11 June 2010
NUSRAT SCOUT LINK HOLDS 2ND INVESTITURE CEREMONY
The Nusrat scout association in collaboration with other scout troops in the Kombo St. Mary’s Region recently held an investiture ceremony for ten of its members at the Nusrat school ground. The purpose of the ceremony was to award certificates to their members as well as to officially enlist them in to actual scouting.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. John Kemokai, director of studies at the Nusrat Management and Accountancy Training Centre, showered praises on the scouts for their hard work, commitment and discipline. He said that scouting is a discipline that plays an enormous role in effecting positive changes in young people. He said that the investiture ceremony will go a long way to inspire more students to join the scouts.
He said that Nusrat School is not only a haven of academic excellence but also champions in terms of other areas like sports, scouting to name a few. He warmly welcomed everyone and said that Nusrat is ever ready to lodge anyone who wants to make progress in his life.
Lamin Ceesay, a representative of the scouts revealed to the gathering that scouting was formed in 1907 by Lord Robert Smith Stevenson Baden Powell. He said that Baden Powell joined the Army when he was 19 and rose to the position of Lieutenant at the age of 26 and by 32 he was already a Major. Ceesay said that the purpose of scouting is to contribute positively to the development of young people. Mr. Ceesay went further to say that a scout is known to be loyal to his community, nation and the world at large and that it is non political but voluntary organization that is open to all without discrimination of colour, origin, race, religion or nationality in accordance with the purpose and principles of the method conceived by the founder.
The invited guest speaker at the ceremony was Lt. Col. Baboucarr Sanyang, commanding officer of Gambia National Guard (GNG) who applauded the efforts of the scouts and advised them to continue working hard and be disciplined. He described discipline as something which is not easy. He urged them to be more tolerant and obedient as it all starts from where you are. Lt. Col. Sanyang told the scouts that he started from where they were and by the grace of God, he is now holding a high rank in the military which is due to hard work, discipline and loyalty. He strongly advised them to work very hard in whatever assignment they are given and, “definitely you will achieve your goals,” he said.
Lt. Col. Sanyang informed the scouts that they have already earned a job for themselves because the army needs such skillful people like them. “So be certificated and whenever we are enrolling people you guys will be duly considered.” He further went on to cite an example in the army that their drum major started his career as a scout. Lt. Col Sanyang reminded them of the President’s promise that the sky is the limit.
Being awarded a certificate means that you have done a very good job and what is most important after all is how to maintain it,” Lt. Col. Sanyang remarked.
Lt. Col. Baboucarr Sanyang finally thanked Nusrat School under the able leadership of Principal Bojang for providing the right education in the most conducive atmosphere to the students for their future. He revealed to the listening audience that Nusrat was the school that he ever wanted to attend but due to conditions beyond his control he could not attend the school, but fortunately his son has attended this great institution and has completed successfully. He thanked the staff for a job well done and urged them to continue the momentum.
Isatou Secka, a former head girl of the school, delivered the vote of thanks and the ceremony was concluded by the singing of the National Anthem by the scout band. It was attended by students of Nusrat and a cross section of the community.
