Pearson announces its presence in The Gambia

Minister Fatou Lamin Faye

Pearson Education, a printing and publishing firm which is part of a company including highly recognised global publishing brands such as Longman, Heinemann, Ginn, Penguin among others, has extend its services to The Gambia.

Pearson celebrated its new and existing partnership in Banjul on February 3, 2011 at the Sheraton Hotel Resort and Spa, Brufut Heights, The Gambia. The event followed a successful completion of a contract to print and publish the English and Mathematics Text Books of Grade Seven to Nine for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE).

Speaking on behalf of Minister Fatou Lamin Faye, the Permanent Secretary MoBSE Mr. Baboucarr Bouye said: “These books have been delivered and I am happy to say that the quality of the books is satisfactory.”

Mr Bouye said he understands that through gains, strategic alliances and organic growth, Pearson Education has put in place all the necessary pieces to create one of the world’s leading learning institutions. These include a comprehensive list of educational programmes such as leadership testing, assessment and enterprise software among other things.

“With such experience and a range of services, I have no doubt that Pearson Education has a great potential to participate in the printing and publishing services that the MoBSE will need from time to time,” he said.

With our mission statement “Always Learning”, we need to keep learning about the specific needs of people in areas that we work, Alex Moore, Pearson’s Africa Publishing Manager said, while reiterating the Pearson is the world’s leading education company, working in over 60 countries.

Mr. Moore said the company delivers measurable progress in education through complete, integrated solutions. Working with ministries of education to realise education needs, understand curriculum development strategies and provide solutions.

He said the UK-based company also provides advice and services for curriculum development and qualifications, e-learning and printed and digital resources, teacher training and professional development.

“Provides academic and vocational qualifications for schools, further and higher education, public and private sector employers and e-learning providers,” he said. “Developing and tailoring vocational programmes for school, district or national needs.”

Pearson Education, he said is a specialist in local publishing in Africa, from curriculum materials to the Heinemann African Writers Series.

Katie Smith, West Africa and Bids Publisher noted that the text books that have been printed and published by Pearson for MoBSE are specifically designed to suit Gambia’s education system.

Pearson’s Gambia Representative is Toplink Consulting Firm, whose Managing Director Mr. Said Usuf delivered the vote of thanks. The event was witnessed by members of Gambia writers association, authors, publishers and educationists.