By Yusef Taylor, @FlexDan_YT
Gainako Online news conducted an exclusive interview with Hon Alhagie Mbow, National Assembly member for Upper Saloum and a graduate of Armitage Class of 1991. Speaking at a donation ceremony at his former school the Gambian Parliamentarian said “I couldn’t have been Hon Mbow without Armitage High School” after his Alumni Class of 1991 donated school materials worth over D200,000.
According to Hon Mbow, the group was only formed within 6 months, however, they felt that it was “most critical — to support the sciences and also the technical areas in this country”. In response to that, the group spent over D200,000 on “five computers, projectors with internet connection for 12 months, chemicals for the chemistry lab and woodwork materials where the students would be able to learn”.
“So essentially these are things both the students and teachers are able to use. If you look at the way the world is going now, I think the sciences and other technical subjects are the future and I think that’s the reason why the class of 1991 came together at the request of the school” he said.
Speaking about how the group decided on the type of materials to donate Hon Mbow said that they “consulted with the school and asked them what areas they need us to help and they gave us those areas which are the sciences, woodwork and the technical areas. We were able to come as a team to put these goods together for the school”.
Appealing to other Armitage Alumni Classes Hon Mbow explained that “the principal is really very open. I think giving back to the school is something that all of us can do because this is the school that really taught us everything”.
In his passionate speech, the Parliamentarian declared that he “couldn’t have been Hon Mbow without Armitage High School and it has taught me a lot in life. It has taught me lessons that will be with me for the rest of my life. So, any student of Armitage High School can contact the school, especially the principal who is very hardworking and who is very open to say what areas Alumni can come in to help the school”.
Highlighting that Government cannot be expected to deal with all the problems facing the school Hon Mbow said “I think as students we can come into help, just to make sure we take Armitage to another level”.
To the students that will benefit from the donation, Hon Mbow advises that they should “ensure that the materials are in good care. The teachers who are teaching should think of tomorrow also. These materials are very expensive because we have spent D200,000 to get them. So let them take good care of them. When they finish their work let them clean and then store them so that another class can come and use the same materials and that will help the school as well”.
“I can tell you we will be back in Armitage” with another donation sometime soon he concluded.
The donation ceremony took place on 28th August 2021 at Armitage High School.
Below are two publications featuring exclusive interviews of Armitage High School Principal and the PRO of Armitage Class of 1991 Alumni.
We can turn Armitage into one of the best Schools in Gambia says Principal
Armitage Class of 1991 Donate D200,000 Worth of School Materials