The African Oyster Trust Charity | Nursery Education and Healthcare in Gambia

by Trudy Andrews, Volunteer

This spring, as Ali was unable to get away, I went with my daughter Kate to visit Mariama Mae Pre-School in Gunjur. Well, we just managed to get everything on the list done in one week.

We found the school running well; the children happy and developing; and the resources being used creatively. The teachers were pleased to see us too. They had lots to tell us: all had attended a workshop by visitors from Concern Universal; a new teacher for class 2 was being tried out; and a 2 day curriculum workshop was being held in the village on Saturday and Sunday, which Kate and myself joined for a morning and found many very committed teachers who had given up days off to improve their skills and the education of pre-school children in Gunjur.

Kate managed to cover the well-used books of the reading scheme: you sure can tell which stories are the children's favourites; Milika's Bath and The River.

I was impressed by the progress that the year 3 children had made having had only one year of education since the school opened. I am sure that with their new teacher they will be ready to move on to Lower Basic in September.

One task I had set myself was to make an easel so that a local carpenter could follow the pattern and produce some more. I was successful, but had to adapt the pattern to the available wood. It was tested and worked well with the donated paint pots, brushes and wallpaper – now all we need are some aprons.

I enjoyed living within the community of Gunjur and love seeing the enthusiasm that all the children have for education, and for life in general.