AGAST Holds 2021 Virtual Annual Gathering, Elects New Executives

Istanbul, 28th February, 2021:- The Association of Gambian Students in Turkey (AGAST) has on Sunday held its 2021 annual gathering.

The convergence was held virtual this year due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The program marked every year is an opportunity for the members of the organization to meet, share ideas and experiences and reflect on the activities the student association embarked on the previous year.

AGAST is committed to portraying itself as an emblem of hope, unity, and brotherhood and bringing about serious commitment and actions towards promoting the general interest and welfare of all Gambian students across Turkey.

Speaking at the gathering, the outgoing president, Muhammed Trawally said AGAST is an organization that seeks to represent and strengthen the existing bond among Gambian students in Turkey.

While urging the students to positively represent The Gambia, he acknowledged that it’s not an easy task and thus requires the members to stand together as brothers and sisters.

“AGAST is our,” he said, adding, “we should represent it.”

The Ambassador Designate of The Gambia to the Republic of Turkey, Sering Modou Njie thanked the president and the entire membership of AGAST for the numerous achievements the association has been able to achieve.

The newly appointed ambassador said his office is working with the relevant authorities to have his Letters of Credence presented.

Ambassador Njie expressed his delight to collaborate with AGAST and look forward to more fruitful collaboration in the future.

“The embassy is ready to work hand in hand with you all,” he said.

He urged the Gambian students not to meddle in Turkish politics, saying the students should “build on the fruitful relationship between Turkey and The Gambia.”

Massaneh Fatty, the outgoing secretary general of AGAST, gave a detailed report of the organization’s activities during the 2020-2021 academic year.

The activities ranged from building partnerships with reputable organizations in Turkey to building a website for AGAST that serves as an avenue for the association to showcase its activities.

The 2020-2021 financial report showed over hundred percent increment in the termly contribution of the members.

According to the AGAST treasurer Mariama Manneh, the record high increase in membership contributions was due to the COVID-19 financial support from the government of The Gambia.

The executive body that began with an opening balance of ₺9,039.4 have managed to collect over ₺10,000 in membership contributions. The overall expenses incurred during the year under review was ₺899.13, resulting to a closing balance of ₺17,603.27.

The 2020-2021 academic year has also seen a high record loan request of a staggering ₺30,500 and almost ₺29,758 of the loaned amount have so far been paid.

Dr. Karamo NM Sonko presented on the Qualities of Good Leadership, while Hassan Jallow of ASSUTECH made a presentation on Technology for National Development.

Other speakers at the gathering include: Mustafa Njie of TAF Global, Yahya Sonko and Isatou Jobe from the embassy.

A new executive that will spearhead the affairs of the association for 2021-2022 academic was also elected.