambia for the last seven (7)years. Our students are spread across the country from Basse to Banjul.
However, we had a terrible experience as our program was reduced to an individualistic program without our knowledge. Up until today, we cannot trace some of our students. Many have graduated but others are missing.
We are now working with the department of Social welfare to help disburse the finances.
The lesson here is that a program like that should never be entrusted with an individual. It needs to be institutionalize and that was what we expected. |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 22 Dec 2006 : 22:35:02
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Kon, stop claiming you don't have a degree. Degrees will never tell who have them and who don't. Admiting that you know Abu king tells me you have tested the great food at Armitage. Am sure you know something about Wasulung (AKA "BAHIND".
We know you are humbled but your postings on this forum speak volume about your education and wealth of experience.
Please don't move too far to right which might prevent you from spearheading the debate on this forum. Am sure your level of sacrifice in the Gambia and standing up as you said is greatly appreciated.
What is your take on registering non profit groups to sponsor students and expand to other causes?
To those of you who are involved in sponsoring individual students it is great, but we need to do it in a larger scale. I have been involved in running a scholarship program in the Gambia for the last seven (7)years. Our students are spread across the country from Basse to Banjul.
However, we had a terrible experience as our program was reduced to an individualistic program without our knowledge. Up until today, we cannot trace some of our students. Many have graduated but others are missing.
We are now working with the department of Social welfare to help disburse the finances.
The lesson here is that a program like that should never be entrusted with an individual. It needs to be institutionalize and that was what we expected. |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 27 Dec 2006 : 18:59:05
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DBaldeh:
It is a sad fact that large numbers of Gambians flee their homeland every day for various reasons. However , this is no indication that we have abandoned our country and people. The fact that we have this vibrant discussion fora about our homeland and the volume of remmittances we make home annually are evidences of our committment to the Gambia.It is perhaps true that Jammeh's ability to stay in power is significantly due to our support-financial and otherwise-to the country.Perhaps without the support from the diaspora there could be major economic collapse in the Gambia.
It is often said that "he who fights and run away hopes to fight another day". It is true Mandela and others fought from within the system(on the ground) , but if you also look at the independent movement and the liberation of the continent fron colonialists you will see the significance of the contributions of the diaspora many of whom studied and resided abroad for years. A recent example would be the impact of the diasporan Gambians on the political landscape of the Gambia during the past few years.The formation and support of NADD ,and the intense debate about the future of the country from all angles and view points is a huge development in Gambian history. Most of the critical voices pressing for change are coming from the diaspora to the point that sometimes we wonder if we and those on the ground actually have the same aspirations.
Our contributions , even if only at the level of ideas (and they may not be great ideas all the time) are significant.Silence and indifference is what constitute abandonment. |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 27 Dec 2006 : 18:59:05
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DBaldeh:
It is a sad fact that large numbers of Gambians flee their homeland every day for various reasons. However , this is no indication that we have abandoned our country and people. The fact that we have this vibrant discussion fora about our homeland and the volume of remmittances we make home annually are evidences of our committment to the Gambia.It is perhaps true that Jammeh's ability to stay in power is significantly due to our support-financial and otherwise-to the country.Perhaps without the support from the diaspora there could be major economic collapse in the Gambia.
It is often said that "he who fights and run away hopes to fight another day". It is true Mandela and others fought from within the system(on the ground) , but if you also look at the independent movement and the liberation of the continent fron colonialists you will see the significance of the contributions of the diaspora many of whom studied and resided abroad for years. A recent example would be the impact of the diasporan Gambians on the political landscape of the Gambia during the past few years.The formation and support of NADD ,and the intense debate about the future of the country from all angles and view points is a huge development in Gambian history. Most of the critical voices pressing for change are coming from the diaspora to the point that sometimes we wonder if we and those on the ground actually have the same aspirations.
Our contributions , even if only at the level of ideas (and they may not be great ideas all the time) are significant.Silence and indifference is what constitute abandonment. |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 05:28:23
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Kayjatta, you are right in that we still contribute immensely to our nation. Your point about remmitances is on the point. Probably without our contributions the economy may not sustain itself this long.
The moral arguement that I am making is that we can do better. Our individual contributions are mostly limited to our close families. How about those who are not quite lucky to have someone in the diaspora? Isn't this the reason why our young men and women are dying in the sea crossing to Spain and other parts of Europe?
I happen to belief that we have the resources to build institutions that will not only transform the lives of individuals, but an entire generation that will have abundant opportunites to not want to leave their homeland insearch of greener pasters.
Together we can uplift the quality of lives of our people where our children will have equal access to clean drinking water, abundant food supplies, access to decent education, and medical facilities.
I strongly belief that we have a moral obligation to reach out to our nation in a massive scale. Our individual efforts when combined can go a long way to transform our society into the dream home that we would all want to head home and invest in our economy.
Brother Jatta, we have the love, the will and the talent to morally force our goverment to look the other way without confrontation. This is the moral arguement to my call to nation building. History shall hold us individually accountable for failing to take the opportunities just like our post independent leaders did. This is the extra step we need.
Long live the Gambia and Happy New Year to all and Sundry. |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 05:28:23
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Kayjatta, you are right in that we still contribute immensely to our nation. Your point about remmitances is on the point. Probably without our contributions the economy may not sustain itself this long.
The moral arguement that I am making is that we can do better. Our individual contributions are mostly limited to our close families. How about those who are not quite lucky to have someone in the diaspora? Isn't this the reason why our young men and women are dying in the sea crossing to Spain and other parts of Europe?
I happen to belief that we have the resources to build institutions that will not only transform the lives of individuals, but an entire generation that will have abundant opportunites to not want to leave their homeland insearch of greener pasters.
Together we can uplift the quality of lives of our people where our children will have equal access to clean drinking water, abundant food supplies, access to decent education, and medical facilities.
I strongly belief that we have a moral obligation to reach out to our nation in a massive scale. Our individual efforts when combined can go a long way to transform our society into the dream home that we would all want to head home and invest in our economy.
Brother Jatta, we have the love, the will and the talent to morally force our goverment to look the other way without confrontation. This is the moral arguement to my call to nation building. History shall hold us individually accountable for failing to take the opportunities just like our post independent leaders did. This is the extra step we need.
Long live the Gambia and Happy New Year to all and Sundry. |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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Lily
United Kingdom
422 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 13:15:05
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Wise words from everyone as the year draws to a close and I wish all my new found friends a happy, prosperous and united 2007.
On the education debate and the shocking grade 9 statistics - surely the point now has to be to train the teachers. Clearly the children can not be blamed for the poor state of education. So many, at least, go to school everyday. Yet what do they learn in the average primary school - how to read and write? Well, to be honest with you all - not very effectively. The teaching methods are very old fashioned - small children learning letters by rote (without understanding the meaning), copying from boards sentences they don't understand and teachers can not pronounce properly - against children from other West African countries - it is not surprising they do not do well in their external tests.
I do NOT blame the teachers - I know many and they are all doing their best for low wages. The problem lies, I bleieve, in the curriculum (what the children are taught), in the methodologies (for example - should English really be the language of instruction at 5 years old?), in the lack of knowledge and understanding of how exam systems work. (I have queued in the West Africa Exams Council to BUY past papers for students - only to find teachers have never seen them before - how can they help without knowing...) - and in the available resources (or lack of them!).
Again. I am sorry, I get carried away - especially on the education front.
Of course there is HOPE. I think it lies in the hands of young Gambians who ARE managing within the system, who are getting an acceptable education - but who we/you need (somehow) to persuade to stay and help their own people. I have one young Gambian friend here at University in the UK - her ambition is to return. That's what, I think is needed. I know, it's easy for us Europeans to say that, and yes, we can (and many of us do) spend time in the schools (and Colleges) , with the students and the teachers - but in the end - it is many of you, my new friends, who will make the difference...
This is why, in my way, I get mad with Jammeh. He has the power to put money and help in to education and electricity (how else can the children study in the evenings). Building schools is of no use if they aren't equipped and if the teachers themselves struggle with the out-dated curriculum.
With power - comes responsibility.
Alternatively - power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Mr Jammeh could make a difference - but will he?
Apologies. I am off to Gambia tomorrow, so I shall go and pack now and give you all a little peace! |
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Lily
United Kingdom
422 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 13:15:05
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Wise words from everyone as the year draws to a close and I wish all my new found friends a happy, prosperous and united 2007.
On the education debate and the shocking grade 9 statistics - surely the point now has to be to train the teachers. Clearly the children can not be blamed for the poor state of education. So many, at least, go to school everyday. Yet what do they learn in the average primary school - how to read and write? Well, to be honest with you all - not very effectively. The teaching methods are very old fashioned - small children learning letters by rote (without understanding the meaning), copying from boards sentences they don't understand and teachers can not pronounce properly - against children from other West African countries - it is not surprising they do not do well in their external tests.
I do NOT blame the teachers - I know many and they are all doing their best for low wages. The problem lies, I bleieve, in the curriculum (what the children are taught), in the methodologies (for example - should English really be the language of instruction at 5 years old?), in the lack of knowledge and understanding of how exam systems work. (I have queued in the West Africa Exams Council to BUY past papers for students - only to find teachers have never seen them before - how can they help without knowing...) - and in the available resources (or lack of them!).
Again. I am sorry, I get carried away - especially on the education front.
Of course there is HOPE. I think it lies in the hands of young Gambians who ARE managing within the system, who are getting an acceptable education - but who we/you need (somehow) to persuade to stay and help their own people. I have one young Gambian friend here at University in the UK - her ambition is to return. That's what, I think is needed. I know, it's easy for us Europeans to say that, and yes, we can (and many of us do) spend time in the schools (and Colleges) , with the students and the teachers - but in the end - it is many of you, my new friends, who will make the difference...
This is why, in my way, I get mad with Jammeh. He has the power to put money and help in to education and electricity (how else can the children study in the evenings). Building schools is of no use if they aren't equipped and if the teachers themselves struggle with the out-dated curriculum.
With power - comes responsibility.
Alternatively - power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Mr Jammeh could make a difference - but will he?
Apologies. I am off to Gambia tomorrow, so I shall go and pack now and give you all a little peace! |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 13:28:42
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After that they might not let you into the country!!!  |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 13:28:42
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| After that they might not let you into the country!!! |
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sab
United Kingdom
912 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 19:01:03
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Lily –If you were referring to the figures that I quoted unfortunately they were not the full pictures, I was replying from memory (it’s not like it use to be)
It should have read: 25 students out of 6,358 representing 0.39 per cent attained credits in nine subjects. 3239 candidates did not get a credit.
If you are interested in education when you return from The Gambia –www.edugambia.gm/about/education_background.html updated May 06
www.edugambia.gm/about/aprc_action_plan.html updated 20th Dec 06
If you go into Education on this site you will find on page two SOS FAYE ON LOCAL LANGUAGE INSTRUCTIONS IN SCHOOLS – July..Reference to your quote ‘should English really be the language of instruction at 5 years old?’ There appears to be a change & English will be taught from grade 4.
I remember some months ago the government stated they needed 12,000 additional teachers by 2015. I thought then it must be a mistake, but I found within one of these referred sites it is documented at 10,000. However can this be achieved?
Safe journey, and best wishes for the coming year.
regards,
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The world would be a poorer place if it was peopled by children whose parents risked nothing in the cause of social justice, for fear of personal loss. (Joe Slovo - African revolutionary) |
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sab
United Kingdom
912 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 19:01:03
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Lily –If you were referring to the figures that I quoted unfortunately they were not the full pictures, I was replying from memory (it’s not like it use to be)
It should have read: 25 students out of 6,358 representing 0.39 per cent attained credits in nine subjects. 3239 candidates did not get a credit.
If you are interested in education when you return from The Gambia –www.edugambia.gm/about/education_background.html updated May 06
www.edugambia.gm/about/aprc_action_plan.html updated 20th Dec 06
If you go into Education on this site you will find on page two SOS FAYE ON LOCAL LANGUAGE INSTRUCTIONS IN SCHOOLS – July..Reference to your quote ‘should English really be the language of instruction at 5 years old?’ There appears to be a change & English will be taught from grade 4.
I remember some months ago the government stated they needed 12,000 additional teachers by 2015. I thought then it must be a mistake, but I found within one of these referred sites it is documented at 10,000. However can this be achieved?
Safe journey, and best wishes for the coming year.
regards,
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The world would be a poorer place if it was peopled by children whose parents risked nothing in the cause of social justice, for fear of personal loss. (Joe Slovo - African revolutionary) |
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Lily
United Kingdom
422 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 20:19:10
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Thank you for that Sab - it makes for interesting reading. Quite a challenge. And all those teachers?? It's already hard to get in to Gambia College......
Thanks too for your best wishes. Will be back in just one short week..... |
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Lily
United Kingdom
422 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2006 : 20:19:10
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Thank you for that Sab - it makes for interesting reading. Quite a challenge. And all those teachers?? It's already hard to get in to Gambia College......
Thanks too for your best wishes. Will be back in just one short week..... |
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