|
Momodou
Denmark
11833 Posts |
 Posted - 04 Feb 2008 : 20:46:28
|
Sene-Gambian Teachers Call For Integration
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The Gambia Teachers Union on December 9, last year, signed a joint communiqué with a leading teachers’ union in Senegal, Syndicate Unique Et Democratique des Enseignants du Senegal (SUDES), in Dakar, during the 12th National Delegates Congress of the latter held in Thies and which set aside February 1st as “Sene-Gambia Day,”
to be observed by the two unions. This memorandum was signed based on the common desire to foster regional integration through increased access, promotion of professional reliance and equity.
The agreement also entails GTU and SUDES to establish a cooperative agreement for the mutual benefit of both Teachers’ Unions. The maiden celebration took place on 1 February, 2008 at the GTU Cooperative Credit Union conference hall.
The acting General Secretary of GTU, Mr. Essa Sowe, said that it is the norm for Africa and her people to associate, particularly those within the same sub-region, in order to safeguard or promote the interest and well being of their people. Mr. Sowe urged the people of the two countries to protect the geo-political as well as the socio-economic ties that naturally bind them. He noted that no significant difference can be noticed between the people of the two nations, in terms of the way of life or culture. Mr. Sowe said that the co-operation agreement will reduce social exclusion and ensure an inclusive civil society and the participation of workers and their organizations in the process of decision making and implementation of national policies and programmes.
Mr. Omar J. Ndure, the President of GTU, said that it was an unconquerable act on the part of the colonialists, from outside the boundaries of Africa, to separate a people, who had share the same cultures, traditions and aspirations, just by the scroll of a pen. He emphasized that the 1884 Berlin conference can be undone by co-operating in all spheres of life, irrespective of boundaries and colonial languages. Mr. Ndure said that the event will bring about co-operation among teachers sharing the same professional ethics and aspirations. “We teachers have a moral responsibility to participate in nation building by providing relevant and quality education for our children. In addition we have an impeccable role in guiding children to nurture and uphold the right moral and ethical values that can help them face challenges of life tomorrow. These noble tasks are cherished by both GTU and SUDES, as a basis for our co-operation,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Baboucarr Bouye, on his part said that both peoples of the two sides are biologically related and that it is one family living in both sides. Permanent Secretary Bouye further stated that there is no historical narration that one can make without connecting the two countries. He said that the initiative by the teachers is very essential as it will serve as a bridge between the same people who share the same tongues, and every thing in common; that such fora should even be conducted in our local languages and not in the colonial languages.
The Senegalese Ambassador, Mr. Momodou Faal, called on the two unions to maintain this initiative and work hand in glove to strengthen the international aspect of the two nations. Ambassador Faal said that the two nations cannot go without each other; that both should be each other’s keeper. He said the cementing the bond of relationship between family members is godly and should be welcomed by the people.
Mr. Sainabou Gaye, a representative from SUDES, said women have a role play in the integration process of the two sides. She added that wherever there is mutual family ties women must be at the forefront.
Rohey Sillah, first Vice President of GTU, said that The Gambia and Senegal are inseparable. The occasion was marked by an historical narration of the two countries by Alhagie Mansour Njie.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 15/2008, 4 - 5 February 2008
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
Topic Locked
