Under the aegis of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, 112 distinctions, i.e. 64 prizes and 48 accessits, were awarded to the 100 best students in Première and Terminale classes at the 2024 edition of the ‘Concours general’ (general contest).
By Ibrahima Dione
This is the crowning moment of the school year. Established in 1961, the ‘Concours general’ took place on Tuesday in the capital Dakar. The theme of this year’s competition was “Issues, challenges and prospects for a school at the service of national sovereignty,” and it was sponsored by Mamadou Sanghare, an outstanding university professor.
“Mamadou Sanghare is an exceptional man of science, who is the pride of our country in Africa and the world,” said Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The head of state chose this mathematician, who went to quranic school, so that “his brilliant career would enlighten and inspire” the laureates.
“Like him, you must always persevere in the cult of effort and excellence to remain among the best,” the president advised. A total of 63 distinctions in première and 49 in terminale classes were awarded during the solemn ceremony.
In detail, 95 distinctions were awarded to public schools and 17 to private schools. With 57 distinctions (32 prizes and 25 runners-up awards), the girls were ahead of the boys, who received 55 distinctions (32 prizes and 23 runners-up awards).
“Your success is the fruit of your efforts, the support of your families and the unfailing commitment of your teachers. Today, we set you an example by carrying you in triumph, because you represent the best that our education system has to offer. You have distinguished yourselves among all the pupils of Senegal and I would like to congratulate you warmly. You are my personal pride. You are the pride of the entire nation” Bassirou Diomaye Faye said.
For him, the recipients, who “come from diverse backgrounds and social strata,” are “living proof that excellence is within the reach of all those who dream of success and persevere in working hard to achieve it.”
In his desire to build “a fair, sovereign and prosperous Senegal in a progressing Africa,” the president is counting on
these well-trained minds to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.
“Education is the foundation on which any fair, equitable and prosperous society rests. It is the bulwark against ignorance and inequality, and the lever for social transformation. It is through quality education that we create enlightened citizens, aware of their rights and duties and able to participate fully in the development of our country,” Macky Sall’s successor stressed.
As a result, he added, “we must guarantee every child, whether in urban or rural areas, the same opportunities to succeed. To achieve this, we are working to strengthen and modernise school infrastructure, but also to train teachers and improve the conditions in which they carry out their noble profession, with relevant teaching content adapted to the challenges of the 21st century.”
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