“For his part, the charge d” affaire of the United States embassy, Brian Bachmam, said the innuguration [sic] of the school has come at a wounderful [sic] time, as US President Barack Obama was in Kairo, trying to open a page for a new relationship between the United States and the Muslim world, a relationship based on respect and understanding, aimed at solving the world’s mutual problems.”
“Wounderful” indeed.
1.6 million dalasis is only $61,500, but it’s the principle of the thing. Does the U.S. fund the building of churches or Christian schools anywhere in the world? And who will staff this school? Will anti-Americanism and jihad against Jews and Christians be taught there? Will anyone in the State Department even know or care if such things are being taught?
“US embassy inaugurates D1.6M Islamic school project,” by Gibairu Janneh for The Daily Observer (Gambia), June 5 (thanks to Twostellas):
Officials from the US embassy in Banjul, Thursday 4 June, 2009, inaugurated an Islamic school in Kanjabinah village in the Foni Berefect District.
The Islamic school, worth 1.6 million dalasis, was funded by the Africa Humanitarian Assistance program of the US government. The school consists of four classrooms, two stores, one office and three outside toilets, all fitted with tiles.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, on behalf of the National Assembly member of the area, the chairman of Brikama Area council, Sunkary Bajjie, remarked that America is a true friend of The Gambia. He described the gesture as a representation of the hope and courage that the US President Barack Obama stands for in the world. He however called on the people of Kanjabina to give the school its due by sending their children to learn there. He also promised that Brikama Area Council will endeavour to aid the school with some of the concerns raised by the villagers such as the absence of classroom furniture and a water well.
Speaking earlier on, Alkalo of Kanjabinah village, Fabakary Colley, thanked the US for the gesture. But he went on to appeal to the embassy to consider helping the school with furniture for the classrooms, a well and the wages of the teachers who will be teaching at the school.
For his part, the charge d” affaire of the United States embassy, Brian Bachmam, said the innuguration [sic] of the school has come at a wounderful [sic] time, as US President Barack Obama was in Kairo, trying to open a page for a new relationship between the United States and the Muslim world, a relationship based on respect and understanding, aimed at solving the world’s mutual problems….