Marina Int. School Launches Breast Cancer Campaign in Support of Student

MIS Students Breast Cancer Awareness Walk 

By Mariama Faal

Hundreds of students and staff of Marina International School (MIS) walked down the street of Fajara showcasing their enthusiasm to collectively raise awareness on the dangers of breast cancer and raise funds for a student battling with brain tumor.

The walk which featured the Police Band and students in pink took place on 17th October 2024.

MIS Science and Chemistry Teacher, Mr Aron M Jabbie, shares his opinion on the event and shed some light on previous breast cancer campaigns where his students organized activities to raise awareness on the illness. According to Mr Jabbie, this year they taught their students some lessons on breast cancer during assembly and conducted fund-raising activities to support a student currently battling with brain cancer.

‘‘Cancer is a world disease that affects every part of the world and The Gambia in particular registered so many deaths.  As a school, our students and staff do have family members who are sick and we are aware of the consequences,” said Mr Jabbie.

He highlighted that cancer “can be managed and one of the techniques used is to raise awareness and every year we try to create awareness by facilitating a march pass, followed by a talk show where we expect our students to listen to people who are knowledgeable about cancer and cancer treatment. This year we have a dedicated a march pass and to raise funds to support cancer treatment in the country’’.

Mr Jabbie explained that students have been asked to wear pink clothes and sports shoes in support of their Breast Cancer Awareness Activities.

MIS Teacher Mrs Obisike

MIS Coordinator for extra-curricular activities who also doubles as the English and Literature teacher, Mrs Obisike, told Askanwi that “breast cancer is not a death sentence and no one should fight cancer alone. We had series of activities lined up to make this day memorable,” she said.

“The school children do participate in different activities; some are interested in dancing while others are interested in football. October is usually the month for breast cancer awareness and most schools should get involved” said Mrs Obiske.

MIS Alumni, Ms Tina Forster added that the event is monumental and will help ensure MIS students make informed choices and learn new things about their health and surroundings. “We believe this is timely and remain hopeful that students will spread the massage” said Ms Forster.

The High School’s Head Girl, Ms Adam Chingling Wang also spoke about their event and students efforts in organising the various events to raise awareness and funds for their colleague. This she said included sending emails to parents and tasking the student organizing council to raise funds and contributions for their colleague amongst other tasks.

MIS Head Girl in White 

Breast Cancer is a type of cancer that begins with the growth of cells in the breast tissue. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer which affects both women and men.

According to the guest speaker of the event, Dr Marie Louise from the Medical Research Council, “about 80% of breast cancer cases are invasive, meaning a tumor may spread from your breast to other areas of your body”.

She taught students the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, urged them to monitor their bodies and conduct regular checkups to detect symptoms early. Early detection and the correct treatment are key in addressing all forms of cancer.

The event saw students showcase their talents as the School Choir sang songs and a show took center stage in the MIS Assembly Hall.