The Albert Academy Alumni Association (AAAA) The Gambia Chapter held its official execution launching on Sunday 26 October 2025 at Kasumai Hotel Resort Garden at the Bijilo Ocean Front.
The historic launching of the AAAA-The Gambia Chapter was coincidentally held at a time the school was doing its 121 Anniversary Thanksgiving service at the King Memorial Methodist Church in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The programme started with a short agenda of silent prayers, singing of the school song, members giving tributes of their happiest and unhappiest times during their school days. The programme was colourful with ambiance and cultural performance by the Kasumai Hotel entertainment group.
A pertinent call is also being made to all Gambians and Sierra Leoneans residing in The Gambia who attended the Albert Academy School in Freetown to be part of this initiative and development by enrolling as members of the Old Boys Association of the AAAA-The Gambia Chapter.
It would be recalled that the Albert Academy was founded in October 4, 1904 by an American Methodist missionary to Sierra Leone, Reverend Ira E. Albert, who later drowned in a boat accident and the school was named after him in his honour. The school grew to become one of the oldest and prestigious schools in Sierra Leone with Alumni Associations in the UK, the USA, Sierra Leone, and now The Gambia with the latest Chapter founded and registered on 16 September 2024.
Albert Academy has consistently been a beacon of academic excellence in Sierra Leone and beyond. Its alumni include prominent figures in various fields, such as politics, education, medicine, and the arts. The school’s motto: “Esse Quam Videri” (Rather to be than to Seem), reflects its commitment to hard work, discipline, and perseverance.
In terms of legacy, the Albert Academy’s is one of excellence, integrity, and service. For over a century, it has been a cradle of leadership and innovation, producing and shaping the lives of thousands of students who have gone on to make significant contributions to Sierra Leone and beyond. To name but a few products of the school are the Minister of Information of The Gambia, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, his counterpart Minister of Information in Sierra Leone, Hon. Chernoh Bah, the Minister of Higher Education, Hon. Conrad Sackey, and the list goes on.
As Albert Academy progresses, it remains committed to its mission of nurturing young minds and producing responsible, capable, and compassionate leaders. The school’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of its values.
The Albert Academy Alumni Association (AAAA) The Gambia Chapter is open to all alumni (Old Boys) of the school to enroll as members of The Gambia Chapter located at the Stratford College of Administration and Management.
Great move am part of the foundation members and executive that formed this Albert Academy Alumni Association, The Gambia Chapter, as our Motto implies: Esse Quam Videri “Rather To Be Than To Seem”. meaning Be what you are and don’t pretend to be what you are not.