By Fatou Sillah
The China Gambia Alumni Student Association (CGASA) was officially launched on Saturday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo, Gambia.
The association, founded on the principles of networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration, aims to foster connections among alumni, promote educational and cultural exchanges between China and The Gambia, and contribute to the development of both nations.
During the ceremony, Zhou Ningyu, the deputy ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, expressed confidence in the association’s potential to significantly contribute to the national development of The Gambia. He emphasized the importance of joint support from governments, civil society, and stakeholders in both countries.
“I am confident that the Association will develop into an important hub connecting experience, knowledge, and resources of all members for better development of our two nations and for the career development of each and every member. I am confident that with the joint support of governments, civil society, and stakeholders in our two countries, the China Gambia Alumni Student Association will become an active player and important contributor to promoting the national development of the Gambia and improving the well-being of the Gambian people,” He said.
Prof Pierre Gomez, the Minister of Higher Education Research Science and Technology, highlighted the association’s role as a milestone in fostering friendship and shared aspirations. He emphasized its function as a bridge connecting experiences, expertise, and memories of individuals who benefited from Chinese education and training programs.
“The establishment of the China Gambia Alumni Student Association is a milestone that resonates with the spirit of friendship and shared aspirations. This association serves as a bridge that connects the experiences, expertise, and shared memories of individuals who have benefited from Chinese education and training programmes. It is a testament to the enduring ties that bind our two nations. It is therefore a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative initiatives among Gambians who have undergone training in China,” He said.
Seedy SK Njie, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, underscored the significance of the association, predicting it would grow into a powerful organization bringing mutual benefits to the China-Gambia relationship. He acknowledged the continuous support of the Chinese government and people.
“I am not sure if you the pioneers of this organization really know how important this organization is. Generation to come this would have grown to be a very powerful organization that will bring China Gambia relationship mutual benefits. The Government and people of China have been very supportive of this country,” He said.
Lamin Ceesay, the President of the China Gambia Alumni Student Association, provided a brief background, mentioning the association’s legal registration on October 9, 2023. He outlined the annual activity plan, emphasizing targeted programs designed to impact and improve the lives of communities, thus strengthening the relationship between the People’s Republic of China and The Gambia.
“The Association is legally registered, on the 9th of October 2023. It is founded on the principle of enriching lives beyond graduation. Since its official registration, we have developed our annual activity plan, which highlights all that we intend to embark on in the coming year. We would, among other things, conduct targeted programs and activities designed to impact and improve the lives and livelihoods of our communities. In doing so, the association will contribute to strengthening the relationship between the People’s Republic of China through the Chinese Embassy here in the Gambia and the people and Government of The Gambia,” He said.