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kiwi
Sweden
662 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Mar 2006 : 22:07:50
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I would appreciate if someone could tell me about the school system in the Gambia. I know that it´s not compulsory, but how many years are a you supposed to go, if you can afford it? At what age do you start and leave? What subjects are taught?
Several years ago it was planned that education would be free for girls, does it ever came true? Or is it depending on what school you choose or what area you live in?
I am thinking of a girl I know, she is ten years and lives near Abuko.
Thanks.
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kiwi |
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njucks
Gambia
1131 Posts |
Posted - 21 Mar 2006 : 00:21:59
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infact education is COMPULSORY in the gambia and it is the duty of each parent to send their child/children to a school. the problem is perhaps accessibilty and costs. accessibility is why a lot of girls did not go to school before. government schools are far cheaper and i think in some cases free at primary level. there is also alot of emphasis on girls' education and i think its free for girls in government schools at primary (basic) level.
you do 9yrs of 'basic' education and then another three of 'upper basic'. there is also a university if you want to proceed.
all subjects are taught.(maths,history,social sciences, general science, english etc).
if she is ten and in abuko she should be in school or atleast must have been sometime in her life! it is free for a lot of girls.
i hope this helps
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Edited by - njucks on 21 Mar 2006 00:23:20 |
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kiwi
Sweden
662 Posts |
Posted - 21 Mar 2006 : 10:31:57
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| Thank you, njucks. Yes, she started school when she was eight, it´s her third year now. |
kiwi |
Edited by - kiwi on 21 Mar 2006 10:33:04 |
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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 31 Mar 2006 : 16:40:26
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Oh my dear brother,
It is not compulsory.Compulsory means if its a most.
In the gambia,parents are advised to send their childreen to school.Its optional for somany marabouts are still frowning on western education.Parliment wanted to ennact it last year but not they were not sure what consequences that would bring to Jammeh's popularity which is on the verge of decline already.So it never came up.I have a friend in the education sector and even those in the DOSE(Department of State for Education),the new educational system is not functioning as planned for some good teachers would rather work with private schools than be posted into the provinces which was the problem during Jawars days where favouritism was Education Ministry's tool to keep some people permanently with the greater Banjul.
peace |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2006 : 01:14:09
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| tHERE WERE MANY RATs (Run Away Teachers) laugh |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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kiwi
Sweden
662 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2006 : 19:33:12
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Janyanfara,
what is the difference between private schools and state schools? Are there private schools also on basic level? Are they expensive?
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kiwi |
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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2006 : 23:24:15
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Private schools are the examples like NDAW,ICE,MARENA INTERNATIONAL just to name but a few.
The difference is childreen get more education in those schools than state owned schools.My friend as kondorong rightly said I was a run away teacher though I was no rat..(laughs).Teachers in government schools are the least paid ccivil servants in the entire government system and the less previlaged.Most of them would rather not worry but go for more studies with pay and they pay more attention to such than their real work for which they are paid to do( though during my time as a teacher this was very minimal).
All schools are on basic level as you want to know and I can boastfully tell you I know more about the education system them than the then minister for I had served in all divisions in the country teaching both in primary,secondary and High schools in the country and in both state and private schools.So i know what I talk about though in brief for even one topic, this forum would not catter for it all.
Thanks you
Mankajang Janyanfara |
Edited by - Janyanfara on 01 Apr 2006 23:24:40 |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2006 : 19:54:13
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In Kolior only about 50% of children attend school. This is why I was keen to improve the nursery and transition between nursery and lower basic. I was shocked by this figure as previously I had thought ALL children went to school and then dropped out along the way. Some children never even start.
Parents have to pay for uniforms, pens, pencils, books etc and lunch. If parents cant afford to pay for lunch their child goes hungry whilst another child at the side of them is eating.
If you go on a trip to Gambia can I suggest you try to get out of the Kombos and visit a village in Kiang......take pencils, paper, etc and visit a local school. Or find a child and sponsor them (preferably a girl!) |
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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2006 : 23:23:02
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Cousin Gambiabev(For I must call that now),
I go to the Gambia next week.Anyway if anybody helps the Gambia helps me for I am the Gambia and the Gambia is me.We are inseparable.
As you rightly said any pencil or books as a gift would be very appriciated.We are building two line houses class room blocks.One in north Bank and one in Upper River so when I go I shall travel round to see whick village school needs a building in these two arrears.Though I didnot come from any of the two arrears,I see they are part of the Gambia and I am Gambia.I initiated these places for a start and it was approved by the charity.So we all can make a change.
Counsin you are a star.
Mankajang Janyanfara |
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kiwi
Sweden
662 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2006 : 07:52:36
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Hi gambiabev,
I am sponsoring a girl, she was only two months when I saw her first time sleeping on the beach among fruits and vegitabels in a basket...
now she is ten years old.
Communication is a bit difficult, no-one in the family can write so they have to pay someone to write a letter. I have not been there for several years now.
It´s a pity that www.gambiaschools.com is not fully developed yet, it has been "coming soon" for a long time now. I suppose they lack money.
(By the way, also I used to go to Kunta Kinte for lunch.) |
kiwi |
Edited by - kiwi on 03 Apr 2006 08:11:36 |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2006 : 08:08:30
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| Small world!!!! As the child goes through school they will learn more english and letter writing will become easier. |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2006 : 18:56:29
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I am suprised that people still pay to have letters written for them. I thought Gambia has passed that stage now. It was common site especially at the post office in the 1990s for retired civil servants to open counters and help write letters for people.
Our eduaction sysytem must be failing us because all the statistics are pointing to a mass of students graduating every year. He who feels it knows it. Thanks KIWI01 |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2006 : 21:59:37
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I was very shocked when I opened a bank account at Trust Bank to see how many women 'signed' their account with a thumb print. If someone cant sign their name, they arent likely to be able to write a letter in a foreign language.....
Lets hope that as time passes more and more girls will get a good education and be able to write letters and so on....
The education system in Gambia is very good for those that get it...the problem is that 100% of children DONT get an education. I have got some excellent letters from children within the education system..........
Education empowers women and changes society......Perhaps muslim men are afraid of that??? |
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Jack
Belgium
384 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2006 : 22:15:22
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Although it's an official website of the government there is a lot of information about the schoolsystem on www.edugambia.gm (see directorates)
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kiwi
Sweden
662 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2006 : 22:58:21
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| Thanks, Jede |
kiwi |
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Jack
Belgium
384 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2006 : 23:16:27
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Your welcome,
A Kiwi is an australian bird with Gambian roots (?) in Sweden... 
Strange world. |
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