Thoughts from Ric and Ann Sims , unpaid Teaching Assistants for the week.
A big thank you to Des and Pam for inviting us to join them for a Gambian Cocktail. A cocktail of enthusiasm, dedication, kindness, endless energy and fun. It was uplifting to witness the work and play that Des and Pam and their recruits packed into just six days visiting the children in schools, making and reinforcing links with teachers and bringing business to local trades and roadside bars.
As surrogate TAs for the week we assisted in the classroom activities with the children and joined the meetings with the Gambian teachers. A humbling experience that raised as many questions as answers on how best to target where and how help can be provided. Most rewarding was seeing the faces and listening to the chatter of the children when given a break from their regular school routine. A two-way conversation with a smile showing an interest and a firm handshake is so much more rewarding than simply giving a sweet or a circulating pack of pencils.
As well as an insight into the schools of The Gambia, Des and Pam also introduced us to everyday Gambian life with trips to experience the insane market places, a recycling yard, the fish market, lunch at a typical family compound, a quarry, a women’s horticultural project and Des’s favourite watering hole Lanas Bar.
Once tasted you cannot help but want to experience the Gambian Cocktail again.
Thanks to all who made this such a memorable experience. Once tasted you cannot help but want to experience the Gambian Cocktail again.