A New School Roof

The PS and P1 classroom block was out of use for many years. It resulted in classroom sharing and part time schooling for the younger kids. The Headmaster introduced me to the block in late February 2018. It was not a pretty sight. Back here in the UK we would give visitors a hardhat etc and keep kids out... but the health and safety rules don't apply over there.

The Master asked if I knew anyone who could help get the building back into use. The prices quoted for the work were well out with my capabilities, so I came up with an idea which would involve the men of the village. A quote for the materials needed came to a figure that might be possible..... so, with a little thought we came up with a plan to raise the money to get the project started.

Within four months we had surveys done, material lists drawn up, delivery costs estimated. So, in early July we started our fundraising campaign. Within three weeks the wonderful people from all over the world had raised over £2000. Materials were purchased in early August, and a wonderful team of local residents were ready to start the project.

Hover over the images for the story.

But this was not the end of the story...

Because the building had been out of use for so long, the desks and chairs were in the same dilapidated condition. Another load of wood, and nails and the wonderful school janitor made some wonderful mini desks and benches for the schools smallest kids. Then we needed uniforms for the preschool kids. They get a different colour from the rest of the school.

The PS and P1's new desk and chairs in the repaired classroom block.

Happy kids with their teacher and Sam, “our man in The Gambia” outside their new classrooms.

Job done!!!

It was a bigger job than I anticipated, but quite satisfying. A great big thank you must go to a few people without whom this would no have been possible. The wonderful ~Sam, my man /son in the Gambia who works tirelessly for his community. The men of the village of Jali who volunteered to do the work needed to get this classroom block up and running. The school janitor, sadly passed, but without his efforts the project would not have happened. Most importantly the wonderful people from all over the world who selflessly donated the money needed to make everything possible. You should know that your donations have given a much better chance of schooling to the youngest members of the school community in this lovely village.

Thank you all a thousand times.