Nemasu Senior Secondary School in Kombo North West Region, last Sunday, conducted its first ever graduation ceremony for the outgoing students at a colourful ceremony at Semega Janneh Hall, Bundung.

The principal of the school, Saikou Sohna, said the the school seeks to provide students with authentic learning experience which goes beyond the corners of the classroom.  This he said, includes excursion and field trips across the country in order to wioden the students' intellectual horizon. Sohna outlined that his teachers come up with initiatives such as drama and debate competitions to ensure good spoken English. Dilating on the academic situation of the school, Principal Sohna said that his school offers a full range of academic subjects with respect to the existing curriculum and syllabus suitable for West African Senior Secondary School Examination.  "We operate both Arts and Commerce ...," he said.

Admonishing the graduants, Principal Sohna told them to remain patient in life.  He informed them that the challenges they will meet in life after school might be many, but pointed out that they will only be overcome through hard work and dedication.  He implored on the outgoing students to form an alumni or ex-students' association so as to help the school in its strives of development.

He thanked parents for their special support to the development of the school and vowed to encourage more parents to come forward to render support. Mamadou Sanneh, director, Basic and Secondary Education, who was the guest speaker of the occasion, spoke on the "role of students in nation building".  Sanneh implored on students to appreciate and understand the benefits of education. According to him, this will encourage them to work even harder in the school.  He added that it will also create opportunities by helping them act for better future.

Highlighting the importance of education in socio-economic development, Sanneh pointed out that one needs education to gain knowledge and skills for better lives and to play vibrant role in nation building, thereby improving the economy of the country. Advising outgoing students to be disciplined as it is the key to any meaningful development and asked them to desist from certain activities that would marginalize their education. Sheriff Njie, the outgoing headboy of the school gave the vote of thanks.  The ceremony ended with the award of certificates to outgoing students and prizes were also given to deserving students.