It Was Nice To Help So Many People

The schools’ visit to The Gambia in October was a great success. The 21 students had an amazing time and worked incredibly hard. They faced many challenges and the whole experience was a huge learning curve for all.

Commented Stephanie Smith, “ I very much enjoyed my week in The Gambia. As soon as we arrived there was an enormous culture shock! The people there were so happy and made you feel really welcome. I loved visiting the village; everyone was so pleased to see us and the children were adorable, they would always take your hand and talk with you.”

The students who go on this trip get a real, hands on experience of what life is really like in this West African country. The visit is at the end of the rainy season, with temperatures in the region of 100 degrees so the students have to acclimatise quickly and work in very hot conditions. On the first day they visited the Elders of Gunjur Village to show their respect and ask questions about African culture & village life. The itinerary also included a day with a family, workshops in pre schools, and a visit to a secondary school, which proved to be a real eye opener. Our students witnessed how valuable education is to children in the Gambia, how school children work in very cramped, hot conditions with little or no resources. In one classroom there was no teacher! Yet, all were focused and keen to do well – education is the key to life for these children.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Forrester, Mrs King and Mr Drew for all their hard work and support with the trip. We are all very proud of the students and their achievements.

We were able to give much needed financial support to schools, families, and the health centre in the village. It was nice to make so many people happy.

In February, the students look forward to sharing their experiences with the rest of the school, in extended assemblies and with their parents, family and friends, at the parents’ evening on Tuesday 3rd Feb. 2009.

Miss Derrick, Trip Organiser