Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has banned graduation ceremonies for nursery and lower basic schools across the country and introduced new restrictions on how upper basic and senior secondary schools conduct their end-of-year celebrations.
In a directive issued to both public and private schools, the ministry said the measures take immediate effect and are aimed at curbing “extravagant and costly” graduation events that impose financial burdens on parents and guardians, in violation of its “No Levy” policy.
Under the new directive, schools offering Early Childhood Development (ECD), also known as nursery education, as well as lower basic schools are no longer permitted to hold graduation ceremonies.
For upper basic and senior secondary schools, the ministry said only Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremonies will be allowed, and these must be organized in ways that minimize costs for families.
The directive introduces several prohibitions for these ceremonies. Students are not allowed to wear graduation gowns or special formal attire and must instead appear in their regular school uniforms.
Schools are also barred from holding the ceremonies outside school premises, with all events required to take place within school grounds in order to avoid additional venue costs.
In addition, the ministry said schools are strictly prohibited from organizing parties or social gatherings after the ceremonies, and students must not be compelled to attend such events.
Officials said the measures are intended to ensure that students’ achievements are celebrated “in a dignified and inclusive manner” without excluding those whose families cannot afford expensive ceremonies.
The ministry called on all schools nationwide to comply fully with the directive.
Leave a Reply