Formal Opening of The Skills Centre Computer Suite

On Friday morning the students at The Skills Centre were all taking chairs to the hall and waited patiently.  The 100 new chairs looked fantastic and before the formalities started the audience of students, staff and visitors took up their seats to fill the hall. 
The visiting VIPs for the High Table arrived: Malang Jasseh, Director of Youth and Sports also on The Board for PIA; Malick Ceesay Executive of NEDI and GAH; Musa Mbye Executive Director NYSS.  They were accompanied by Abdoulie Bah Chief Executive for PIA; Alex Cumming Deputy Director DOE Scotland; Anne Ross Leader of the Group; Mary Mendy, the first PIA Gold Award Holder; Saite Jallow Member of PIA 1985 Group;and Abass Sandeng Skills Centre Manager.

Mr Joseph Fogbakia introduced the proceedings and each member the High table spoke.  There was much reference to the 1985 project  and how it all started but also to the tireless and determined efforts for the development of the whole PIA in The Gambia.   Roddy and Anne were formally thanked for their hard work and vision alongside Abdoulie Bah.  In Roddy's absence we were asked to signal if we knew and had worked with Roddy.  Many many people put their hands up and their was a buzz of chat ..I am sure you will be told on your next visit Roddy.  Then Mark, as IT specialist, was asked to speak to formally hand over the computers to the Skills Centre. He shortly recounted their journey from Landau Forte College to The Skill Centre. Certificates and Awards were then presented, one of which was to  Abdoulie Bah recognising his life long determination and work for the PIA.  This was presented to him by Alex on behalf of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Office.  Abdoulie referred in his speak to how he wants to continue to extend the PIA in The Gambia and internationally...................

The VIPs round the High Table then went to the Computer Suite to cut the ribbon and formally open the Suite for The Skills Centre.