The Kanifing Municipality is the most densely populated municipality in The Gambia. Approximately 25% of the national population resides within the municipality, thereby making it the educational citadel of the country.
There are numerous day care centers and nurseries, all run by the private sector. There are over 35 primary schools now called Lower Basic Schools. The municipality has over twenty secondary high schools (Upper Basic Schools) some of which are privately operated. There are also twelve high schools some of which are privately run.
The municipality is hosting a lot of tertiary institutions namely Management Development Institute (MDI), Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI), The Gambia Hotel School, and two faculties of the University of The Gambia. There are also several privately run skill training institutes/centers within the municipality.
The Kanifing Municipal Council which is the administrative arm of the municipality owns and operates Charles Jow Memorial Academy School which is both an Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School. The Council fully funds this school and students are studying for free. The objective of this initiative is to increase the literacy rate within the municipality and make these children productive and responsible citizens.
The Council has been and continues to sponsor needy students within the municipality at different levels of education. The Council also continues to support student bodies such as ECOMANSA of the UTG and the student body at the Management Development Institute.
KMC’s Education Committee
In accordance with the Local Government Act, 2002, the General Council through a resolution passed on June 28, 2018, established the Education Committee which consists of six members (three (3) Councillor’s and three (3) Education experts).The Committee operates based on the following terms of reference (TOR):
1. To review and work with the management of Charles Jow Memorial School to update the learning outcomes, syllabus content and learning materials of the School
2. To review the overall assessment strategy and determine an appropriate assessment policy for the Charles Jow Memorial School;
3. The Committee in Collaboration with the School management to arrange for periodic reviews of the school performance and recommend to Council any changes it considers necessary
4. Establish links with relevant professional societies for the delivery of high quality, multi-professional educational activities and lobby out sponsorship packages for students where possible.
5. Such other functions as the Council may delegate or assign to the Committee.
Since the inception of the Committee, reports have been generated detailing how Council can work to establish a Municipal Library and other community libraries. The Committee also work on sponsorship programmes for needy students.
