Gambia: Tahir Ahmadiyya Celebrates 24th Foundation Anniversary

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"The school is moving forward and we are more committed than ever to mold the students to be assets in the society,"

File photo: Ahmadiyys Secondary School

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: The Daily Observer (Banjul)
By  Alieu Ceesay | October 22, 2012

Tahir Ahmadiyya Muslim Senior School in Mansakonko, Lower River Region (LRR), on Wednesday celebrated the school's 24 years of existence.

The school, which was founded in 1988, has produced outstanding students who are now serving in all sectors of national development. The colourful celebration under the watchful eyes of the principal of the school, Abubakarr Nyabally, was the first of its kind since the inception of the institution more than two decades ago. The event attracted lot of local dignitaries including the governor of the region, Lamin Darboe; principals of sister schools, teachers, board members, parents, present and past students, and well-wishers.

Also addressing the gathering, the governor of LRR, Lamin Darboe, described the celebration as an important occasion in the history of the school. Whilst urging the students to be more focused and determined in their quest to achieve educational excellence, Governor Darboe told them that in as much as teachers have a role to play, they (students) equally have a greater role to play. "As students, you need to give more time to your books and less time to social events. You should make the best use of the opportunities created by the government," he admonished.

Governor Darboe stressed the need for discipline among the students, advising them that education cannot go in the absence of discipline. He urged them to have high respect for teachers and pay attention to the school's rules and regulations. The governor, who was full of praises for the principal of the school, acknowledged that Tahir has registered tremendous achievements both in academic and sports under the current administration. "You the students should always aim high and be cautious of negative peer influence. You should know that you are the cream of the nation and future leaders of this country," he stated.

The happier man of the day, Principal Abubakarr Nyabally, who initiated the event, reminded the gathering that the school was established in 1988, a year when there was a high need for a senior school in the area. He recalled that the first batch of the school registered a 100% pass in exams. "The school is moving forward and we are more committed than ever to mold the students to be assets in the society," he affirmed.

He however noted that the progress and achievements registered would not have been possible if not for the support received from sister Ahmadiyya schools, teachers, students, community, board members, Office of the Governor, Ahmdiyya Jamaat, and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

He informed the gathering that the school continues to register great results at West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations thanks to what he described as collective efforts of teachers and students.

"Tahir Senior School is a school of difference where students are doing very well and by the grace of God, we will celebrate our Silver Jubilee next year. I will at this juncture like to say a big thanks to the president of the Republic, who has education among his top priorities. On behalf of the school administration and students, I again thank him for the handsome donation he made to the school during his tour last year," he added.

Concerns

Highlighting some of the concerns the school is grappling with despite the numerous achievements, Principal Nyabally said Tahir is still without an assembly hall, which he said is a big concern for both the administration and students. He appealed for support in this area. He also lamented the stalled school fencing project, saying support is needed in this area too. "We have a science lab but we also need a more equipped one," he added.

Also speaking at the occasion, the vice principal of the school, Peter J. Braima, thanked all for their attendance, and commended the principal for his foresight, commitment, and determination to move the school forward.

Speaking on behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Oustaz Lukman said the initiative by the principal to celebrate the school's Foundation Day is a great achievement, thus applauding him for his quality leadership skills.

He seized the opportunity to urge the students to take their education seriously so as to realise their God-endowed potentials.

"Get higher education in order to be able to serve yourself and your country better. The education that you get today will determine the future of this country," he advised. He told the gathering that it is mandatory for everyone to be educated, and urged the people to make the best use of the facility available at the school.

Speaking to this reporter shortly after the celebration, the head boy of the school, Alhagie Jassey, a science student, said the celebration means a lot to them in the sense that many students have passed through the school but were not fortunate to celebrate the day in their time at the school. He therefore thanked the principal for the good initiative, while urging the students to be very serious with their education.

The celebration wrapped-up with quiz competition, drama, and recitation of poems.

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