Officials of Western Union last Wednesday officially handed over IT equipment; computers, printers and overhead projectors worth $21,000to the University of The Gambia.

The donated amount also included the refurbishment of the computer lap at the Brikama Campus of the University of The Gambia (UTG). The presentation ceremony was held at the Standard Chartered Bank head office in Banjul. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr Pap Sey, the deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, thanked Western Union for helping the University students in realising their dreams. He expressed hope that the materials will be handled with great care under the management of the University.

For his part, Professor Muhammadou Kah, the vice chancellor of the University of The Gambia, said the IT equipment donated will    benefit the students especially those doing computer science at the University of The Gambia. "The university have very limited resources", he lamented. Kah urged other private sectors to follow the footstep of Western Union. He challenged them to do more for the university.

Humphrey Mukwereza, the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Limited, who spoke at length on the relationship his bank has with Western Union. According to him, Western Union started operating in The Gambia since 1997 and it offers one of the easiest ways of sending money everywhere in the world. "Due to the increase in the number of students in the university, accessibility and availability of quality materials is an issue hence our pledge to enhancing the student’s research and science education efforts through this initiative, and Western Union has made the pledge of $21,000 and this community service initiative has provided fifteen computers, four printers, four overhead projectors, and refreshment of the students’ lab to the university", he disclosed.

The Representative of Western Union in The Gambia, Lamin Marenah revealed that at Western Union they believe that dreams can be fulfilled through education thus students can follow their dreams with the facilities to become great assets in The Gambia. In conclusion, Mr. Maranah said gesture will help the students of the university to realize their dreams and also help government to meet its Vision 2020 goal.