Banjul, Gambia - Gambia Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs, Mr. Musa Bala Gaye, has signed a 80,000 euros French-backed financial assistance agreement for the promotion of the French language in The Gambia's education sector.

In a press statement issued by the Department of State for Finance and Economic Affairs here Tuesday, Gaye signed the agreement on behalf of the Gambian Government while the French Ambassador, Christophe Rufin signed for his government.

According to the agreement, the project, which will last 36 months, will deal with the education sector, to which France has been contributing for a long time.

The release further disclosed that the departments of state for basic and secondary education, higher education, schools, training institution, UTG and the media are the intended beneficiaries of the funds.

The release also said the project, called "Anchor Francophone" comprises of three components, namely French as a working language, making French actor bilingual and communication.

The release noted that PADEF made a project proposal in 2001 to the tune of 610,000 euros in line with improving the teaching of French in education systems, adding that the new project was a response to the Gambian request to learn French and improve their bilingual and capacity in terms of regional integration.

"This is in recognition of the fact that The Gambia is partly to many sub-regional and organisations whose meetings are conducted in French," the release concluded.
 

Banjul - 29/04/2008

Panapress