The Hamédine Bocar Kane School (formerly known as the School), the first school in Matam, celebrated its centenary in grand style this weekend. Founded in 1925 by the colonial authorities, this school, which has seen several generations of local sons and daughters pass through its doors, intends to use this event as an opportunity for renewal.

Led by a steering committee in conjunction with school authorities and parents, the former colonial-era school celebrated its centenary. The event was attended by administrative officials, local elected representatives, former students and staff, and members of the educational community.

"This celebration marks not only a century of learning, but also the commitment to moving forward of the teaching staff of the institution," said the school's director, Nourou Alpha Ba.

The sponsor, Dr. Mamadou Ndiadé, president of the Matam Chamber of Commerce and former student of the school, expressed his gratitude to the institution which shaped him from the introductory course (CI).

Welcoming the holding of the ceremony, the deputy mayor of Matam and the deputy governor in charge of development praised the commitment of the educational community.

A crucible of excellence in search of rehabilitation

School 1 has trained several generations of men and women with high distinctions. Among them: Professor Souleymane Niang, several ministers, ambassadors and high-ranking local and national officials.

According to the steering committee, "the elementary school was a temple of knowledge due to the quality of teaching and learning based on good pedagogy and practical skills."

Since June 2021, School 1 has borne the name of Hamédine Bocar Kane, who was its director in the 1960s. Under his leadership, it is remembered, the school distinguished itself by its management, its commitment and the dedication it showed to the education, training and success of children.

The visionary director had created educational gardens, fish farming units, livestock units, poultry farming units, and a mini zoological park with several animal species that served as resources for extracurricular learning.

The educational community that paid tribute to him magnified his vision through the implementation of practical skills that made learning more motivating and interactive, and promoted an understanding of nature.

Today, the school, which accommodates nearly 600 students in 15 classrooms, is severely dilapidated and its infrastructure is clearly worn down. The steering committee, led by Ameth Guèye and the ceremony's patron, Dr. Ndiadé, both former students of the school, agreed with the education authorities on the school's advanced state of disrepair. They highlighted the school's bleak and alarming condition, with its defective buildings, dilapidated classrooms, partially crumbling perimeter wall, and unsuitable surroundings.

In response to the expressed expectations, the IEF announced that the Ministry of Education has decided to renovate the school. This will include the refurbishment of seven classrooms, the old building, the walkways, and the restrooms.

A program welcomed by parents and students who say they give "a fruitful hope to the magnificent project which aims to rehabilitate the school by making it more beautiful, more welcoming and more modern".

In return, the students pledged to learn with joy and passion, to share and help others, and to prepare a bright future for themselves and for the community.