Build a Library

My Name is Michelle Njie and my family and I have just returned from a family holiday that has changed our lives. My dad was originally from Gambia, he got caught up in UK life, marrying my Mum, having us children and never returned home. He always sent money back to his family but never had the capital to take us home to Gambia. So 45 years after my birth, and 18 years after my fathers death, I eventually visited Gambia. The country is super poor but unbelievably, happy. I urge everyone to visit to witness for themselves what people call "the smiling coast" So....during our visit, we were lucky enough to be taken all over the country by one of the kindest men I know, Hamat Jallow. He took us to his village in Kerr Auldi, a deep and remote area of Gambia. He introduced us to his parents and they invited us warmly into their bare home and even offered to feed us with the little food they had (couscous and milk from their goat) The villagers all came to meet us too shouting Tobab, Tobab (meaning westerner) We took some clothes, shoes books and sweets to give to them but couldn’t take too much as we had limited weight allowance on the flight. Anyway, that was all amazing but the most touching experience for us all was meeting the 80 or so school children. They were so excited to see us and showed us around their school proudly. The school consisted of hand written posters a shabby chalk board and straw mats for the children to sit on. They didn’t care, they loved their school and considered themselves privileged to even be at school. The children walked for miles each day to go to school with the biggest smiles on their faces. The family then met with the teachers in the Head Teachers office where they told us that they were in desperate need of a library for the children so that the children can take books home to continue their literacy studies. They also informed us that the teachers lived on site at the school and their living quarters (a shabby building with corrugated iron as a roof) will not survive the rainy season (June to September) but if we were able to support the school, they would want us to help build the library as a priority. Our friend Hamat helped us speak to building contractors to get a quote to build the library and all in, materials, labour, transportation of the materials to the remote location, would cost only £3000. My family and I are not wealthy, we would love to pay for this ourselves in my Fathers name but just don’t have the funds. We therefore ask others to join our campaign and get this library built for the children by July 2015. The more people that help, the quicker we can make this little school and its students, dreams come true.

 

Please help a lot by giving a little

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart