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Taiwan Donates about D10,000,000 for Academy in Kanilai

The Taiwanese Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E. Dr Patrick Chang, on Monday presented a cheque of $344,718, equivalent to D9, 390,386 to the Department of State for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology. The money is meant for the construction of a Science and Maths academy in Kanilai.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the Department of State for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Ambassador Chang said the money is the first installment payment of 20% of the total project. “This is a very good project because the president has attached great importance to the development of education in the country,” he said. The Taiwanese diplomat urged the people involved in the project to work hard for the wellfare of the young people of the country.

For his part, the Secretary of State for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr Crispin Grey-Jonshon, said the academy that the president wants to establish is intended to start equipping young men and women of the country in anticipation of their ascent on the educational ladder to universities with scientific and technological disciplines, adding that the country needs to develop to a level that would enable her implement and sustain the Silicon Valley project.

He expressed appreciation to the Taiwanese government and people through Ambassador Chang for supporting what he termed “this historic initiative.”

Mrs Fatou Mbye, Director of GTTI, whose institution would serve as the supervisor and consultant, revealed that the academy would have classrooms, library, lecture halls, quarters and a multi purpose hall.

Mr Saidou Jallow, Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Higher Education, chaired the occasion, which was attended by the Secy. Local Government and Lands, Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, professors and members of the task force.