By: Alieu Ceesay
In a modest classroom at Bureng Upper and Senior Secondary School in Region Four, a young teacher named Muhammad Mustapha Jagne quietly molds the future of his students. His dream of making an impact through education began long before he became a qualified teacher in 2021. His determination has recently earned him the prestigious Gambia National Teacher Award.
Jagne, who previously won the regional award, was crowned the national winner during the first edition of the Gambia National Teacher Award. Reflecting on this milestone, he shared his deep commitment to teaching.
“I want to impact lives, expose hidden talents, and save the future of the natives,” Jagne said in an interview with TAT. “I find teaching meaningful and purposeful in my life.”
His passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom. As a classroom manager, Jagne cultivates close relationships with his students and their parents. “My students were my friends,” he said, emphasizing his focus on creating a supportive and interactive learning environment. He often took his students on educational field trips to expand their understanding of the world around them. He provided training on public speaking while coordinating school clubs like the Safe Hand Foundation.
Jagne added that the Gambia National Teacher Award has made him an “ambassador” in the country’s education sector. “The award has impacted my life and made me feel more focused and connected to the field of education. It has even helped me secure a scholarship, for which I am grateful to the organizers,” he said. Thanks to the scholarship provided by the Namie Foundation, Jagne is now studying History and Human Resources Management at the University of The Gambia.
Despite his success, Jagne acknowledges the challenges many teachers in The Gambia face. With limited resources and a modest salary, he calls on authorities to review the Teachers Service Commission as a guide to improving teachers’ welfare.
The Namie Foundation established the Gambia National Teacher Award and was founded by Alhassan Susso, a Gambian-born educator named New York State Teacher of the Year in 2019. Susso’s vision is to uplift the teaching profession in his home country, where educators play a critical role in shaping the nation’s future despite significant challenges. The Foundation is committed to supporting teacher excellence nationwide in partnership with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), the Gambia Teachers Union (GTU), and the McGovern Dole Food for Education Program.
One of the highlights of last year’s award ceremony was the recognition of Mr. Omar J. Ndure, a retired principal, who received the Lifetime Excellence Award. Ndure, who also served as a judge for the inaugural Gambia National Teacher Award, spoke of his surprise and joy at receiving the honor. “A lot of people rushed to hug me. I felt good and overwhelmed,” he recalled, adding that his family, friends, and colleagues sent heartfelt congratulations. “Thanks to the Namie Foundation.”
Ndure encouraged fellow teachers to remain professional and to continue pursuing self-development. He also called on the government to address teachers’ remuneration and update the national curriculum to meet the country’s needs better.
Bintou Jatta Susso, Vice Chairperson of the Namie Foundation, expressed the Foundation’s ambition to uplift the broader educational sector through the Gambia Teacher Prize. “The prize provides an opportunity for teachers to showcase best practices and act as role models, inspiring other educators and encouraging more individuals to pursue teaching as a career,” she said. By recognizing and celebrating outstanding teachers, the foundation hopes to create sustainable change and boost educational standards across The Gambia.
The application window will open for the upcoming award from October 7th to November 15th. February 20th is expected to be the ceremony.
