A picture can paint a thousand words and the simple image above conveys both the joy and reality of life for many children in The Gambia. Even though the 670 pupils at Rumba Lower Basic School have to share this one football in their ill-equipped school, they never complain but instead appreciate what they do have which sadly for now is not a great deal.

Having visited the school with my good friend, David Wright, earlier this year we saw the reality of school life at Rumba and it’s not great. No electricity, 670 children, six classrooms (children are taught in shifts and also outdoors under the hot sun), earth floors, a leaking roof and only 1 (non-flushing) toilet each for boys and girls. The staff were hugely impressive on our visit and the children displayed a master class in obedience. Sadly, if the parents cannot afford exercise books then the children attend school just to watch and listen, heartbreaking indeed.

Dave has therefore committed to raising £10000 through family, friends & work colleagues to improve facilities at the school. Working with the Gambian Schools Trust, Dave has ambitious plans to greatly improve facilities at Rumba, including:-

• Replacing/repairing the roof

• Building a new toilet block

• Fitting solar panels

• Tiling the classroom floors

• Creating an outdoor covered teaching space

• Providing sports equipment

• Painting the school building inside and out

• Replacing tables & chairs and providing exercise books, learning materials etc (with the help of donations received by GST)

• Providing laptops loaded with educational software designed for Africa & mobile phones. The phones having already been secured with the generous help of Dave’s employer Mercia Asset Management PLC.

It’s a hell of a task that Dave has taken on, so it’s the least I can do to support him reach his target.

As a result I’m getting my sorry arse back in the saddle with the aim of cycling the 300 miles from Halifax to Brighton (via London) over 3 days in September. I’d be eternally grateful for any sponsorship you feel able to make, as would the children, parents & teachers of Rumba village. Thank you for your support ……. and reading this far! 😂 #EducationMatters 🇬🇲