Fundraising for Banyaka Lower Basic School – Supporting Education in The Gambia

Update - Dale and I are off to The Gambia again!

Dale and I are off to The Gambia again! This time Dale's son Jonathan will be coming with us, and we hope he will enjoy the country and its amazing people as much as we do.

Thanks to our amazing supporters, last year we were able to provide essential resources for the Banyaka Lower Basic School, including:

17 laptops (donated by Greenzone Facilities Management Limited)

9 desktop PCs (donated by Altia)

PPE for the village health clinic

Two boxes of reading books

Clothes and shoes

Exercise books, pencils, books

Pens, chalk, dusters

Staplers, A4 paper, etc

A new school bell

Footballs & other sports equipment

Reusable sanitary towels to improve the chances of girls attending school

Tables & chairs

Spades, garden forks & a wheelbarrow for the school garden

Toothbrushes & toothpaste

Additionally, 9 monitors were purchased to use with the computers. The cost of these was covered upfront by Friends Of The Gambia Association, but we need to fundraise £172.45 to pay back half of the cost.

If you are able to contribute, even a small amount, it would be greatly appreciated! Every little bit helps to ensure the students have the resources they need to get an education for a better start in life.

Update - Computers and Other Donations Delivered!

On Wednesday, 9th October 2024, we had a special delivery to Banyaka Lower Basic School, thanks to the efforts of our amazing volunteers. Famara Fofana, a parent of children at the school, and Sulayman Manneh, a dedicated staff member of Friends Of The Gambia Association, brought with them much-needed resources, including:

17 laptops (generously donated by Greenzone Facilities Management Limited)

9 complete desktop PCs (donated by Altia, including keyboards, and mice)
Two boxes of reading books (funded by donations from our incredible supporters)
Clothes and shoes (donated by family and friends)

Additionally, essential PPE items (including caps and aprons), donated by CTS Dental Supplies, were delivered to the local health clinic.

The monitors for the PCs have been purchased up front by Friends Of The Gambia Association, we still need to raise £500 to cover the cost of these. So if you can spare a few more pounds, please donate to help with this.

We are immensely grateful for the support from everyone who made this possible. Your contributions will make a real difference in the education and well-being of the community. Thank you!

Our Story

Ever since Dale and Clare Chardoux's first holiday together in 2013, their love for The Gambia in West Africa has grown. Now, joined by Amy, a passionate teaching assistant, they're embarking on a mission to make a real impact on the local community.

During their initial visit, they formed a strong connection with Blacka, a local tour guide who, like many in the region, faces the challenge of illiteracy. Shockingly, only 20% of children complete secondary education, perpetuating a cycle of poverty due to limited opportunities.

Blacka's son Mohammed is now twelve years old. Unlike his father, he has been able to attend school to learn to read and write, and is doing well. Blacka's family are hopeful that he will have more opportunities in life and a better future because of his education.

What problems are they facing?

Despite primary school being theoretically free, the financial burden of uniforms, books, meals, and exam fees persists. Schools lack resources and teachers. Many families struggle to afford to send their children to school for long enough to learn basic skills. For us, the focus is on raising funds for the school attended by Blacka's son. Basic necessities like pens and paper are desperately needed, along with more significant investments like solar power and laptop chargers.

Even a small donation can have a big impact

£1.50 Buys a pack of exercise books or twenty pens
£12 Buys a school bell
£18 Covers printer ink/toner cartridges
£75 Provides a solar battery
£85 Purchases a cooking pot for children's lunches

The Poverty Cycle

Gender Inequality: Women face low status, early marriages, and young motherhood.
Migration Pressures: Young men risk their lives to seek opportunities in Europe, leaving families to manage struggling rural farms.
Educational Barriers: Families cannot afford to educate their children

What can you do to help?

Donate: Even £1 or £2 can make a significant impact
Spread the Word: Share this page and raise awareness
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Friends of The Gambia Association CIO
Charitable Incorporated Organisation 1171620
NGO in The Gambia No. A92

We are working closely with Friends of The Gambia Association CIO. They are experienced in working with schools in The Gambia, and they have staff locally who can organise purchasing the things the school needs. This ensures that funds are utilised efficiently.

Gift Aid covers the charity's overheads, and 100% of your donation goes directly to the school.

FoTGA specialises in arranging sponsorships of individual children who would be otherwise unable to attend school. You can read more about their work on their website: https://www.fotga.org.uk/

UNESCO Report: World poverty could be cut in half if all adults completed secondary education

UNICEF Gambia Education Factsheet

info@banyakalbs.co.uk

07775 810185