In remembrance of Harriet Ndow, a pioneering figure in education and a pillar of enlightenment in The Gambia, we pay homage to her enduring legacy. Mrs. Harriet Ndow, a distinguished Gambian educator and founder of Ndow’s Comprehensive Secondary School, passed away on June 18, 2019. Her remarkable contributions to education in The Gambia and the institutions she founded continue to influence countless individuals.
I’ve always held the belief that high achievers from Gambia, such as Mrs. Harriet Ndow, serve as our nation’s unsung global ambassadors. Despite Gambia’s modest size, the nation’s reputation within the international community has been enhanced by such distinguished individuals. We need to develop better ways to recognize and celebrate their contributions. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Mrs. Harriet Ndow embodied a life of purpose for humanity.
Unfortunately, time constraints prevent me from delving into the many facets of her benevolence. As a champion for humanity in the public arena, she has left indelible marks for future generations. Gary Keller posits, “Life is a question and how we live it is our answer.” Mrs. Harriet Ndow’s life provided answers to many questions. Her existence was a testament to imparting knowledge across every household in Gambia, dedicating her life to nurturing and empowering the youth to become the leaders of tomorrow through education and knowledge.
Mrs. Harriet Ndow: A woman’s abilities may range from great to small, but possessing this spirit already elevates her to nobility and purity, marking her as a woman of moral integrity, above base interests, and valuable to society. Death is a stranger we encounter daily. Yet, good teachers achieve immortality through their students’ memories: the mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates, and the great teacher inspires. Mrs. Harriet Ndow embodied this greatness.
The death of an elder is likened to a library set ablaze. For a student, the loss of a teacher is akin to a world of knowledge vanishing in a volcanic eruption. This loss is magnified when the deceased was not only a teacher but also a mother, a mentor, and a firm believer in the student’s potential. Such teachers are encountered at every stage of life. While all teachers impart positive lessons, some leave an indelible mark, remembered at every life juncture. They are the “waters rushed on golden sands,” life-changers, destiny’s aides. Their distinction lies not in their academic accolades but in the depth of their humanity and the emotional investment they make in their students. Rousseau observed that a person’s worth is not measured by status or education but by the emotional essence within.
Mrs. Harriet Ndow was not your typical teacher who taught merely out of duty. She infused her work with passion and compassion, qualities that greatly enhanced her value and reputation among her students. Throughout the memorable years, as the anvil gives shape to its subjects, Mrs. Ndow never pretended; she was on a lifelong journey akin to that of a mother. A towering scholar and a magnificent human being, she was the epitome of excellence. More than an inspiration, she was a beacon of help in various ways.
Mrs. Ndow’s presence was global, thus her departure could not be anything less than extraordinary. Her creator chose for her an abrupt end, marked by a startling and thunderous surprise. She played her role, accomplished her mission, and conveyed her message with clarity and completeness. She was a teacher without borders, her words as boundless as her spirit.
Her passing offers lessons for the discerning. A teacher, mother, grandmother, and mentor to many of varied talents, ages, and personalities, she was an exceptional woman. Yet, have we observed that Mrs. Ndow has been mentioned in news reports across the globe, in both social and traditional media? Her stories of educational leadership, discussions on the role of women, and the effects of Public-Private Partnerships in Education, as well as her representation of women in executive educational leadership in The Gambia, continue to feature prominently in media reports and commentaries. Discussions are not centered on her possessions, but rather, everyone celebrates her humanity, her sincere strength, dedication, and the respect she garnered for her commitment to promoting a competency-based learning and education curriculum in elementary schools, and for exploring alternative educational pathways for all, irrespective of economic challenges.
The world has taken remarkable notice of her fertile mind, heart, and intellect, gifts bestowed by her creator. Her teachings in entrepreneurship, her leadership skills, and her speeches elevate her as a paragon of unblemished truth, patriotism, bravery, consistency, and integrity. If she could look back upon her students, she would bow in profound thankfulness to her creator for the widespread recognition of her work. She was destined to fulfill a role, and she executed it so masterfully that even in her departure, death paid her the highest honor. She is a triumphant emblem, immensely fortunate to have had the opportunity to bid farewell. We honor her life and choose not to sing ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,’ but ‘GOD Be With You Till We Meet Again.’ We hold you and your entire family in our thoughts and pray for GOD to provide the strength and comfort to persevere.
Harriet Ndow’s life stood as a powerful testament to education’s transformative impact. More than just a teacher, she was a mentor and a firm advocate for the potential within each student. Her dedication to shaping lives and empowering The Gambia’s youth to become the leaders of tomorrow remains a legacy that will inspire for generations to come. May her soul rest in perfect peace, and her spirit persist in guiding us toward the pursuit of knowledge and excellence. Rest in Eternal Peace.
