Talading Medina
Primary School

This little school is outside Serrakunda and is not the easiest to find, in the maze of roads in the area. The low block holding the classrooms is neither grand nor special with its little office and three classrooms.

Most learning is restricted to classroom chanting of tables, verses or phrases - some led by the teacher some by a child called out to lead the chorus. The children sit along benches, the school does not have the money for desks or for the books, paper and pens that the children would need if they had desks.

The current priority in early 2000 was a toilet for the boys and girls, but this was held up because no funds were available.

Our welcome was enthusiastic and very loud. It was shouted, danced and clapped by the whole school who came rushing out to greet us.

The school wanted a Union Jack Flag, which we had taken along with some pens, pencils and a football. The head master was delighted to tell us about the school and show off the achievements of each class and its teacher.

We left a small donation and will return. There are dozens of these small schools round The Gambia, each relies on the efforts of its teachers not just to teach but to raise the money for building materials, wages and everything a school needs, some do better than others none do well.

It was education - but not quite as we know it - it has to change!!

As a result of our visit we decided that all GTS support member money and all donations would go into education in one way or another in The Gambia.

If you can help by contributing any small amount to the:
"Gambia Tourist Support Fund"
however little, it will make a big difference