By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Vice President of The Gambia, Mohammed BS Jallow, was awarded an honorary doctorate in Philosophy of Education by the International Open University today in recognition of his contributions to education. The award was presented during a special ceremony at the State House.

By: Michaella Faith Wright

The Women Journalists Association of The Gambia (WoJAG) has conducted a two-day training program for 25 female journalists from print, broadcast, and online media. The workshop focused on gender-sensitive reporting and ethical journalism, with a particular emphasis on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

WoJAG President Annette Camera underscored the importance of female journalists taking the lead in reporting stories about women and girls. She urged participants to use their platforms to amplify women’s voices and advocate for issues affecting their communities.

“There are many challenges facing women in The Gambia, and it is high time we focus on telling those stories. As women in the media, we have a voice, and we must use it to advocate for our fellow women. We need more female journalists specializing in reporting on issues like female genital mutilation (FGM) and other societal concerns,” she stated.

Sheriff Saidykhan, Vice President of the Gambia Press Union, highlighted the rising cases of SGBV in the country and stressed the need for female journalists to lead these critical conversations.

“We want to see more women in the media advocating for SGBV-related stories. When a woman writes about another woman’s experience, there is a unique perspective that brings depth to the narrative. This training aims to equip you with the skills and confidence to take on these critical issues,” he said.

The GPU, in collaboration with WoJAG, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting female journalists in covering gender-sensitive issues and ensuring ethical reporting on matters affecting women and girls.

By: Dawda Baldeh

St. Peter’s Senior Secondary School has claimed victory in the West Coast International Institute Inter-School Debate Competition, held yesterday. The students engaged in a spirited discussion on the topic, “Technology is doing more harm than good in the lives of students.”

The competition featured five participating schools: Old Yundum Senior, St. Peter’s Senior, Sheikh Hamdan Senior, Jabang Senior, and Yunus Senior. The event aimed to enhance students’ learning and public speaking skills while providing a platform for intellectual exchange.

Ebou Jobe, CEO of the West Coast International Institute, emphasized the importance of such debates in developing students’ capacities. He encouraged participants to use technology wisely to maximize its benefits. “Students should not use technology for plagiarism. Instead, they should leverage it for educational purposes. Nowadays, many students are losing focus on their education due to addiction to technology,” he remarked.

David Noah, one of the judges, outlined the debate rules and reminded competitors to adhere strictly to them to avoid penalties.

As the event concluded, St. Peter’s Senior Secondary School emerged as the champion, receiving a prize of D3,000, along with a package of learning materials and a certificate of appreciation. Yunus English School secured second place, earning D2,000 and a certificate of appreciation, while Sheikh Hamdan Senior Secondary School took third place, receiving D1,000 and a certificate of appreciation.

This competition not only highlighted the students’ eloquence and critical thinking skills but also reinforced the need for responsible technology use in education.

By: Alieu Jallow

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, Gambians are expressing deep concern over the escalating prices of essential food commodities. This surge in costs is placing a significant burden on average citizens, prompting widespread appeals for government intervention to alleviate the situation.

A bag of sugar, which was priced below D2,400 before Ramadan, has risen to D2,600. Similarly, the cost of a 20-liter gallon of cooking oil has surged from D1,150 to D2,300, while a bag of onions has increased from D950 to D1,400.

The Fatu Network caught up with some consumers at the Brikama Market, who shared their thoughts on the impact of these price hikes.

Lamin Jarju from Busumbala attributed the increases to higher import taxes and rising supply costs. He noted that vendors often use taxes as a justification for raising prices, urging the government to take stringent measures to address the issue.

“We are calling on the government to take action, especially regarding taxes, because business owners always complain about high taxation. If the government takes steps to address this, the cost of basic goods will decrease,” he stated.

Isatou Colley from Jilanfary shared her frustration, stressing that the new prices have left her struggling to stay within her budget.

“I am stranded here at the garage, waiting for any support. I appeal to the government to look into the plight of us poor Gambians,” she decried.

Isatou Bojang also lamented the soaring prices of essential Ramadan goods such as cooking oil, onions, and potatoes, which have made it difficult for families to afford basic necessities during this significant period. She explained that she took D10,000 to the market but still struggled to purchase all the items she needed. She also appealed to the President of the Republic to intervene in stabilizing food prices.

“We are appealing to President Adama Barrow to help us so that feeding our families becomes easier. As we enter this holy month of Ramadan, we are praying for you, but we also urge you to remember us—the poor Gambians,” she appealed.

As Ramadan progresses, the urgency for effective solutions intensifies. While the public calls for government intervention to provide some relief, the persistent volatility in food prices underscores the need for comprehensive strategies. Addressing the root causes of these price hikes is essential to ensure that the spirit of Ramadan—a time of reflection, care, and compassion—is preserved without the added strain of financial hardship on ordinary Gambians.

By Dawda Baldeh

Africa Relief and Community Development (ARCD), in collaboration with its partners, has launched a D10 million Ramadan Food Basket initiative to support 1,417 needy families in three countries.

This initiative is designed to provide essential food assistance to vulnerable communities during the holy month of Ramadan, which comprises rice, sugar, oil and other products.

Mohammad Maani, the West Africa Regional Director of ARCD, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that it fulfils a vital sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

“We believe that this support will help ease the burden on the beneficiaries,” he remarked, highlighting that the donation symbolizes unity and solidarity among communities.

In total, the initiative aims to assist 1,417 households across The Gambia, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.

He expressed a commitment to reaching even the most remote communities, ensuring that no one is left behind.

He also commended the partners involved for their efforts in making this project a success.

Fatou Kinteh, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, praised the initiative for its timely support to those in need.

“This is a timely gesture that will help many families,” she stated, noting that it aligns with her ministry’s social corporate programs.

“If you support during Ramadan, they can worship Allah comfortably without thinking of food.”

Kinteh expressed her gratitude to ARCD and its partners for their noble efforts, emphasizing that supporting the needy during Ramadan is a virtuous act that brings divine rewards.

She noted that money cannot buy the smiles this gesture will put in the faces of the beneficiaries.

Kebba Mbye, a representative of the Soninkara Group Company, one of ARCD’s partners, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the profound impact of the donation on beneficiaries.

He noted that for Muslims, aiding the needy during Ramadan attracts significant rewards.

Demba Hydara, another partner of the initiative, delivered the vote of thanks at the launch ceremony, stressing the importance of such charitable gestures.

He encouraged the audience to recognize the rewards associated with giving, stating, “If you give someone even a date to break a fast, you have the same rewards as the person fasting. Feeding those who fast is a good gesture.”

Ya Adama, president of the Serekunda Disabled Women Group, spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressing heartfelt gratitude to ARCD and its partners for their timely and significant support.

“Only Allah can reward you for this, and we pray that Allah grants you the rewards of your support,” she said.

This initiative not only provides essential food supplies but also fosters a spirit of community and compassion during the holy month of Ramadan.