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The Gambia Teachers’ Union (GTU) celebrated its 76th anniversary on 16 February.The theme of the celebration was “Enhanced Synergy: an Inevitable Necessity for our Unity”.

Baboucarr O. Joof, GTU General Manager and moderator of the ceremony, paid tribute to the union’s outstanding pioneers and founding fathers.

He said that, without their dedication, the union would not have been a success. He further asserted that the GTU is built on three key principles, which are “to organise, represent, and advocate” and this is why it was necessary to create it.

Dialogue and partnership

He also emphasised the partnership between the Gambia and Senegal’s trade unions.

“The celebration is also part of an ongoing dialogue between GTU and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education,” said GTU General Secretary Antoinette Corr-Jack.

She added that this is the time for them to celebrate and to reflect on the importance of the union and its cooperation with the Ministry.

She concluded by calling on all stakeholders in the education sector to put in place a dialogue mechanism to foster the relationship between the GTU and teachers.

Teachers’ crucial contribution to The Gambia’s society

GTU President Lamin K Marong for his part recalled the union’s successes and thanked the teachers for their dedication.

“It's a significant day for teachers, because it provides the opportunity to draw the public’s attention to teachers and their role in improving economic growth and social cohesion,” he said.

He further stressed the need for unity and motivating teachers through the provision of allowances, incentives, training, and scholarship opportunities for them to pursue higher education.

Cooperation between Senegalese and Gambian education unions

Amadou Diaoune, the Secretary General of the Syndicat Unique et Démocratique des Enseignants du Sénégal(SUDES), one of EI’s Senegalese affiliates, congratulated the GTU and praised its standing in the Gambia.

He said SUDES has joined GTU to enable them to work together, because Senegal and Gambia are one country that was divided by the colonisation.

Diaoune also stated that this partnership will enhance education in both countries, and reiterated that learning and teaching are integral to national development. That is why, he argued, countries’ leaders should prioritise the education sector by financing and providing the necessary equipment for schools and teachers.

EI-supported “Every Child Needs a Teacher” campaign

Matarr Baldeh, the National Coordinator for the Education for All Campaign Network (EFANet) The Gambia, also reflected on education unions’ challenges to enhance the synergy needed for unity.

He added that this year's campaign is dedicated on the theme, “Every Child Needs a Teacher”, and Gambia is an example of government efforts in education.

He went on to say that teachers' contribution is immeasurable, in their efforts to help their children to learn, know, live together, read and write. He also mentioned the need to train teachers, and the “Every Child Needs a Teacher “campaign, backed by EI.

Trust in government

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and guest speaker, Baboucarr Bouy, welcomed the trust GTU has in him and the Ministry to nurture a sound and cordial relationship.

He concluded that teachers can only have collective hopes and aspirations to overcome poverty. And the energy they have shown in the last 76 years ago has increased their unity and, with wisdom, they can sustain it.

The ceremony was also marked by the signing of the GTU/SUDES partnership agreement and the inauguration of a technical committee. It was closed by Lamin K Marong’s remarks and Amadou Diaoune’s farewell statement.

EI: Confidence in GTU

“EI congratulates GTU on its anniversary, and wishes colleagues all the best for the future,” said EI Chief Coordinator for the African region Assibi Napoe. “We are confident that this strong educators’ union has developed and will go on developing tools aiming at achieving quality education for all in its country.”

She added that EI most welcomes the regional solidarity among members, as illustrated by the GTU/SUDES partnership.