A graduating student receiving her certificate
By Fatou Sillah
The SDA School of Allied Health Sciences on Saturday held a graduation ceremony for 50 students from its 2022 and 2023 cohorts. The event, held at the Gambia Teacher’s Hall in Brikama, marked a significant achievement for both the graduates and the institution.
The graduates successfully completed a one-year intensive training in key healthcare programs, including Nurse Assistant, Laboratory Technician, and Laboratory Assistant. These programs aim to equip students with the practical skills and foundational knowledge necessary to strengthen The Gambia’s healthcare system.
The SDA School of Allied Health Sciences, accredited by the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA), has established itself as a vital contributor to the country’s healthcare workforce through its commitment to quality education and professional development.
Delivering the keynote address, Madam Comfort Stephine, Head of Department at the institution, emphasized the importance of practical skill development. She encouraged the graduates to uphold the values of service and dedication in their professional paths.
“As you enter into this professional career, remember that being a nurse is more than just a title. It’s an oath to offer the finest care possible to those who need it most. Along with the skills to diagnose, treat, and heal, you also have the capacity to listen, console, and uplift others. The real essence of nursing lies in this attribute. Coupled with overcoming obstacles, sleepless nights, and weights of accountability, you have become stronger, more self-assured, and more competent,” she said.
Also addressing the gathering, Mass Faye, NAQAA representative, applauded the graduates for their perseverance and commended the institution for maintaining high academic and professional standards. He highlighted the essential role healthcare workers play in improving lives.
“For the graduates, the day is not only a day that honors your academic achievements but also your determination to explore professional career paths that transform futures, build communities, and save our minds. Healthcare professionals stand out from those in other sectors because of their direct impact on human life and well-being. As future healthcare workers, your primary role is life-saving, and quality healthcare delivery to the highest possible level. And as such you are directly responsible for diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients in ways that immediately impact survival and quality of life,” he said.
Special guest of honor, human rights advocate Satang Dumbuya, reminded the graduates of the noble responsibilities that come with their new roles. She acknowledged the challenges facing the national healthcare sector—particularly in maternal and child health—but praised the students for choosing to be part of the solution.
“It is not a secret that our health care system has a lot of challenges. This includes awareness in the people. This also includes the systems that we have in place, whether equipment, machines, financial stability, and so on. But instead of being at the sideline complaining about the challenges, you have taken up the responsibility to serve not only yourself but also the people. Being in the profession that you are in today is very, very risky and it’s also a very respectable job, whether in the Gambia andother places around the world,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, student representative Fatou Touray expressed heartfelt gratitude to the school administration and faculty for their guidance and support. She encouraged her peers to stay committed to compassionate and ethical service.
Lisa Darboe, representing the family of the school’s founder, shared the personal story behind the institution’s establishment, underscoring the founder’s passion for community service and healthcare advancement.
Additional remarks came from Mafugi Bojang, Registrar of the Nurses and Midwives Council, and Dr. Hagie KT Drammeh, CEO of Hadigala College of Nursing. Both speakers underscored the essential role nurses play in healthcare delivery and urged the graduates to serve with passion, integrity, and professionalism.
The SDA School of Allied Health Sciences was founded by Gambian national Ebrima LS Darboe. The school obtained its operating license from NAQAA and the Ministry of Health in November 2022 and officially commenced operations in January 2023, with a vision to produce skilled healthcare professionals and contribute to national development.