The National Patriotic Students’ Association (NAPSA), on Tuesday had a dialogue with the Parent-Teachers Associations (PTAs) of various schools within the Greater Banjul Area. The forum was held at the Regional Education Directorate’s Office in Region One, Kanifing.

Addressing the forum, Jarga E. Gaye, the chairperson of the Association, expressed delight at the response of the PTAs, while expressing optimism that the dialogue will yield positive results. He emphasised on the need for the Association to be having such forums so that parents can be aware of some of the practices of their children in schools. He went further to call on the government, students and parents to all join hands in ensuring that the country’s quality education dream is achieved. Gaye also spoke at length about the mode of dressing of students especially girls.

For his part, Buba Tamba, the deputy Technical adviser of NAPSA, described the forum as a success, adding that the association will go the extra mile to nurture the bond. He urged parents to remain as partners in achieving their goals in the enhancement of education. Tamba dwelled on issues pertaining to teenage pregnancy, forced marriages and the level of dropouts, saying they should be matters of concern for every responsible parent. He concluded by challenging all students to be prepared to tackle hurdles ahead of them as future leaders of this country.

Fatou Touray, the deputy regional director of Education in Region One, thanked NAPSA for coming up with such an important initiative. She commended the government for its stance in improving the standard of education, adding that parents need to be much more responsible since the children are looking up to them. She also urged students to be responsible and show respect for their culture and tribe, stressing that rights and responsibilities go together. “I am urging all students to take their education seriously and have a competitive mind. No nation can develop without education, it is you students that the future of the country lies on,” she concluded.

Baba Gibba, a teacher from Muslim Senior Secondary School, condemned the immoral behaviour of students, stressing that is strictly against the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Bible.