Trying to organise exchanging an inflatable canoe and a wireless router for mobile 'phones and/or a laptop. Why? Well, mobile 'phones are really a necessity in The Gambia; owning a mobile can save a small fortune over there because it can save numerous, possibly futile, journeys by bush taxi - and save all the time involved in waiting for a taxi to turn up. They are especially valuable during the rainy season when some roads become impassable. And the laptop? Well, I remember talking to a highly intellegent young man (whom we later sponsored through university) asking me what a computer looked like. Had he been a student in this country he would of course been using one for years. He had never seen one. So far we've supplied several laptops to students but there is always a need for more. We can at least be certain that the people we give them to will make good use of them and not just sell them on to raise a quick profit. So, Ebay, begging letters and dropping hints to friends. Fancy a canoe?!
Best wishes. Get well soon, Jenny!
Wednesday 20 May 2009
Monday 11 May 2009
Moving on
Finally completed the accounts for the last financial year and looking forward to the coming twelve months. Seems to be starting well; we've resolved the problems we had obtaining travel insurance. The bank where we keep the GOES account (Co-p Bank) have been most helpful and we have joint annual insurance with all our 'existing conditions' taken into consideration for a little less than we paid last year. It's a great comfort.
Horija, one of the students you've been supporting, moves into the final term of her MA at Kampala University. She's been seriously ill but she's better now.
Fatou has arrived at the training school where she will study to become a nurse. She'll be living in a village house and has to provide her own bedding and cooking equipment - you've helped with this, too!
Tida has completed her first steps back into education. I thinks she's worried about not doing too well but those of us who have returned to education after a long break will understand her fears. Once more you've been instrumental in helping her and her children.
On the home front we've been interviewed by a student who is considering helping with GOES as part of her work to obtain Gold in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Fingers crossed, she'll be most welcome and there's plenty for her to do!
Best wishes to all of you, and thanks for your support.
Joyce & Tom
Horija, one of the students you've been supporting, moves into the final term of her MA at Kampala University. She's been seriously ill but she's better now.
Fatou has arrived at the training school where she will study to become a nurse. She'll be living in a village house and has to provide her own bedding and cooking equipment - you've helped with this, too!
Tida has completed her first steps back into education. I thinks she's worried about not doing too well but those of us who have returned to education after a long break will understand her fears. Once more you've been instrumental in helping her and her children.
On the home front we've been interviewed by a student who is considering helping with GOES as part of her work to obtain Gold in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Fingers crossed, she'll be most welcome and there's plenty for her to do!
Best wishes to all of you, and thanks for your support.
Joyce & Tom
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