Africa-Press – Gambia. The United Democratic Party (UDP) understands that a nation’s most valuable resource is its people, and that the most powerful investment we can make is in education and skills development. For us, this is not just political rhetoric. It is a commitment already being delivered in communities across the country by visionary leaders elected under the UDP banner.
At the core of our 5 point agenda is the belief that every child in The Gambia should have access to quality primary and secondary education. This principle is not just aspirational; it is being actively pursued in municipalities like Banjul, where Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe has revived the iconic Crab Island school and transformed it into a modern education center. This facility now serves as a hub for inclusive, accessible learning for the capital’s youth, ensuring no child is left behind.
To improve educational outcomes, we must invest in the people who deliver it, our teachers. The UDP is committed to reviewing and improving the pay and working conditions of teachers, recognizing that a well-supported and motivated teaching force is vital to raising standards. In Kanifing, Mayor Talib Bensouda’s administration has championed capacity-building initiatives for educators and supported teacher-led programs, reinforcing our commitment to education professionals and their essential role in shaping the future.
Access alone is not enough; opportunity must be equal. That is why we are determined to establish a national endowment fund to provide scholarships and bursaries to bright and needy students. Already, we are seeing this principle in action. Chairman Yankuba Darboe of the Brikama Area Council has disbursed over D2.8 million in scholarships, directly supporting young people across the West Coast Region. These investments ensure that financial hardship is not a barrier to excellence.
We also know that not every path to success runs through traditional academics. For many, the route to a better future is through practical, hands-on skills. The UDP will build at least ten specialized training centers across the country, focusing on technical and vocational skills that match our national development goals. In Banjul, Mayor Lowe’s modern youth center, the first of its kind in the city, serves as a model for what these centers can achieve. It provides spaces for skills development, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Lastly, true educational reform requires system-wide change. The UDP will revamp the national curriculum to focus on relevance, technology, early childhood development, and learner-centered approaches. We will also establish a national inspectorate to ensure schools are held to consistent quality standards. Already, Mayor Bensouda’s administration in KMC is leading the way with the development of The Gambia’s first-ever ultra-modern public library, giving students and teachers access to 21st-century learning tools and resources that support our vision of a forward-looking education system.
From the urban heart of Banjul to the communities of Kanifing and Brikama, the UDP is not waiting for national power to make a difference. We are delivering results where we serve. These real-world achievements by our local leaders demonstrate that our agenda is both credible and achievable.
We believe education is not a cost; it is an investment. And skills are not just for employment. They are the foundation for dignity, independence, and innovation. The UDP stands ready to expand this momentum nationwide to ensure that every Gambian has the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead.
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