As the much awaited 22nd July scholarship pageant, comes closer, schools in the central river region on Monday evening, May 12, converged at the Armitage Senior Secondary School to select their representatives for the Miss 22nd July scholarship pageant, an initiative of the President of the Republic of The Gambia, Alh, Dr Yahya Jammeh, this maiden pageant aims at providing sponsorship for girls for up to PHD level.  Twenty talented young girls participated from ten different Upper basic cycle and three senior secondary schools in the region.

Among them the ten best were selected, among which five (5) were from the upper basic level and the other five (5) from the senior school level.

The best five selected from the upper basic schools were Isatou Foon, a grade 7 student from Janjanbureh; Salimate Bah of Chamen basic cycle; Isatou Drammeh of Kuntaur upper school; and Mam H. Boye of Boiram basic cycle.

From the senior secondary schools, the following were selected: Jainaba Suwareh of Niani Senior school; Bejay Kah of Bansang senior; Kaddijatou Sey from Brikama Ba senior; Mansata Cora from Bansang senior; and Jariatou Suwareh of Bansang senior school.

Speaking earlier, the senior education officer, Janko Sanneh, said the importance of education cannot be over emphasized, noting that education promotes one with knowledge and skills for a self-reliant and productive life.

He commended president Jammeh for empowering girls education.