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Gambia: First Lady Presides Over Pre-Schools' Independence Celebration

Zineb Yahya Jammeh, the First Lady, yesterday presided over the Association of Early Childhood Educators' of The Gambia 42nd Independence Anniversary celebration, at the July 22nd Square in Banjul.

The celebration brought together students from at least 14 pre-schools in Banjul, who marched, alongside by the Gambia Army Band.

Omar Gaye Sosseh, the Infant President, was accompanied to the square by Habibatou Gassama, First Lady Infant. Both are students of the Gambia Women's Contemporary Nursery School.

Shortly after their arrival, President Sosseh inspected the guards of honour mounted by the Gambia Scout Association.

Addressing the gathering, the six-year old Infant President Sosseh, expressed delight to address the student on the occasion of the country's 42nd Independence Day.

According to him, it's 42 years today when our grandfathers fought hard for the Independence of The Gambia. "Thanks to their hardwork, we the children of The Gambia celebrates this-Day today with pride," he said.

He added that children are the future leaders of this country. Sosseh advised his compatriots to work hard so as to achieve the goals their parents set up, during the Independence struggle. "You should respect your parents, teachers and elders as well. You should also study your books and have good morals so that when we take over from the elders, the Gambia will continue to become the home of peace, progress and prosperity," he advised.

Sosseh said that his government recognised children as important stakeholders in national development, adding that his government will ensure that Education For All by 2015 is achieved. He promised that his government will also continue to provide free medical care to all children under five years. He assured that where children's affairs are, the sky is the limit.

The Infant Gambian Leader told the children to remember that The Gambia belongs to all Gambians and then urged them to "unite to help carry our motherland forward". He then commended the teachers, parents and other people for making the day a success.

The ceremony was attended by infant members of the cabinet, the infant Chief Justice, the infant Speaker of the National Assembly, amongst other top government officials.