The cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland meant that four of the trustees (David Pointon, Joan and Phil Feller and Pip Land) were unable to visit the Gambia together in April. Instead Joan and Phil were able to go in May.

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  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.

The main problem was that GOVI wanted all the funds raised by the Friends to be placed with them. Mr Feller explained that the Friends had never done that nor would ever do so. It was agreed that a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) would be drawn up between GOVI and the Friends and that there would be a school banking account into which funds for necessary items would be deposited.

The Friends had already ensured that there were sufficient funds with its Gambian member, Lamin Saidi, to cover the cost of continuing the breakfast programme at the school during May. Further funds were left to continue this programme until the end of the year. It was agreed that the school, dining hall and night watchman’s house would be redecorated with estimates being obtained by Lamin Saidy, the IEP and the GOVI Board with the Friends providing the funds. The Friends have paid for the school uniforms (including shoes and badges) for this year.

The GOVI director, Mamout Touray, reported that the funds for the midday feeding programme had ceased and asked if the Friends could help. It was agreed that when David, Pip, Joan and Phil visited in November this situation would be reviewed and the Friends were likely to pledge funding for 2011.

The GOVI Board agreed that the Goal Ball pitch could be constructed in the school compound. This will be paid for with a grant from the UK Parliamentary Football Club.