By: Binta Jaiteh
President Adama Barrow, speaking at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre on Tuesday ,said that every Gambian child deserves an equal opportunity to pursue tertiary and higher education, gain valuable skills, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s socio-economic growth and development.
During the launching of Gambia Madrassah Integration Strategy 2025-2029, initiated by The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST), in collaboration with the World Bank through the RISE Project.
The Strategy outlines key findings and policy recommendations aimed at integrating Madrassah and Majalis education into tertiary and higher education with a strong focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
President of AMAANA Imam Ousman Jah said this new plan will help all Gambia student whether in the madrassahs or conventional sector to get the skills they need to build in the future. he urged. the government to give more support to Madrassah teachers
His Excellency Barrow, added that this landmark event is in sync with his administration’s goal to provide inclusive and equitable education for every Gambian, regardless of any form of distinction.
“We are acknowledging their historical contributions and charting a future where these institutions will be fully integrated into the country’s national education architecture. The moment, therefore, is not only a policy milestone but also a powerful statement of our collective commitment to equity, inclusion, and transformation of The Gambia’s education. Despite their moral grounding, discipline, and academic excellence, our Madrassah graduates have, for far too long, faced systemic barriers in transitioning to post-secondary education. Mostly, these barriers relate to limited English language proficiency, lack of access to specialised skills development opportunities, curriculum issues, and inaccessible pathways to tertiary and higher education Such barriers have inhibited the potential of a significant portion of our youth, many of whom come from economically and socially marginalised communities. We should endeavour to break down such discriminatory barriers”
President Barrow called religious and community leaders to help foster understanding, build trust, and promote this integration effort.
