24th February, 2015. Tuesday. Nemasu

Kebba loaded the truck this morning with the items we had stored ready in the house.  We set off mid morning to call at Nemasu Senior Secondary School with a fully laden truck.  This school was originally a private school set up by one wealthy individual, unfortunately the benefactor died and the school struggled for a while before being taken over by the government.  A new block was built two years ago and is dedicated to science and technology, the headmaster asked us for science equipment and we are happy to deliver items donated by Holy Family School in Keighley and Ilkley Grammar School.  Tonbridge school in Kent has sent science books and sports equipment.  The headteacher was there to greet us, he had assumed we were not visiting this year because of Ebola and was delighted that we realised it was not in the Gambia.  Several students were engaged to unload the items and several photographs taken to send to the sponsors.  The computers which were donated last year by Thornleigh are being used well and the students are benefiting from all new efforts.  From here we drive the short distance to Nemasu Nursery where we are greeted by Mr Sallah who was very happy to see us.  All classes were taking place and after a short chat to Mr Sallah including about the new classroom which we intend to start the building on Friday, making the blocks after the children have left, giving them time to dry out before they all return on Monday morning. We visit each class in turn to greet the teachers and watch the class in progress.  Mr Sallah has a list of requirements ready and waiting which we collect before leaving for home.

Sanaba and Kebba are waiting for us at home to sort out a delivery of sand for the blocks.  We drive to the bank to collect some money and send the two of them off to arrange the sand delivery, two double trips to the school at Nemasu.  Steve and I go to Neil’s bar for lunch and then home for the afternoon.  In the evening we head off to Colours Bar (the new name for the Courtyard) to take part in the quiz.  We are asked if Marion and a friend, Malcolm can join us we form a North and South team, and the four of us manage to win. Geoff (quizmaster) ignores our new name and announces that the Clever Bastards from yonder have won.  Marion was happy as another team win every week and she wanted to beat them!!