The Eveline Schouten School, located within the Bakoteh Shelter under the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, held its first-ever graduation ceremony for 48 pupils on Monday, July 29, 2025. The school was named in honour of Eveline Schouten, the late daughter of Dutch philanthropists Jan and Maureen Schouten. In February 2025, His Excellency President Adama Barrow officially inaugurated the Eveline Schouten School at the Bakoteh Shelter for Children.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Gender, Children and social Welfare Mrs Jainaba Sanyang a senior principal social welfare officer thanked the parents and the sponsors of the school for compliment the efforts of the government.
She said the graduation is a sign of progressive more and commitment in the side of the parents and the teachers. “We cannot thank the sponsors of the school enough; this is a big win for the country. We hope to seen these children at another level in the near future” she said.
Lamin Fatty, Head Teacher of the Eveline Schouten School, shared that the school began operations on October 5, 2023, with thirty students fifteen boys and fifteen girls. Initially, classes were held under a Bantaba, using only three benches, two tables, and a vanguard board as a chalkboard. Children wrote and drew on the floor using chalk.
He noted that significant progress has been made, thanks to support from the MRC Holland Foundation, through the efforts of Madam Harriet Sonko, and the Hon. Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare. With collaboration from the central government, the school now boasts eight classrooms, an office, six toilets, and access to clean water.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Madam Harriet Sonko, who played a key role in building the school alongside the parents of the late Eveline Schouten, expressed her gratitude to the parents for their trust and confidence in the school. She also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare particularly through the Department of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. The Schouten family are happy to associate themselves to the development of the children of the school Gambia especially the shelter.
Mrs. Danty Kemi Beyai, Manager of the school, emphasised the Ministry’s crucial role in promoting child welfare, especially in education and upbringing. She noted that the shelter school is not exclusive to children residing at the shelter but is also open to children from the surrounding communities.
“We ensure that children are protected from harm, neglect, and exploitation while supporting their overall well-being especially through access to education, which is a fundamental right,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Ndey Binta Ceesay expressed deep gratitude to the school management and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare. “Their support has been vital, demonstrating a strong commitment to child welfare,” she said. “It ensures that children’s needs are met, creating a nurturing environment. We are proud to witness the children’s progress and the value placed on their well-being.” She concluded by expressing hope for more future graduations.
Other speakers at the ceremony included Mr. Bamba Susso, Headmaster of Bundung Annex, and Mr. Muhammed Camara, a parent. Both expressed gratitude to the Ministry for initiating the school and making education more accessible to children in the Bakoteh community. The graduation ceremony featured a march-past and the presentation of certificates.
