The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) in collaboration with donor agencies in the education sector last Friday concluded a five-day coordinating committee meeting (CCM) held at the Rural Development Institute in Mansakonko in the Lower River Region (CRR).

The forum which featured various presentations on the education sector was attended by over 50 participants from MoBSE and donor agencies. The event also availed the participants the opportunity to conduct inspection in various schools in the LRR. Baboucarr Boye, the permanent secretary at MoBSE, in his closing remarks acknowledged that there is general improvement in the education sector, saying that his ministry is not only committed to the nation but also to the regional and international agreements.

He said that though the education sector has come a long way in achieving this goal, more efforts are needed and that all hands should be on deck towards this endeavour. PS Boye went on to describe the forum as constructive, adding that they were able to look at things and discussed issues frankly. According to him, the forum provided them the opportunity to identity their strengths and weaknesses in order to pave the way forward noting that this was the reason for the creation of the CCM.

He emphasised that the structure is meant to serve as a monitoring unit at the ministry, noting that the body is not only tasked with co-ordinating but also monitoring the policy implementation process on the ground. Boye went on to encourage his staff to continue working hard, saying that their quest is not only to provide quality education but also education that is relevant to the development of The Gambia.

Speaking earlier, the deputy permanent secretary at MoBSE, Kunkung Jobarteh, also dwelt on the significance of the CCM, adding that it helps them to make informed decisions on the state of teaching and learning in schools. He also expressed optimism on the service delivery in the education sector saying: "We are very happy with what we have seen on the ground."