Belgian Donors Equip Bakoteh Lower, Upper Basic Schools

By Ebrima Bah

ZW De Gambiavrieden, a group cooperation of Belgian Charity has given a consignment of teaching and learning materials, first aid kits and medicines to Bakoteh Proper and Annex Lower Basic and Bakoteh Upper Basic Schools respectively under the organization’s "school and medical projects" on Thursday, November 11, 2010 at the school complex.

The donors provided more Computers (Desktops and Laptops), printers, and medicines for the Bakoteh Proper Lower Basic School’s Internet Lab and Sick Bay which they inaugurated in addition to supplies of Books, toys, clothing to students in both the two Lower Basic Schools and the Upper Basic School during their visit.

The donation which was contained in a 40ft container valued at seventy five thousands Euro (75, 000 Euro) was a further boost to the organization’s partnership with these schools in sponsoring the education of a number of students for over seven years.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony held at the Bakoteh Proper Lower Basic School, the headmaster, Bakoteh Proper Lower Basic School, Mr. Alieu Manneh said his school has taken a giant step in creating the most needed teaching and learning environment with the help of De Gambiavrieden. All students, he said are now getting little access to the internet. He added: "This is what the students really need to elevate themselves in their education. We are also relieved from big worries of handling small injuries and minor sicknesses in the school with the help of the Sick Bay".

Mr. Manneh commended the philanthropist organization, describing them as true friends of the school, while he hoped to see their relation grow from strength to strength.

The principal of Bakoteh Upper Basic School, Louis J Bass said the Belgian donors have constantly come to his school with many forms of support to the school children and the school in general. "We have welcomed them last year and we are welcoming them this year again", he said. Bass who recognized the magnitude of the sponsorship given to students by De Gambiavrieden said the assistance is on the increase. The principal was appreciative of the initiative by the donors and thanked them profoundly.

The former head mistress of the school with whom this chain of relationship with De Gambiavrieden began until her retirement last year, Fotou Chow recalled that the computer lab started with the installation of only four computers by the donors she referred to as "no more guests" to the school. She said the organization is sponsoring the education of twenty four (24) students in various grade levels and are installing electricity wires starting with the main school block.

Chairperson of the Parent Teachers’ Association otherwise Senior Management Committee, Ebrima Sandeng said it is not easy to get the most suitable wording to thank the donors. He however raised an appeal asking if the visiting helpers could consider the sustainability of the various projects, ranging from the internet bills payments, maintaining the technology at the internet lab and usual supply of medical items for their health post. "The cost of all this including food supply for the needy students in the school is already a heavy load on the heads of parents and the school administration", said Mr. Sandeng.

A teacher at the school and moderator of the meeting, Mr. Malick Joof, hoped that the donors would respond positively to the appeals made.

The group coordinator of the philanthropists, Patrick De Vos, explained that De Gambiavrieden has been active in the Gambia in its current formation since 2003, helping in Schools’, agricultural and medical Projects. The Educational project according to him is benefitting more than 270 children who have already been granted scholarship with the hope of raising this number. He promised to continue supporting the various schools and school children, appealing to the beneficiaries to try to make good use of the donated items.