10 October 2010
MISS UTG AMBASSADOR ROOTS FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN
She revealed this in an exclusive interview with Pageant Newsblog held at the Law Faculty Building in Kanifing. She added that her decision was informed by the "pathetic state of women and children" in most African countries, which needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency to put Africa firmly on the path to Progress and Prosperity.
"I have observed that women and children are not getting the support they deserve and should have. Diligent research has shown that women, despite limited opportunities, continue to produce more than Fifty Percent of food in Africa. This is despite the fact that many have been denied land ownership, basic Education and sent into forced marriages at tender ages, especially in rural areas. And children are sent to so-called Arabic schools, where they are forced to beg for the benefit of their master".
This, she submitted, is grossly unacceptable because there should be equal opportunities for all, as enshrined in the constitution regardless of Political affliation, gender, ethnicity or religion.
"It is sad to note that African women have not been, in most countries, seen as partners in efforts to develop our Continent but as child bearers and house-maids. African women can do better than this and play a greater role in our societies than they have been allowed. The "sexual objectification" of the African woman should stop and it requires the efforts of all and everybody to be achieved. I know it is a long haul but we can achieve it."
She continued that there has been some progress over the years, with more girls getting access to education, thanks in no small way to the intervention of President Jammeh with the President Empowerment for Girl Education programme(PEGEP).
The enrolment of girls in different Programmes at the University of The Gambia, she noted, will go a far way in preparing them to take advantage of the opportunities accorded them and prove that they could do as well as their male counter-parts in their chosen careers.
04 October 2010
Student Week to teach Leadership Skill
The President of the University of the Gambia Students' Union, Ousman Bojang, has said that the “student week” to be held from 19th to 24th October will immensely help in instilling leadership skills in the participants from different faculties whilst also promoting understanding and cooperation amongst them.
The initiative, he revealed, will take the form of lectures, debate, quiz, football, volleyball and basketball which will help the students to share and make lasting friendships that could be helpful to them during and after their time at the University.
The lack of a campus for the University, acccording to him, has meant that students from the various schools in the University do not know each other, which takes away from them the opportunity to compare notes and share experiences which could be very “helpful for their studies”.
“It was our immediate predecessors who came with the idea of bringing students together for a week in a conducive environment where they can interact, share and learn from each other. It was a substantial success given the high turn-out and cooperation of all involved to achieve our objectives” he stated.
He further expressed optimism that more success awaits the initiative this year granted the enormous support it has received from the Chancellor, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Dr Yahya A.J.J Jammeh and Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Kah as well as the entire administration of the University.
Recalling last year’s “student week” an Economics student, Khalilou Sanyang, noted that it was a pleasant experience for him as he had the chance to spend a week with old and new friends which “was great fun”.
“University studies can be very hectic and stressful sometimes, so a week of fun is not, to my mind, a bad idea. I am so excited. I cannot wait for it” he declared.
A second year law student, Teneng Gitteh, who was recently crowned “Miss University of the Gambia” in a beauty pageant competition and serves as its ambassador, said that the “student week” held last year has enabled many participants to be more confident in public presentations like debates, quiz competitions and discussions during lectures.
“It is amazing how much many participants have learnt from the experience. I would encourage the Students' Union to do more in promoting this initiative because it brings incalculable benefits to the folks involved” she noted.
A second year Political Science student, Amadou Camara, said that it is very important for students to meet at a less informal setting and compare notes on their respective courses.
“We have a lot to learn from each other because we all have different experiences which we can use to our advantage. I intend to use it to seek some advice from other students on the Courses they have done which I have not. I trust this will be of great benefit to me as I will have an idea what to expect and what I can do to meet the challenges” he concluded.
