both the president Wuyeh Sanneh & Secretary General Alkali Yaffa were in The Gambia to facilitate/attend the handing over ceremony, but had to return due to some unexpected delays. He further thanked the Almighty Allah for making this project a successful one. Gambia Association in Minnesota provides inspiration, education and networking opportunities and also serves as a safety net of all Gambians in Minnesota that are in need of emergency.

He went further to say that the donation was as a result of long and tireless efforts and collaboration between the Gambian Association in Minnesota and their partners -Books for Africa, and Money Gram International and Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MOBSE). Sanneh intimated the gathering that the books are donated by Books for Africa, a US- based NGO dedicated to helping end 'the book famine' in Africa. These books include new and previously owned donated by individuals, schools and organizations. The value of these books by conservative Internal Revenue Services (IRS) estimate exceeds $165,000 or 4 million Dalais. They range from grade five all the way to college and university level; subject ranging from math's, English literature, English communication, science, social studies, medical and health, arts and humanities, engineering, psychology, oncology and some school supplies. The books will be donated to identify schools throughout the country.

Money Gram International donated to the Gambia Association $10,000 to cover the shipment and handing costs. MOBSE paid for the demurrage of the container at the cost of D78, 000.00. Executive committee on behalf of the Gambian community in Minnesota took the opportunity to extend their sincere gratitude to Books for Africa management, Money Gram International, MOBSE and other partners in U.S/The Gambia without whose untiring efforts they noted, this would not have happened.

They indicated that the Gambian community in the state of Minnesota though small is very vibrant with dedicated Gambians who are always willing to give back to the community and their homeland. That this is their first major project for The Gambia with more to follow. On receiving the books on behalf of permanent secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the principal Education officer, Temba Darboe, thanked the Gambians in Minnesota, USA for the laundable gesture. He said that the books being given would be distributed to schools in the length and breadth of country. He hoped that both the students and teachers will find these books useful.