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School Visits to Sponsored Students - Jan 2009
I’m
pleased to report that myself and Kumba started visiting the schools where GETSuk
have sponsored students. There are 35 schools to visit so due to the
administrative work we have to do here in The Gambia, it will take at least
until the end of February to complete the visits.
We
receive many donations from tourists visiting the GETSuk office so each school
we visit receives a donation of stationery e.g. pens, pencils, rulers, exercise
books etc. - see below for photos from some of the schools we visited.
The
main purpose of our visits is to establish that the student is attending school
on a regular basis and determine their progress. The majority of the schools
will provide an end of year (academic) report for the student and these will be
forwarded on to each sponsor when we receive them. Unfortunately we were not
able to meet every student when we arrived due to the a.m./p.m. shift system
they operate in schools but we were fortunate in most cases and had an
opportunity to have a chat with them and their class teacher.
From
all the schools we have visited so far, we have received very good reports about
the students. Their performance, school attendance and conduct are very
impressive, although some of them need improvement and extra learning at home -
all sponsors will receive an email about their student(s) shortly after our
visit.
All
the schools visited so far were unable to give us the school fees required for
the 2009/2010 academic year but our aim is to contact each school in June to
determine what the school fees are going to be. In all cases we were advised
that school fees will increase - when we have the information all sponsors will
be advised.
The
Head Teachers and Deputy Head Teachers we have met during the past week all
expressed their gratitude and grace for the wonderful job that GETSuk and all
sponsors are doing or have already done. However all fear that the recession
will affect them greatly but they promised to help and do their bit to
compliment the sponsors’ efforts.
If
in the meantime you would like any further information about the student you
sponsor then please do not hesitate to contact me at francis@getsuk.org
Helen
& Kumba
Office Administration
GETS uk
The Gambia
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