St Francis Basic Cycle in Kunkujang Mariama Kombo South District, on Friday, held its annual speech and prize giving ceremony at the school ground.

"Addressing such an occasion is a great honour, because the school is the institution where academic [pursuit] starts. Knowledge, which is the key to success, is fundamental in all spheres of life," he stated. He further stated that knowledge is the foundation on which humankind and nations rely for all forms of development, be it spiritual, human or mental (technology).

"Today marks another historic occasion for St Francis Basic Cycle as we gather here to witness the passing out of one hundred and twenty-five Grade 9 students. Such a gathering revives my happy memories of academic life and many other people gathered here today as well. School life is a sacred privilege which must not be underrated," said Mr Gomez.

"The pastoral atmosphere of the school, the life-long friendships and acquaintances make the mind to be objective in approaching problems. These, amongst others, offer students an opportunity for greater service to humanity".

School setup

"The school has an enrollement of nine hundred and sixty four (964) students and is operating only the morning shift. Out of this figure, 421 are girls, constituting 44% and 537 boys which is 56% of the student population," he further revealed.

Constraints

"The school is a thorough fare and poses a threat to the welfare of students and the sustainability of projects like school gardens and farms.

Inadequacy of classrooms still remain a threat for the 2008/09 academic year, because the school has catchment areas to accomodate. The new intakes for Grades 1, 2 and 3 are also threatened by infrastructural problems," he said.

The Principal continued that at the inception of the academic year, the school suffered from the shortage of subject specialists in the areas of English Language and Home Science for Grades 7 and 8.