Brothers Sanusi & George,

Words alone can’t describe the extent of my delight in the Independent
article you forwarded, which graphically buttresses all the salient points
we’ve been trying to make Gassa see as the ugly reality facing the average
Gambian under the APRC’s misrule. 'Course, Gassa will remain in denial; even
posit that this Independent story is an isolated case, and everything is
rosy about Gambian education. But the following quotes from the Independent
story lays bare the invalidity of any such claim that the average Gambian is
faring better under the APRC than, say, the PPP:

<<Our reporter who was on a tour of the CRD said teachers in different
schools from lower, upper to basic schools DESCRIBED THEIR WORKING
CONDITIONS AS APPALLING and MISERABLE.>>

<<They attacked the government's education policy of introducing the basic
circle system, which they described as the WORST INITIATIVE to be introduced
in the education system.>>

<<One teacher pointed out that a major problem facing the education system
in CRD is the LACK OF QUALIFIED PERSONNEL and the SCARCITY OF LEARNING
MATERIALS.>>

<<"Some schools have ONLY ONE OR TWO QUALIFIED TEACHERS WITH THE REST GRADE
12 GRADUATES" he posited.>>

<<Other teachers gave graphic details of the general problem they face tow
of which are poor accommodation or late payment of their salaries. One of
them said he has to trek a four-kilometer route from his village of
residence to school daily. >>

<<"How can you expand the school by erecting buildings and change to basic
circle system while teachers are lacking, particularly qualified ones" he
inquired.>>

<<This reporter was also taken on a conducted tour of the headmaster's
school, where damaged furniture were plenty. Eight students share one desk,
sitting on opposite sides. A female teacher in one class explained how
difficult it is to teach "under such a frustrating situation". She said
students complain to her for more tables.>>

<<This reporter also visited a particular basic circle school where he found
FOUR TABLES IN EACH CLASS ACCOMODATING MORE THAN FORTY CHILDREN.>>

<<A female student said providing free education for girl in region 5 and 6
would be ridiculous if their LIVING CONDITION REMAINS POOR, BAD AND
FRUSTRATING.>> All emphasis mine.













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