Steve and Hilary went to Bright Sparks Nursery in Old Yundum. A request for help had come via a friend (ousman) This nursery is well run but only has chairs and a blackboard currently. We delivered the last of the early learning games and nursery books with a promise to return next year.

We then went to Naata to deliver the football shirts promised to the senior team in the village.

Our last trip to the store!! Finally empty and swept ready to be tiled this summer. The last few books were taken to Sukuta Upper Basic School for their new library building which they are hoping will be completed for the new school year. Steve and Hilary visited Haywards nursery to view potential land.

Delivery of the last remaining books suitable for Lower Basic, these were taken to Sanyang Lower Basic School. This school has a library block which was built by some Belgium sponsors but needed reading books more suitable for the children, currently they have a number of adult novels. The school library here is used by the whole community and the Upper Schools in the area.

Sarah left us this morning, we took her to meet another traveller to Mansakonko and then went to the storeroom to sort the last few things. We found some more audio books and some felt material for collages, this was delivered to the school for the blind this afternoon. We had a tour round the school and looked at the collages they have done already, anything tactile is needed here.

Kebba and Hilary went to Kotu Senior Secondary School with a delivery of books. They have a library there, but mostly empty shelves. It is very well laid out with study tables and chairs but desperately need more books, particularly science and dictionaries. This seems to be a frequent request.

Sarah our American guest went to Naata to teach this morning with Judith.

In the afternoon Sarah, Kebba and Hilary went to Gambia Senior Secondary School with a delivery of mainly reading books, again science and dictionaries were requested. We then went to do some sightseeing in Banjul and climbed Independence Arch. There is a very good view of the capital from here, they were playing cricket! on the green.

We visited Prospects Day Care Nursery to assess the situation there.

Crossed the river early and went to a new contact for us, Amazing Grace nursery and Lower Basic School. Delivered books, toys, pencils and paper. We then called at Essau Senior Secondary School with requested Geography and English subject books.

Last call of the day was at Essau Lower Basic School with Easy Readers. They are still having problems with water supply. Various options are being explored.

Took Sarah to Naata to view the facilities. The children sang various songs for her including Yankee Doodle. The children are using the rubbish bins and all the playground is tidy and neat. We then visited Haywards to show Sarah what a typical nursery is like without any sponsorship. Back to the storeroom to load up for tomorrow.

Collected Sarah from USA airport in the evening.

Trip over the river. Visited Kabakoto and delivered tools, and books.

We then went to Ndung Charren who had requested help by letter some time ago. The school is off the beaten track, got lost, fortunately had Tumani with us to ask for directions.

Delivered books and sports equipment. They have requested further help financially. A delivery of books was made to Essau Senior Secondary who had requested Economics and Higher Maths.

We then briefly visited Essau Lower Basic to check on the mice infestation at the library, this has now been cleared and eating is banned in the building.

Our last delivery of the day was at Kanuma Lower Basic School, more books

We went to Naata with 2 helpers to clean the playground of all the building rubble and left overs.

The old store was levelled and the base broken up by pickaxe. (Not Steve and I)_ All the rubbish was collected and taken away. The remaining sand was then spread over the playground. The children are being taught to put rubbish in 2 bins we have provided.

We delivered some sports equipment to Sukuta Lower Basic School and then some books to Jallow Memorial Senior Secondary School in Brufut.

Delivered books to Sukuta Lower Basic School. Their library is now better stocked, but extremely dark when the electric is off.

Sorting the store room and getting ready for next weeks deliveries Visited Mr Jallow at home with a bag of rice and some books for his children.

Visited Manjai with guests to view the work achieved so far. Children at playtime and were playing the football game we recently donated.

Mr Conte asked up to call this morning at Manjai Kunda. They have had exercise books printed with the charity name on the front. Also bought a mop so they can keep the tiled classrooms clean.

Visit to the storeroom to collect the last of the chairs from the container delivered in November. These were taken to Tujering Nursery school who were struggling with many broken chairs. A delivery of books, nursery toys, exercise books and pencils was also made to Batakonko nursery school

After collecting goods from the storeroom, a delivery to Naata of some exercise books followed. After collecting two of the charity supporters a delivery of books and art materials was made to Sukuta Upper Basic School.

A visit to Haywards was made to assess needs based on the current building. The children do not return to school until the 16th.

he Immanuel party went to Lamin Lodge early this morning to have a cruise in a pirougue around the mangrove trees and then breakfast at the Lodge. They visited the crocodile pool in the afternoon. The last night was a buffet at the hotel with entertainment by Jolof dancers and drummers.

Heidi, one of the adults had been sponsored by Leeds college with sports equipment. This was put to good use this morning as all the Minte Kunda students were divided into groups and were taught skills in Rugby, football, rounders, cricket, volleyball, bat and ball, and general ball handling skills by the immanuel staff and students. The atmosphere was terrific with all enjoying the experience.

In the afternoon a Griot explained differences in various tribes to the Immanuel party and gifts of dolls dressed in wedding apparel were presented to the Headgirl from Immanuel.

The group reluctantly left around 5pm to return to the hotel.

Early start for the Immanuel party to travel to Minte Kunda. About half a mile from the school we were met by the school children and some of the womens committee carrying banners and chanting welcome. Drums and whistles accompanied our party on foot into the school playground. The banners read

"Welcome Immanuel College. We are proud of you"

There was then a programme of dancing, drumming, scout songs and speeches. The party then settled into their sleeping accommodation before a meal was served. A small party organised the painting of one of the classrooms as agreed. Some students played games with the Minte Kunda students.

Some of the students and teachers visited Naata nursery. Tracey and Hilary visited Haywards nursery to assess needs.

Two teachers and Hilary went shopping for the goods requested by Minte Kunda school. These consisted of spades, rakes and trowels for the garden. Wheelbarrows, and watering cans also seeds of various vegetable varieties to plant in the school garden. These will be used for teaching the students about agriculture and supplementing the school kitchen.

In the morning we went to Manjai Kunda to meet an English teacher. The part of students from Immanuel College, Bradford arrived. 30 students and 10 supervising adults. The first night was settling in and adjusting to life in the Gambia.

Met Mr Kalleh from Minte Kunda to finalise plans for the students this week.

Spent the morning tidying storeroom and getting boxes of books ready for Berending and Essau Upper Basic Schools.

Delivered books to Bijolo Lower Basic School.

Schools now closed until 10th April.

Minte Kunda and Essau

Arrived at Minte Kunda to find the womens committee and the teachers meeting under the mango tree to finalise their programme for next week.

All the children will be coming in on their holidays to meet the students from Immanuel. Much excitement here. Delivered books as requested and exercise books, pens etc. The head teacher informed us that because of our involvement the school roll had increased by nearly 100 pupils this year.

Called at Berending Upper Basic School to assess book needs.

Arrived at Essau to find that the students had gone early because of Easter holidays Left nursery type books with them for the Grade one readers.

Have just received priority letter so going to Minte Kunda on Thursday.

Met students and teachers from Kanuma Lower Basic School at the ferry terminal in Banjul and gave them books, sports equipment and blackboard paint.

Met students and teachers from Kanuma Lower Basic School at the ferry terminal in Banjul and gave them books, sports equipment and blackboard paint.

Took people from Nottingham to Manjai Kunda. They brought pens for the nursery.

Spent the rest of the day sorting books for the schools.

The toilet floors at Naata need tiling so we made a delivery of  tiles left over from Manjai. We had great trouble finding cement to buy as there is so much building work in the area. We managed to get one bag which will not be enough. Expecting deliveries Friday.

Delivered books to Sukuta Upper Basic School.

Headmaster very pleased as we were able to provide most subjects that they had lost in the fire.

Steve, Hilary and guests visited Kanuma school with a consignment of books, pens pencils, football jerseys and art material. The head was extremely grateful and has asked if we can supply any further sports equipment. We have arranged a return visit on 26th March.

Robert Cockroft, a volunteer continues to do splendid work at Alpha Camara repairing the classrooms and office in the nursery.

The work continues at Alpha Camara despite the intense heat up country. The building work in the classrooms is finished ready for the rendering.

Hilary and Steve returned to the Kombos area leaving Robert for the next week.

Robert has now helped dig out the pit for the toilet block and lined with concrete blocks as foundations for the new toilets. Mud blocks are being put around the top of the walls in the classrooms and will be rendered to match in with the existing building. It is hoped that this will stop some of the dust and rain getting into the building.

Robert spent the morning making window frames to replace the rotten ones in place. The toilet block which had collapsed was demolished to make way for the new one. Steve and Hilary went shopping for supplies, cement, wood, nails, bolts and hinges.

We visited Alpha Camara nursery. This is in the village of Kuntaur Fula Kunda, some 200 miles from Barra. The community here have given land to the nursery school and provided a mud block building rendered with cement. The building has been up for 6 years and is showing signs of wear. Robert Cockroft a volunteer is working there and helping to upgrade the facilities.

Visited Manjai Kunda and inspected the finished tiling. The teachers are all very happy and the tiles have lightened up the classrooms a great deal.

Visited Essau with sponsors and inspected the library. We have a problem with mice and termites so are going to organise a day when we visit with strong disinfectant and anti pest solutions. We will then get the students to help clean the shelves and restack the books. Some of the books are quite advanced for the Lower Basic School and we are going to donate them to the Senior Secondary school down the road.

Visited Kanuma Lower Basic School. This school wrote to us 2 years ago asking for help. The school consists of 6 classrooms an office and a sewing room. The cooking is done outside behind a raffia screen. We have agreed to take books to fill their empty bookshelves in each classroom. Also pencils etc.

Visit to Manjai Kunda with an English teacher who will be working there for the next 2 weeks. All introductions made and shown round the school. Measurement of classrooms taken for tiles to be fitted to the floors.

Delivery of books to Brufut Upper Basic School.

Delivered a large amount of books to Brufut Lower Basic School where they have a library building built by sponsorship but very few books, mostly given by ourselves last year.

Spent time sorting the storeroom and loading the truck for deliveries on Tuesday. Monday was a Public Holiday to celebrate Independence Day.

Visited Kabakoto school with a visitor from Constable Lee St Pauls School in Rawtenstall.

The school were expecting us and a large gathering in the nearby village were waiting for us with welcome banners and chanting. The headteacher showed us round the school and the garden which is now flourishing behind the new wall. Information from the school was given and lots of photos taken.

Dr Shore was asked to plant a mango tree as commemoration of his visit. Constable Lee St Pauls will be establishing a twinning link and will collect goods for the school. The children will be asked to correspond with their counterparts during their handwriting lessons.

Visited Naata nursery with 3 visitors. The children being taught by the English teacher have now moved onto short sentences, The cat sat on the mat and other short word sentences. The difference in them is terrific. Visitors impressed with surroundings and progress .

5 of the party to return home. Work continues.

We all went to support Kerr Serign United football team in their new football shirts donated by Sainsbury PLC.

We all went to Bundum Nursery School which had requested help. They had nothing except a blackboard and some benches and chairs donated by Shine Africa. We then went to the storeroom and collected books, pencils, paper, exercise books. We also supplied paint to brighten the rooms and wall displays. Some uniforms and a sewing machine to enable the teacher to make more uniforms.

Christine, Linda and Violet went to Abuko nursery school and delivered books, pens, pencils etc. The pupils were doing sports outside and the renovations which took place in 2004 still look good. They then went to Manjai Kunda and did some painting with some of the children. They now have more than 30 banana trees all from the 2 original trees.

Christine, Christine, Linda and Violet went to Naata and arranged painting classes for some of the pupils. Bookmarks were made to be sold in the UK. Hilary and Steve had to wait from 7,30 to 2.30 for a ferry back to Banjul.

Early 5.30 start to go to the ferry at Banjul. Only one ferry working so we didn't all manage to cross until 10.30. Half the party went on to see Essau and then we all met up on the main road to Farafenni. Essau have an orchard which is flourishing but the water supply has fractured and needs repair. The children are bringing water across the school grounds every morning. A price for the repair has been requested.

Stopped at Minte Kunda to check on the library. All delighted to see us. Plans already underway for the celebrations when Immanuel college visit at Easter.

Arrived at Mansa Konko in time for lunch at 1.30. Delivered the photocopier and two pick up loads of books for the surrounding schools. These were left at the regional office for them to sort out.

Visited Pakalinding Upper Basic School and Tahir Senior Secondary School to assess needs.

Art classes were taking place at Pakalinding and some art materials will be sent there. All set off to return to Banjul. Unfortunately still only one ferry running and the backlog of vehicles meant that Christine, Linda and Violet went ahead as foot passengers on the 9.30pm ferry. Hilary and Steve went back to Essau and were given a bed for the night in the teachers quarters. Very basic!

Delivery of tables and art materials, exercise books etc to Manjai Kunda. A second delivery for the Medical Centre. Sorted and loaded for a trip up country on Wednesday.

Container arrived, All hands on deck, probably more than we needed. 24 on the payroll. Unloaded in less than 2 hours. Using 2 storerooms and the yard for all the chairs.

Delivered tables to Manjai Kunda. Delivered medical equipment to Bijolo Medical Centre.

Went to Banjul to see remembrance day parade. Unfortunately they had it on Sat. Looked around Albert Market and bought souvenirs.

Sorted storeroom to make room for container goods.

Delivered extra chairs to Naata, to cope with extra pupils.

Christine, Linda, Violet, Christine Brown visited Naata a hive of activity. A man on a treadle machine making sheets and pillow cases, another girl learning how to sew, Linda & Co were encouraging the children to make bookmarks for us to bring home to sell. The children were really enthusiastic and loved it. Christine S organised the sand and cement for the wall. Christine B bought a wheelbarrow so that the women can fetch the water from the well easier than on their heads.

Success at the Finance Ministry, Madi Jatta went with Hilary and Steve and got the duty waiver signed. However as Friday nothing will happen until Monday now. Hopefully container release will be Monday!

Christine, Rod, Christine, Linda and Violet went on a tourist trail, visiting Lamin Lodge, Brikama Craft Market, Paradise Beach, Tanji fishing village and the crocodile pool. In the meantime Hilary and Steve sat and waited at the Ministry of Finance to no avail. Madi Jatta from the Ministry of Education visited the hotel on Thursday evening and arranged to go to the Finance Dept with us on Friday.

Visited Naata nursery. The number of children has risen from 30+ to 74. Judith Meggison a retired teacher from Bradford is now teaching there Monday to Thursday. Small groups of children learning to write. The work has started for the wall and storeroom.

Hilary & Steve went to Banjul to get application for Duty waiver from Ministry of Education. Finally obtained, but too late for entering into procedure at the Ministry of Finance for that day. Told to come back Thursday.

Christine, Linda and Violet visited Manjai Kunda. Everyone pleased to see them, all going well. In need of new desks which will be on the container. 113 children now in nursery. New exercise books and pens and pencils to be delivered. Linda will be doing art work at the nursery next week.

arrived safely. checked into hotel and then slept as all tired.!!