Political Oficer Awareness Campaign

Tashawna POL OFF (middle), PCV (left) surrounded by students from the Kerewan Upper Basic School

Tashawna Bethea, the Political and Commercial Officer at the US Embassy Banjul, and the Public Affairs Assistant and Educational Advisor, Papa Njie, undertook a three days countrywide awareness creation campaign on accessing U.S. undergraduate institutions to students from grades 7 to 9 in celebration of International Education Week.

The objective of the seminars was to increase awareness among younger students on study opportunities in the U.S. and the importance of early preparation, as well as promote ties between educational institutions in The Gambia and the United States. During the seminars POLLOFF explained the importance of planning early and maintaining good grades throughout high school and SAT and TOEFL scores to be eligible for possible U.S scholarships.  Mr. Njie also told the students to study hard focus on their education to achieve their dreams.  After the counseling session, post showed an American film titled “Akelaah and the Bee” to promote the importance of academic achievement.

It increased the positive image of the US Embassy and promoted the prospect of US academic exchanges.   The event received a very positive turnout with over 1500 students reached and another 2000 students reached indirectly.