Early Childhood Development (ECD) Schools under the Dinding Bantaba Federation, an affiliate to the Christian Children's Fund (CCF) Gambia, last Saturday celebrated the Gambia's 44th independence anniversary at a colourful ceremony held at Somita Village, Foni Bintang District, Western Region.

The EDC schools that took part in the celebration were Lucia EDC in Somita, Masanneh Nursery School in Bintang, Pa-Masirreh Nursery in Bwiam, Aja Asombi Nursery in Kanilai, Sangajor Nursery in Sangajor and Bilal Nursery in Sibanorr.

The celebration which was attended by dignitaries including governor Lamin Sanneh of Western Region, was characterised with a match pass and brilliant demonstration of talents by the ECD students who represented government officials.

Delivering President Jammeh's independence speech before the gathering after observing the guard of honour, Sulayman Badjie, a student at Lucia EDC School in Somita, who represented the governor of Western Region, maintain that no development can be achieved in the country in the absence of peace and stability which bring to the reason of making peace and stability as the theme of this year celebration. Badjie further told the gathering that The Gambia has earned the respect and admiration of the world as a peaceful country and was quick to thanked Allah (the Almighty) for blessing and making The Gambia a country of peace and stability.

To his fellow school children, the loud speaking infant urged them to endeavour to maintain discipline, respect and to be law abiding as well as to be hardworking in order to become productive and responsible citizens. He also called on parents, teachers and guardians to continue to collaborate to give the young ones the best upbringing, base on positive aspects of the country's cultural and social value systems, which include respect for one another.

Amul Nyassi, alkalo of Bwiam village was the master of the ceremony.