By Seedy Jobe
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) has announced a nationwide prohibition on inviting musicians and entertainers whose work contains vulgar, indecent, or otherwise inappropriate material to perform in schools. The decision, detailed in a press release issued Thursday, comes in response to reports that some schools continued to host such performers despite earlier advisories.
“Schools are centers of learning and moral development. As role models and educators, school authorities have a duty to protect students from exposure to language and behavior that conflict with the social, cultural, and moral standards of our society,” the ministry stated.
The directive applies to all public and private schools and covers entertainment, cultural, and motivational programs. According to MoBSE, “Henceforth, no artist shall be invited to perform in any school… if there is any potential for vulgar or offensive expression,” signaling a zero-tolerance stance.
In its statement, the ministry called for stronger cooperation among school administrators, parents, and community leaders to help uphold students’ moral values. “The ministry calls on all school authorities, parents, and community stakeholders to join efforts in safeguarding the moral integrity of students and ensuring that schools remain safe, respectful spaces for learning and character formation.”
The measure reinforces the government’s commitment to ensuring that school environments reflect and uphold The Gambia’s societal norms and values.