By: Alieu Ceesay
Various teachers across The Gambia were recognized for their exceptional dedication to improving learning and education at an award ceremony held Thursday night at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.
Among the honorees was Angelic Isatou Mendy, who received the prestigious Gambia National Teachers Award for 2025. Mendy’s achievement is particularly notable as she is the first female recipient of this honor, which has predominantly recognized male educators since its inception in 2019.
The Namie Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, organized the award ceremony to celebrate teachers’ unwavering commitment to education and the significant impact they have on their students.
Mendy, a chalk holder at Pakalinding Upper Basic School in the Lower River Region, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and dedicated the award to her students. In her acceptance speech, she commended her fellow educators for their hard work and their influence on their students’ lives.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the National Teacher Award 2025; this recognition is not only mine. It belongs to every student who dares to dream, every teacher who goes beyond the call of duty and works tirelessly to make a difference, and every advocate for education who believes in breaking barriers,” Mendy stated during the ceremony.
Reflecting on her journey in education, particularly in the teaching profession, Angelic Isatou Mendy shared insights about her efforts to improve education for girls in remote areas. She reaffirmed her commitment to teaching: “The journey has just begun, my girls, to the world.”
The award also catalyzes teachers to contemplate their roles in society and the significant impact of education on nation-building.
Bintou Jatta Susso, the Deputy Chairperson of the Namie Foundation, emphasized that the award aims to inspire teachers to continue delivering high-quality education while complementing government efforts in promoting educational initiatives.
Muhammad Jagne, a former National Teachers Award winner, highlighted the transformative effect the award has had on his life. He noted that the recognition fosters meaningful connections that can impact lives. According to Jagne, the award “has gone far beyond impacting lives and changing the narratives of future generations through public speaking, developing leadership skills, and empowering girls’ education, among other things.”
Professor Pierre Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, reassured attendees of the ministry’s ongoing support for education during the awards ceremony. He stated, “Every year, MoHERST will give its token, and teachers who have been identified and celebrated will receive scholarships from MoHERST.”
The event also featured remarks from several dignitaries, including Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow and Habibatou Drammeh from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
This year’s awards ceremony underscored teachers’ essential role in shaping the future of Gambia’s youth and highlighted the nation’s dedication to educational excellence.
National award winner Angelic Isatou Mendy received a monetary prize of D100,000, while regional winners were each awarded D50,000. They also received scholarships for further education at any university in The Gambia. Eight teachers were recognized as regional winners and received certificates of recognition for their contributions to education.
A posthumous award was also presented to the family of the late Kejau Touray. At the same time, Isatou Ndow received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her longstanding educational commitment.
