Read about the work of the volunteers, the people of Gambia and the Gambian Government working with the trust. Download the latest December 2009 newsletter and past newsletters in text only or PDF format on the Newsletter Downloads page

It may be a small amount to you,

but it will make A world of difference to African children

It all began with a visit to The Gambia in January 2001. Christine Schofield had travelled there to assist a local charity with work in schools.

"What we discovered was a very real lack of financial organisation surrounding the school. In short, teachers were teaching without pay and around a year's rent was due on the school property. The local community had no way of raising these funds. Even the fees paid to attend the school were negligible.

Working with the headmaster and governor, we turned to our educational and managerial experience to help them address a very stark reality - unless something definite was done quickly the school would simply close.

W e agreed that as long as the measures for survival we had discussed were put in place, we would assist in raising funds in the UK. We have already sent enough to help wipe out the existing debts. We now need to make sure that the school can continue."

Around the same time, Hilary and Steve Lawther visited The Gambia with no other intention than a holiday in the sun. While there, they were frequently met by a young girl asking them to help her by sponsoring her education. Having looked into the circumstances behind her request, next time they went to The Gambia, they found the girl and agreed to sponsor her.

What they had discovered was, once more, the very real need for support in education in The Gambia. They decided, somehow, to raise the funds to build a much-needed library.

As they told their story to friends in England, Christine, Hilary and Steve independently discovered the same thing – the great generosity of people wanting to help in any way they could.

With the ability of the charity to raise both funds and materials, it was obvious that something more formal was needed. Thus was born The Gambian Schools Trust. Although they had never met, Christine, Hilary and Steve lived in the same area and following an exhibition at a local library, Hilary contacted Christine to suggest that they join forces.

Today, the Trust supports educational and community projects throughout Western Gambia – we are able to identify and respond to specific needs and requests coming from local communities – annually, we fund a container taking out much needed equipment to The Gambia (ranging from paper, pens and pencils to complete classrooms – all of which is donated.)

Most of the charity's funding is raised through sponsorship. All money raised goes directly to funding education in The Gambia. If you would be interested in sponsoring the charity or would like more information, please contact us via email gambian.schools@blueyonder.co.uk . As little as £2 per month is guaranteed to be significant!... though the more you afford, the more positive impact it will have.

It is a situation where what seems a little to us can make an enormous difference over there.

Being involved is a richly rewarding experience: we hope you too will feel able to support us in our work.