Busambala

After 10 years operation in the Gambia, the charity proposes to find a suitable community where land is available to build a school with community links to provide an education for children from Nursery to pre-University.

This would be a project spanning some 15 years from start to completion, providing new classroom space on an ongoing annual basis to provide teaching space for all year groups and incorporating administrative accommodation, as well as a multi purpose hall for sports and assemblies, a swimming pool and a cultural hall for the use of the school and community activities as well as a proposed outdoor athletics track and training area. Fruit and vegetables would be planted to support the schools's feeding programme whilst also assisting the local community with employment and produce.

The community of Busambala, close to Banjul International Airport, is keen for this centre to be developed on part of land assigned as village development land.

The village has agreed an area 290m by 100m for the project.

Francis surveys the piece of land - and thinks of the challenges ahead!

Initial meetings have taken place with Ward Councillor Bolong Jatta, the village Alcalo, also called Bolong Jatta, and the Village Development Committee - Chairman, Pa Lamin Jatta and Secretary, Fansu Jatta.

A draft Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed and currently discussions are proceeding with the Physical Planning Department to ensure that the land has no outline governmental plans, discussions are proceeding with Mr Momodou Colley.

Once the land is cleared and agreed, meetings will take place with the Department of Education to gain agreement with them regarding the project.

Fund raising for the project has already started, with donations to the charity reserved for the 3 to University project, though not yet finalised as actually happening at Busambala (subject to planning and Education department approval.

This is a very exciting project combining school and community needs on one site and incorporating some commercial as well as residential facilities for teachers and volunteers, to provide ongoing income as well as vocational training opportunities for the young people attending the school.

Children from Busambala

Imagine the difference this project will make to their lives!

The project estimate is currently £500,000, or 20 million dalasi, spread over 15 years. It is envisaged that this will be raised through corporate sponsorship from abroad as well as in The Gambia together with private sponsorship from altruistic individuals and groups with an interest in seeing The Gambia develop into the 21^st century.

Donations and promised donations have already been forthcoming and if all negotiations go according to plan it would seem that phase one of building could commence in late 2008 with the first children entering the school in September 2010.

The centre will provide a wide range of volunteering opportunities for visitors wanting to do more than enjoy the Gambian sunshine and diverse West African culture.

The charity needs your support now both in cash terms and in practical voluntary help in Gambia. If you are considering helping in Gambia please consider helping through our UK registered charity to provide an excellent education and model 21^st century school for Gambians.