In early December we took a group of 16 people on one our fascinating Gambian Study visits. Claudine Chapman, one of the group, has kindly written a blog about her experience on the trip:
Most sisters might call you to say “Do you fancy going for a coffee?”. Not mine. It was “Do you fancy going to The Gambia the week after next?”. I was offered a last minute opportunity to join a group of 16 people on an educational visit to The Gambia organised by Des and Pam of B&C Educational. Unsure and nervous… yes. With no experience of working directly within education, how on earth was I going to be of any value and was I going to feel like a spare part? I said yes anyway!
Arriving at Manchester Airport in the early hours to meet with a group of strangers with whom you are about to spend the next 7 days in a foreign country is arguably daunting! Travelling around in a mini bus together every day in hot weather on dusty roads and busy streets at times felt like we were on the set of a Marigold Hotel film; however, I feel I can now say I’ve shared an amazing experience with amazing friends and some huge laughs along the way – in keeping with a slogan I noticed at our hotel “You’re not fully dressed unless you’re wearing a smile”.
Children in class at Bijilo Nursery School
Our days were packed full of interesting insights into Gambian life, with particular emphasis on education and schools (some things tugged at the heart-strings, particularly when meeting with children in schools), but complemented by many cultural visits including a very warm welcome from a Gambian family at a gathering in their family compound.
It is all too easy to have the misconception that this country can benefit somewhat from our knowledge, wealth and culture and wonder what we can possibly learn from them in return. I’ve found it’s very much a two way street. They have so many positive attributes such as their very apparent creativity and ability to recycle anything and everything and make it into something useful or saleable; their undeniable desire to learn and to be educated to better themselves and their families – apparent from the many conversations I had with Gambian people but especially sad to hear of children who would love to go to school, but do not always have the opportunity to do so. I wish I had taken my teenage son with me as I think a true insight into the differences between UK and Gambian education opportunities would be an education in itself.
The busy fish market at Bakau
B&C Educational have extensive and expert knowledge of The Gambia and clearly worked extremely hard to ensure our group left with a true and lasting impression of this country, its culture and its very welcoming, friendly, courteous and helpful people. The result was an unbelievable and thought-provoking life experience. Thank you Pam and Des for this wonderful opportunity.