The Rotary Club of Banjul is currently constructing a multi-million Dalasi science laboratory, aimed at providing a proper, relevant and conducive learning environment for students to explore and experiment in the area of science and technology in senior secondary schools.

The construction work, which is currently underway behind GRTS building in Kanifing, is part of government's Vision 2020 target, which places a strong emphasis on the enhancement of scientific and technological competences.

In an interview with the Daily Observer recently, Seedy Saho, the president of the Rotary Club of Banjul said the move is in line with the education policy, which seeks to strengthen the teaching of science and technology at the senior secondary school level.

He noted that majority of senior secondary schools do not have equipped or functional science and technology laboratories, and that students who are interested in studying science and technology are seriously handicapped by the lack of access to laboratories for the requisite practical knowledge and experiences; not to mention the many hundreds of students who drop the subject by the time they reach Grade 10. 

“The results have been that students shy away from the science subjects and the few that pursue science and technology often perform dismally at the terminal WASCE examination in Grade 12,” he further noted.

According to Saho, it was in recognition of the lack of such facilities and the importance of promoting science and technology education towards national development that the Rotary Club of Banjul initiated the science lab project to fill this void through the construction, furnishing and equipping of the four centrally located laboratories in the Greater Banjul Area, to enhance the teaching and learning of biology, physics, chemistry and information technology in senior secondary schools.

The Rotary Club of Banjul boss commended the stakeholders who made valuable contributions towards the project. He revealed that the government of The Gambia provided the piece of land while the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has been instrumental in giving support to the project from its conception.

He also revealed that President Jammeh made a personal donation of D1.5 million to kick-start the construction. “Also part of the donors are Trust Bank Ltd, which donated an amount of D1, 375, 000; Total Gambia donated D400, 000, and Africell, who sponsored two Gala dinners in support of the project,” he added.

He explained that construction is almost completed but quickly noted that equipping the facilities with resources, equipment and furniture is what is required to make it accessible by schools.