On 8th August 2021, students from the International Open University (IOU) conducted a cleansing exercise at the Fajara campus of the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRCG at LSHTM).

The exercise was organised to complete graduation requirements for the students. At the IOU, students are mandated to complete 216 hours (36 hours every semester) of community service before being conferred a degree.

The students selected the MRCG at LSHTM because of the Unit’s long-term contributions towards improving health outcomes in The Gambia, as well as its strong relationship and engagements with communities across The Gambia.

The President of IOU Students’ Union, Kawsu Darboe said, “We are very honoured to render our service to this noble institution which is known for its research and standard healthcare. This exercise aims at instilling the mindset of giving back to our communities which is very important in our development.”

Cherno Fye, Campus Services Manager at the MRCG at LSHTM expressed appreciation to the students, adding that, “This exercise really augments our work. We have a very big camp and although we have a very good team, it’s always very important to keep the environment clean especially during the rainy season. We really appreciate the support from the students and hope that we have more of this in the future.”

The IOU is an accredited online university launched in 2007, to offer intensive online undergraduate and graduate programs completely tuition-free. The university began operations in The Gambia in 2014.