BUSUMBALA SUNRISE UPDATE

The August 2008 AGM passed the proposal to fund raise and commence the ambitious project to promote a school for children from nursery right through to university.  

A draft memorandum of understanding had been agreed with the Busumbala VCD (Village Development Committee)   prior to the AGM.

 On returning to the Gambia - Eric Whitehead was contacted re the development of plans for the site, these cover the anticipated buildings that will be erected as the school grows by one classroom and support buildings each year.

Almost the most important component is to make the school as sustainable as possibly as quickly as possible. The plans include 24 commercial units with 24 units of accommodation above them. This will provide an ongoing income as well as work experience opportunities into the future for many of the schools students. These units will be built as and when required and funds are available.  

Some of the accommodation will provide a base for the large numbers of volunteers the school will need during its early years of running and will also be used for training and supporting the Gambian teachers who will be employed.

 The site will have a circle of school buildings some single story some 2 and some 3 storey rooms.  

The centre is very close to a football pitch, which will be used by the school, but a high profile sports & athletics facility will provide for track events and general athletics, as well as swimming and personal training and fitness – a class room block will provide teaching for academic sports classes as well as providing changing facilities, showers etc.  

The final element for the new school will be an arts and cultural centre to emphasise, support and promote the very rich tribal traditions of the area, in all arts forms including the performing arts of music and drama.  

Our initial voluntary requirement will be that of a voluntary administrative and organisational head, and a voluntary educational head, both to work alongside and support their Gambian counterparts.

We desperately need a number of Pre-School, Nursery and Primary teachers to build and deliver an effective curriculum and work along side our enthuastic Gambian teachers.

These positions, unless we win the lottery, will be voluntary, but supported by low cost accommodation and by a subsidised meal service for volunteers at the centre.

If you are interested in a ‘one or more’ years working break or a really meaningful retirement plan - please contact us for details.

Francis Glynn  
October 2008.

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