She explained that when he was born they all thought he was a healthy baby and his eyes looked normal but as time went by he did not react to movement or reach out for anything. His parents took him to see many doctors and family members assisted with the cost of taking him to Dakar in Senegal for a CT scan as such facilities were unavailable in The Gambia. But no-one could tell them why Momodou could not see.

“I explained that sometimes a light bulb would appear to be perfect but if the cable was cut or not connected it would not shine,” said Phil. It was not easy for Momodou to reach the school in Serrekunda as it was some distance from his home. (Left - Momodou at the school)

One of the most important reasons for the journey was to attend a meeting chaired by the Permanent Secretary of Education, Mr Baboucarr Boye, at which many of the problems between the Friends of Govi and the GOVI Board were resolved. Among those at the meeting were 11 members and one retired member of the GOVI Board,and those from the government’s Integrated Education Programme (IEP): Mr Sannah who is now the Deputy Permanent Secretary, and Mr Sarjo Bajinka.

]]> pip@friendsofgovi.org.uk (Pip Land) News Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:48:38 +0000 http://www.friendsofgovi.org.uk/news/91-new-chairman.html http://www.friendsofgovi.org.uk/news/91-new-chairman.html At the annual general meeting of the Friends of Govi (UK) held on March 6 it was unanimously agreed that David Pointon should take over as chair person from Phil Feller. Four of the trustees will visit the Gambia in late April.
]]> pip@friendsofgovi.org.uk (Pip Land) News Tue, 23 Mar 2010 07:55:23 +0000 http://www.friendsofgovi.org.uk/news/88-memories-a-gallery.html http://www.friendsofgovi.org.uk/news/88-memories-a-gallery.html The Dales Team came back with many memories of their overland journey and their time in the Gambia, and especially at the school for the blind. Below: from left to right - Ali Sallah (head teacher),David Milner, Janet Hughes, Bob Hughes, Sarjo Bajinka (former head teacher), Ken Nicholas and David Pointon.

The abacus made by students at Breckenbrough School particularly fascinated many of the teachers who attended the two-day training course led by David Pointon.

The teachers as well as the children enjoyed all those toys delivered by the Dales Team. But whereas the children could just have fun, the teachers had to learn  how to make the best of some of those toys in their lessons.

The former head teacher, Sarjo Bajinka, and his deputy, Kalilu Saidy had joined the Government’s Education Department, the latter being transferred to the examination board. Sarjo Bajinka was transferred to the education department for disability and became responsible for its Integrated Education Programme (IEP). In 2008 we were concerned about the lack of equipment and some pupils missing out on examinations (see 2008 report). Now with the enthusiasm of Sarjo Bajinka and his team together with the Head of Department, Mr Sanneh, the integration programme is working well.

A donation from the Chief Constable of Norfolk made it possible to install four new computers at the school, along with type and talk software for the visually impaired called Thunder thanks to a wonderful philanthropic gesture on the World Wide Web.

When Joan and I visited in November it was sad to see that general maintenance work had not been carried out. There had also been problems with the feeding programme. This was because the GOVI Board had insisted that all funds for any works or projects had to be handed over to them and Lamin Saidy had been prevented from doing any work. When we met with a few of the GOVI Board we were told that all of our funds had to go via them. This was contrary to the original Memorandum of Understanding drawn up between the Friends of GOVI and the Board. Agreement was reached, however, that Lamin Saidy would be allowed to organise and pay for school repairs.

The Friends will not budge from our policy that all our funds will be spent with our approval for the children and must be properly receipted with an audit trail. After meetings with the Permanent Secretary of State for Education and other heads of departments a satisfactory outcome was negotiated for the provision of the school’s breakfast programme and school uniforms which will be properly audited and receipted. (The head teacher, Ali Sallah, later reported this arrangement was working well.)

A request has been received from the Government that when Friends trustees visit in April 2010 that there should be a meeting with all parties to see if a resolution can be found. This hopefully might result in a Goal Ball Court being built at the school (see Football Gift)

During our stay in November a fun day was organised for the school children funded by the Friends. The female teachers worked hard in the kitchen and Joan joined them, while the male staff were busy organising football and goal ball. Some of the girls helped with preparing food while others enjoyed the games in the hall. A good day was had by all. A big thank you to all the staff for their hard work, not only on that day but throughout the year.

I wish to thank fellow trustee, David Pointon, and the Yorkshire Team in their endeavours to transport a special vehicle and equipment to the Gambia (see the Journey Blog, More Gifts and Toy Day) and their fantastic fundraising throughout the year.

I also want to say a big thankyou to all our sponsors, members, schools, groups and individuals for their support, without which so many visually impaired children in the Gambia would not have the chance of education and a better life.

At the end of 2009 we wished all our friends and supporters, and all the children and staff at the Govi Resource centre in Serrekunda and the Govi Board, seasonal greetings. In the Dales we did have a White Christmas. We do hope many of you enjoyed the Journey Blog and followed the Dales Team as it headed for the Gambia. It wasn't an easy journey but they did make it safely there. All the members of the team are now back in England.