To be a pioneer can be a cause for ecstasy, but it should in fact be a cause for worry, as nobody wants to be part of a reference point for failure. In most cases, pioneer groups serve as a test, the result of which might mean that either they are not up to the task, or that the system under which such a trial is done is not conducive; that is if they do not succeed.

In any case, if you are unfortunate to be part of such a group, you risk the lifelong stigma of having set a bad precedence. If, however, they are able to make it through, the joy can be everlasting.

The first batch of Gambian students to study in Taiwan under the comprehensive Banjul-Taipei cooperation is a pioneering group of people in that they do not only symbolize a product of that critical, fruitful cooperation, but they also form part of a pioneering history of the Second Republic of the Gambia. The departure of the students to that South-East Asian nation saw, for the first time in the history of this country, that magnitude of Gambians leaving as a group for overseas studies. And, if anything, that was a good omen, as that historic development have been succeeded by almost similar number of departures, not only to Taiwan, but also to a host of other friendly countries with ties to the Gambia.

For the simple fact that the government of Taiwan has gone on to accept more Gambians explains their level of appreciation of the performances of this pioneering batch. Of course, we have already heard about the excellent result the students got at the end of their four years of hard work and dedication.

Now, our preoccupation should be how to maintain this excellent, enviable standard set by these young men and women.

It takes a great deal of effort to build trust, but it takes just a slight error to destroy such a trust. So, it is quite important that the succeeding generations of Gambians to benefit be wary of this.

And for the students themselves, your task will by no means complete until you set to vindicate the decision of government to have chosen you from among the one and a half million Gambians to pursue your studies. You can do that by establishing at home and contribute your quota in national development. Considering the significance of the various courses you undertook in Taiwan, the Gambia needs your services more than ever before.  For now though, you are highly welcome back home.