This page got rather neglected as the project progressed. By the time I arrived in mid October most of the rebuilding had been done and the final blocks were being added ready for the roof.

By the time I left at the end of January the school was completed - by that I mean re-roofed, plastered inside and out, painted inside & out and fitted with desks and chairs. The official opening ceremony was a few days before I left and a picture file of the progress and the opening ceremony is available.

Kabs informs me that the following items, in addition to the labour have been purchased by the community from local donations received since GTS took on the project.

23rd June
Iron rods = 190D
Bundle of Rings = 60D
Bundle of wire = 15D

22June
Iron rods - 770D
Refreshments - 60D
TOTAL 1095D

19th July

1 trip of Sand = 1200D

23rd June

3 Photos = 45D
1 Bundle ofRings = 60D
Taxi Fare = 30D

Total = 145D

16th June

2 Kilos of 3 inch nails = 56D
4 Bundles of rings = 240D
3 rolls of Binding wire = 30D

Total = 326D

1st June - Kabs bought the following items for the school and the community team refurbishing it.

1 bag of rice = 340D
1 drum of Oil = 445D
Maggi cubes = 100D
Peppercorn = 45D
Fish Money = 550D
Garlic = 20D
2 Kilo of 3 inch nails = 56
1 Bundle of rings = 60
Drinks = 235D
6 Photos = 65
PA System = 60

Total 1976D

29th May - I have today received and email from GTS in Gambia that materials have now been purchased and that work will officially start of Saturday 31st May with various local dignitaries there to do the equivalent of laying the foundation stones.

Kabs says:
'The items I bought at this moment to start the work are as follows'
30 bags of cement each 134.50 dalasis = = 4,035D
12 lenth of 8mm rod each 85dalasis = = 1,020D
1 double trip of gravel(stones) = = 1,400d
1 double trip of sand 1,200d
Transportation for the bags of cements and rods = = 60d
2 bundles of rings each 60 dalasis = = 120d
2binding wires each 10 dalasis = = 20d

The total amount spent for the starting of the work are 7,855 dalasis

I'm also thinking of food to be cook for the community workers , I'm thinking of buying a bag of rice that can be kept for the workers any day there is a work and fish money to be giving to the women to be cooked for them, anyway it may be strenge for you about how the community works, but this is a way the villagers co-operate and unite, the food part will be also be contributed by the community and gts - 50% from both.

Also Saturday will be covered by the news reporters, I have already arranged some jounalists to cover the event, from The Observer and The Forroyaa as well. I will be so busy with this for this for a few days.

I have asked Kabs to send pictures

17th May - We have raised nearly £200 and so have enough to send Kabs the funds to start building the walls and putting on the roof for one classroom.