Trust Bank Limited yesterday presented a cheque amounting to one million dalsis as their contribution towards the construction of a science laboratory, by the Rotary Club of Banjul.

The sum was received by the outgoing president of the club, Jawara Gaye, at a ceremony held at the boardroom of the Trust Bank head office in Banjul. The science laboratory construction project was conceived by the Rotary Club of Banjul with the aim of providing conducive learning environment in pursuit of teaching science and technology in senior secondary schools. It is gratifying to note that the government's Vision 2020 places a strong emphasis on the enhancement of scientific and technological competences and the education policy that focuses on its teaching at the senior secondary level.

It is in recognition of the lack of such facilities and the urgency of its need in schools and the importance of promoting science and technology education in national development that the Rotary Club of Banjul initiated this project, for the construction, furnishing and equipping of four centrally located laboratories in the Greater Banjul Area. This is  to enhance the teaching of biology, physics, chemistry and Information Technology in senior secondary schools.

MaCoumba Njie, managing director of Trust Bank, believes that every nation needs to invest in its youths to assure itself of a brighter future. According to him, there are many avenues to invest in, but was quick to recognise education as one of the most proactive sectors. He recalled on the numerous support his bank undertook in the education sector. "The Gambia like all other developing countries continues to strive for a favourable climate to nurture our future scientists," said Njie. According to him, the integral part of this initiative is the availability of a well-equipped science laboratory for practical exercises, to encourage more interest in the sciences and ensure a greater improvement in both exam results and the number of students pursuing science related courses for their future prosperity. He said this is the driving force behind TBL's making  donation of the one million dalasis, for the completion of the construction project. He said this will complement the immense financial and moral support from the Gambian leader.

He commended the Rotary Club of Banjul for making it possible for TBL to contribute towards a venture that will contribute greatly to Gambia's development aspirations. For his part, Jawara Gaye, the outgoing president of the Banjul Rotary Club, said TBL is the first institution to sponsor the annual fund raising gala dinner of the Banjul Rotary Club. He said the proceeds from that programme all went into the project He thanked TBL for maintaining this generous magnanimity that demonstrates the true spirit of corporate responsiveness to the needs of one's community.

Mr Gaye appealled to other institutions and the general public to emulate TBL in supporting the project. Other speakers at the ceremony included Lamin Sanyang, representative from the conference of principals of senior secondary schools, and Dede-neil Williams, the incoming president of Banjul Rotary Club. The ceremony was chaired by Aki Allen, assistant governor district 9100 Rotary Club of Banjul. A certificate was also presented to TBL by the Rotary Club at the end of the ceremony.