A 38-year-old Gambian man has returned to finish his secondary school education after dropping out 17 years ago due to financial problems. 

Wandifa Marong is continuing his education at Kaiaf Senior Secondary School. 

“Thanks to the Second Chance Education Programme introduced by the Ministry of Education, my dream of completing senior school will soon become a reality. 

“Although, I face a lot of mockery from some community members who felt I am too old to be in school, but my passion to learn keeps me going,” the 38-year-old student said.

Marong, who dreams of becoming a lawyer, has attracted lots of praises and congratulations by Gambians for his courage to return to school.

The school principal, teachers and Wandifa’s classmates have also praised him for his determination. 

They described him as “a very industrious student who is very obedient, regular and punctual.”

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education-(MoBSE) said: “While on a content gathering mission in rural schools for the soon to start MoBSE Education Forum Programme, the MoBSE Communication Team visited Kaiaf Upper and Senior Secondary School where we came across Wandifa Marong, a 38-year-old Grade 11 Arts student preparing to write to his end of term examination.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba