04 November 2009
A Short Walk in The Gambia Bush
Helen Jones and Jason Florio have just started out on their walk around The Gambia. They are doing this to raise money for Gardens for Life - a programme linked to The Eden Project, which brings together schools in the UK and throughout the world to develop school gardens as a rich teaching resource. They are covering their journey on this blog. If any of our friends in The Gambia meet Helen and Jason, please say a big Hi! on behalf of Pageant.
You can read more about Gardens for Life here. One their projects in The Gambia is of the Makasutu & Ballabu Conservation Project.
You can read more about Gardens for Life here. One their projects in The Gambia is of the Makasutu & Ballabu Conservation Project.
28 August 2009
COMPUTER VIRUS
HELLO
A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without the permission or knowledge of the owner. This program is a problem to we Africans because of many of us don't know what it means and what it does too. But a virus is a very serious infection to computers, so that when the virus affects the computer, it makes it not perform as it should do. The main thing is that you easily lose all your documents specially people who used USB; as you know technology is advanced now so many people use USB to saved their files on it and it's easy to handle files and it's easy to access as you have computer. So please, I am applying to all the internet holders to try and download anti-virus to their system so USB users wouldn't infect their office, school computers or lose documents, because most students go to the internet cafe to research some of their assignment or do work as they don't have much time at school
A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without the permission or knowledge of the owner. This program is a problem to we Africans because of many of us don't know what it means and what it does too. But a virus is a very serious infection to computers, so that when the virus affects the computer, it makes it not perform as it should do. The main thing is that you easily lose all your documents specially people who used USB; as you know technology is advanced now so many people use USB to saved their files on it and it's easy to handle files and it's easy to access as you have computer. So please, I am applying to all the internet holders to try and download anti-virus to their system so USB users wouldn't infect their office, school computers or lose documents, because most students go to the internet cafe to research some of their assignment or do work as they don't have much time at school
15 August 2009
Computer viruses in The Gambia
These are the musings of the Pageant Webmaster, and in no way represent any Pageant policy.
The Virus Problem
Many people donate their old computers for use in developing countries, and we at Pageant know of several Gambian people and educational establishments who use such computers. However, until I read a recent article in the Guardian Technology supplement, I hadn't considered the consequences of viruses. This article is concerned with Ethiopia, but the main points are probably valid for large parts of Africa. I recommend that you read it, and also look at the very useful comments at the end. [link to the article] It seems that around 80% of all computers are infected with viruses or other malware, and large numbers of these computers have been rendered unusable, after a virus destroyed vital files.
The problem seems to be due to a shortage of anti-virus software. A typical anti-virus package can cost each user £30 a year, a large sum in terms of the local average income. Also packages from brand leaders like Symantec and McAfee are large, and have large update files to be downloaded on a daily basis. Broadband is very rare in The Gambia, and most people with internet access use a dial-up service. Downloading the update files could take a whole day, so these products are not really suitable for users in The Gambia, even if they could afford them.
Free anti-virus products are a bit better. To start with they are free. They also tend to be basic stripped down versions, with smaller file sizes – typically around 30Mb. They could be downloaded on a dial-up connection in about 2 hours, but this is still a bit of a pain. The updating files are also smaller. Even if an anti-virus program is not kept up to date, it will still provide a huge amount of protection, as many of the viruses in circulation are up to 10 years old.
What can we here in the richer countries do to help?
Firstly here are some links to free anti-virus programs:
AVG I used to use the AVG free version before upgrading to a paid for version, and fully recommend it. However, note that the initial download of 800kb is just an installation program, which then downloads the rest.
Avasti I have no knowledge of this, but it is highly recommended.
Avira Again highly recommended.
All these are free for non-commercial home use, and I would not in any way suggest that users in The Gambia did not adhere to these terms and conditions. It would be nice if the makers of these packages could extend free use to everyone in developing countries.
Next, if you are going to The Gambia soon, what about downloading one of these anti-virus programs, copy it onto a CD (or even a memory stick) and take it with you. Taking pens, notebooks etc. is now a widespread practice, so why not add a few CDs?
Let us know what you think.
Please email me with your comments, using the website feedback form on this link.
To our readers in The Gambia – please tell us about how computer viruses affect you.
To our readers in the UK or anywhere else – please tell us what you think of the CD idea, and could you suggest better ways of tackling the virus problem.
The Virus Problem
Many people donate their old computers for use in developing countries, and we at Pageant know of several Gambian people and educational establishments who use such computers. However, until I read a recent article in the Guardian Technology supplement, I hadn't considered the consequences of viruses. This article is concerned with Ethiopia, but the main points are probably valid for large parts of Africa. I recommend that you read it, and also look at the very useful comments at the end. [link to the article] It seems that around 80% of all computers are infected with viruses or other malware, and large numbers of these computers have been rendered unusable, after a virus destroyed vital files.
The problem seems to be due to a shortage of anti-virus software. A typical anti-virus package can cost each user £30 a year, a large sum in terms of the local average income. Also packages from brand leaders like Symantec and McAfee are large, and have large update files to be downloaded on a daily basis. Broadband is very rare in The Gambia, and most people with internet access use a dial-up service. Downloading the update files could take a whole day, so these products are not really suitable for users in The Gambia, even if they could afford them.
Free anti-virus products are a bit better. To start with they are free. They also tend to be basic stripped down versions, with smaller file sizes – typically around 30Mb. They could be downloaded on a dial-up connection in about 2 hours, but this is still a bit of a pain. The updating files are also smaller. Even if an anti-virus program is not kept up to date, it will still provide a huge amount of protection, as many of the viruses in circulation are up to 10 years old.
What can we here in the richer countries do to help?
Firstly here are some links to free anti-virus programs:
AVG I used to use the AVG free version before upgrading to a paid for version, and fully recommend it. However, note that the initial download of 800kb is just an installation program, which then downloads the rest.
Avasti I have no knowledge of this, but it is highly recommended.
Avira Again highly recommended.
All these are free for non-commercial home use, and I would not in any way suggest that users in The Gambia did not adhere to these terms and conditions. It would be nice if the makers of these packages could extend free use to everyone in developing countries.
Next, if you are going to The Gambia soon, what about downloading one of these anti-virus programs, copy it onto a CD (or even a memory stick) and take it with you. Taking pens, notebooks etc. is now a widespread practice, so why not add a few CDs?
Let us know what you think.
Please email me with your comments, using the website feedback form on this link.
To our readers in The Gambia – please tell us about how computer viruses affect you.
To our readers in the UK or anywhere else – please tell us what you think of the CD idea, and could you suggest better ways of tackling the virus problem.
11 August 2009
WAII AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP TO FIVE ESSAY FINALISTS
West African Insurance Institute on Friday 7th August 2009 awarded scholarships to five essay finalist to study insurance at its headquarters in Kotu South, The Gambia.
It could be recalled that WAII organised an essay competition on the theme "Insurance and educational development in The Gambia". A total of thirty three students submitted essays from across the country out of which five best have been selected by a central committe set up by the institute to sieve the best out of the lot.
Speaking at the ceremony the director of the instute, Dr. Prince Mike Okupolati, thanked participants for responding to the initiative by putting pen to paper to write.
The aim of the project he said "is to raise awareness about the existence and work of the institute which is based in The Gambia but however not many Gambians know about it."
According to him, since the inception of the institute in 1993 it has not been known to many Gambians, which is why they launched the initiative; not only to encourage better knowledge about the institute but also to encourage Gambians to study insurance which is a noble profession.
Also speaking at the scholarship award ceremony, the chairman of the central committee for the essay competition Mr. Abdoulie Touray, who was once the head of the governing council of the Gambia University, said that they were amazed at the quality of writing they came across during their assessment. He also urged the participants to nurture their writing skills and keep reading books.
The five winners of the scholarship are Sainabou Bojang of Methodist High School, Sainey N.K. Darboe of Nusrat, Imran Njie of Glory Baptist and Emily and Abigel Gomez, both of whom come from St Joseph High School.
Sainey Darboe, speaking to Pageant news blog shortly after winning the scholarship, said that he was so happy to win it and thinks he is now even with Alhassan (his twin brother) who back in March won the Black History month essay competition.
WAII website
It could be recalled that WAII organised an essay competition on the theme "Insurance and educational development in The Gambia". A total of thirty three students submitted essays from across the country out of which five best have been selected by a central committe set up by the institute to sieve the best out of the lot.
Speaking at the ceremony the director of the instute, Dr. Prince Mike Okupolati, thanked participants for responding to the initiative by putting pen to paper to write.
The aim of the project he said "is to raise awareness about the existence and work of the institute which is based in The Gambia but however not many Gambians know about it."
According to him, since the inception of the institute in 1993 it has not been known to many Gambians, which is why they launched the initiative; not only to encourage better knowledge about the institute but also to encourage Gambians to study insurance which is a noble profession.
Also speaking at the scholarship award ceremony, the chairman of the central committee for the essay competition Mr. Abdoulie Touray, who was once the head of the governing council of the Gambia University, said that they were amazed at the quality of writing they came across during their assessment. He also urged the participants to nurture their writing skills and keep reading books.
The five winners of the scholarship are Sainabou Bojang of Methodist High School, Sainey N.K. Darboe of Nusrat, Imran Njie of Glory Baptist and Emily and Abigel Gomez, both of whom come from St Joseph High School.
Sainey Darboe, speaking to Pageant news blog shortly after winning the scholarship, said that he was so happy to win it and thinks he is now even with Alhassan (his twin brother) who back in March won the Black History month essay competition.
WAII website
01 July 2009
Elena raises €200 for Pageant
Elena Tassi divides her time between the UK and Italy, About 3 months ago she visited The Gambia on holiday, with her young son Zion. While they were there, they visited a primary school, and met the children.
Elena was so impressed by the welcome she received, and the way the children entertained Zion, that she decided to say thank-you in a very practical way. She organised a fundraising collection at Zion's second birthday party in Italy, and raised a total of €201.46 (which translates to £171). She sent this to Pageant so we could use it to help Gambian children. Pageant says a big thank-you to Elena and her friends for their generosity.
Help us to find the school!
Pageant would like to use this money to help the Gambian school where she and Zion had such a good time. But there is a big problem. Elena doesn't know the name of the school. She knows it was in the south of The Gambia. There was also a Dutch flag at the entrance, because some Dutch people were helping the school.
Here is a challenge to our readers. Please look at the photos of the school above, and let us know if you can identify it. See more pictures and a contact link on this page of our website.
Elena was so impressed by the welcome she received, and the way the children entertained Zion, that she decided to say thank-you in a very practical way. She organised a fundraising collection at Zion's second birthday party in Italy, and raised a total of €201.46 (which translates to £171). She sent this to Pageant so we could use it to help Gambian children. Pageant says a big thank-you to Elena and her friends for their generosity.Help us to find the school!
Pageant would like to use this money to help the Gambian school where she and Zion had such a good time. But there is a big problem. Elena doesn't know the name of the school. She knows it was in the south of The Gambia. There was also a Dutch flag at the entrance, because some Dutch people were helping the school.
Here is a challenge to our readers. Please look at the photos of the school above, and let us know if you can identify it. See more pictures and a contact link on this page of our website.
29 April 2009
Tourists!
Tuesday 14th April
A very strange thing happened today in the Gambia - Pippa, aided and abetted by Tina, Frances, Claire, Wandifa, Yankuba and Abdoulie, took a whole day’s HOLIDAY!!!!! It’s true dear reader, she really did have a break…………..what’s more, she behaved like a tourist with her accomplices, and went on a boat trip, from Denton bridge to Lamin Lodge and back! And as if that wasn’t enough, the 4 ladies decided to finish the day in style, gathering Linda up in our wake, and heading off to Ngala Lodge for a celebratory meal, a fitting finale to a wonderful, action-packed, exhausting, exhilarating trip.
Thank you to all the amazing Gambians who helped us over the fortnight, especially to Alhassan & Sainey, who laughed with us (and at us!), to Yankuba who explained so much about his country, to Abdoulie who drove us so carefully, and most of all to Wandifa the wonderful, for all his hard work and good humour. We couldn’t have done it without you all!!!
(Text by Tina)
Another visiting day
Monday 13th April
We started by going to Campama school to hand over money for their ongoing project and admire the very smart and well-cared for school compound. Such a difference from when we first visited. Then on to deliver more forms to various students, and catch up with some of the families we have known now for several years. Frances & Tina were especially pleased to meet up with old friends such as Ellen and her family, and Hawa and her family in their new compound. All of us were delighted to be treated to a special Domada lunch, courtesy of Wandifa’s cousin. Our very favourite Gambian meal – thank you Jonsaba. On to Wandifa’s compound for more hairbraiding (Frances this time) and sewing machine practice at making bags.
On our return to the hotel Wandifa, Yankuba and Pippa checked over all the student records to ensure no forms had been forgotten – no easy task now that PAGEANT sponsors so many young people!
An evening at Billy’s along the road rounded off the day perfectly.
(Text by Tina)
Visit to Gunjur
Sunday 12th April
Today we went to Gunjur, family village of the twins, and the final nursery school of our visit. We spent the morning singing, storytelling and painting with the nursery children, who were delightful. Thank you to Ahmed who gave us a lovely welcome.
After this we were honoured to be shown round his farm by Sainey & Alhassan’s father, Nfansu, and engaged in a lively discussion about how pleased we parents are to receive practical offers of help from our children when they visit us at the family home! (*Please take note A & S!)
We ate another delicious lunch, this time provided by Musa, elder brother of the twins, and later returned to the hotel.
(Text by Tina)
Rest day for weary travellers!
Saturday 11th April
We stayed at the hotel, but just in case you think that we were sunbathing / reading / sleeping, we would like to assure you all that we were kept busy with a stream of visitors all day, including 2 grade 12 students, who impressed us with their calm attitude to their studies and forthcoming exams. Good luck to all our grade 12 students in the next few weeks!
We did manage a little relaxation – Frances had a massage, Pippa a pedicure & Tina a manicure. (Claire – what were you doing meanwhile?!).
In the evening we stayed at the hotel to enjoy the A team show.
(Text by Tina)
Travellers’ Tales Part 2!
Friday 10th April
Another 6am start in preparation for our long and busy day ‘up country’. We loaded all our belongings onto the minibus again and set off on the last leg of our journey that would take us as far as Jarring, the most easterly village along the river in The Gambia that we support. This is the home of many of our sponsored children, and
Yankuba’s home town, so he was to be in charge today.
We made a brief stop in Soma to buy some breakfast – the delicious Gambian quivalent of French bread, called ‘tapalapa’, filled with meat (Gambian choice) or banana (English preference on this occasion!). Soma is a main thoroughfare for both Gambian and Senagalese travellers, as it has a main river crossing here, so we met both French and English speaking children who stopped to talk to us. One of the constant delights of this wonderful country is the friendly nature of local inhabitants who, on seeing white travellers, are very happy to engage you in conversation – such a refreshing change from less gregarious westerners.
From Soma Abdoulie drove us ever carefully on until we reached our destination, Jarreng. Here we went in search of the young girl sponsored by Tina & Frances, and were somewhat nonplussed to find that she had gone to visit family elsewhere for a holiday! However, we were able to catch up with many other students who we had not seen for some time and to deliver the 50 mosquito nets, a bicycle for one lucky sponsored boy, and quantities of baby clothing so kindly made and donated by a ladies knitting group back in Surrey, England. Yankuba took charge of the distribution of all these items, and we would like to thank him for his excellent organisation. We were very pleased with the delighted, but ordered way in which these gifts were received, and we know they will be well used and appreciated.
More letter forms for students to write to their sponsors were delivered while we had a delicious fish lunch at Yankuba’s grandmother’s compound, then all too soon it was time to leave on our long trip back to Banjul. *T & F caught up with their sponsored girl on the way back, at her relative’s compound, so they were very happy! We also caught up with Lamin K, a nursing student at Soma on the return journey – we know he reads this blog, so he gets a special mention here!
We finally got back to the hotel via Wandifa’s home village of Kanikunda, at 12.45am, having been travelling since 6 the previous morning!! A long day indeed.
(text by Tina)
21 April 2009
Our long trip east...
Thursday 9th
We were up and ready to leave at 6am. Wandifa, Sainey and Alhassan all arrived promptly with our fantastic driver Abdoulie and we loaded up the car with all our belongings, presents for all the children and families we were going to see on our trip, and all of the mosquito nets that we were taking to Jarreng. We picked up Yankuba on the way through Serrekunda and set off on our trip. The first part of our journey on tarmac roads went well and we made good time. However, the tarmac runs out very early on the South Bank, so the greater part of our trip was taken at a much slower pace, due to appalling road conditions. Sainey & Alhassan kept spirits high with their infectious excitement as this was to be their first expedition this far East in their own country.
We stopped off at Kalagie to meet Ensa, one of our Grade 12 sponsored students and his family, and then some of the party had a brief walk to visit his Mum's garden and then along the river back to the road to catch up with the car containing the rest of the party. We took a photo of Alhassan the tourist with Ensa and Yankuba beside the river.
We arrived at Tendaba Camp where we were to stay the night, soon after midday, and everyone was able to recover from the journey by relaxing at the riverside, with plenty of wildlife to watch.
We spotted white and black herons, kingfishers and even a pelican! Everyone enjoyed the relaxing afternoon especially Sainey who went off on his own adventure on a boat trip to the north bank! It was his first ever boat trip and he was very excited to tell us all he'd seen on his return!
We had a lovely evening meal and then chatted and played games before heading to bed ready for another early start!
We were up and ready to leave at 6am. Wandifa, Sainey and Alhassan all arrived promptly with our fantastic driver Abdoulie and we loaded up the car with all our belongings, presents for all the children and families we were going to see on our trip, and all of the mosquito nets that we were taking to Jarreng. We picked up Yankuba on the way through Serrekunda and set off on our trip. The first part of our journey on tarmac roads went well and we made good time. However, the tarmac runs out very early on the South Bank, so the greater part of our trip was taken at a much slower pace, due to appalling road conditions. Sainey & Alhassan kept spirits high with their infectious excitement as this was to be their first expedition this far East in their own country.
We stopped off at Kalagie to meet Ensa, one of our Grade 12 sponsored students and his family, and then some of the party had a brief walk to visit his Mum's garden and then along the river back to the road to catch up with the car containing the rest of the party. We took a photo of Alhassan the tourist with Ensa and Yankuba beside the river.
We arrived at Tendaba Camp where we were to stay the night, soon after midday, and everyone was able to recover from the journey by relaxing at the riverside, with plenty of wildlife to watch.
We spotted white and black herons, kingfishers and even a pelican! Everyone enjoyed the relaxing afternoon especially Sainey who went off on his own adventure on a boat trip to the north bank! It was his first ever boat trip and he was very excited to tell us all he'd seen on his return!
We had a lovely evening meal and then chatted and played games before heading to bed ready for another early start!
Wednesday 8th
Today we started slightly later than usual after a brief lie in which was wonderful!! First we took a couple of Atlantic visitors to see a school with which they are interested in forming a link and to meet two young children associated with the school.
We then visited Isatou's compound to see lots of PAGEANT sponsored children. All the children were well and their grandmother was much better than when we visited them last year. We gave the children their presents from their sponsors which they were all very pleased with! Then we headed to Wandifa's home. It was lovely to see his family and especially all the children who live in his compound. We were treated to a lovely meal and then Claire had her hair braided by some of the older girls there. Pippa and Tina showed Mariama (Wandifa's wife) and Aminata (one of Pippa's sponsored students) how to make some simple bags which we thought perhaps they could sell to tourists and locals if they made lots between them.
Pippa gave Aminata a small sewing machine which she was absolutely delighted with and she was able to practice using it.
After being waved goodbye by practically all the children in the area we headed briefly to Albert Market to collect Frances' outfit and to buy lots of family sized mosquito nets to take to Jarreng. These were bought with gift token money through the PAGEANT website. We were very pleased to be able to buy 50 nets with this money! We then enjoyed a nice meal back at the hotel before watching the staff show which was very entertaining! Claire and Frances joined in in a group dance at the end which was a great laugh! After dinner we packed our things for our trip up-country as it was going to be a very early start in the morning!
Today we started slightly later than usual after a brief lie in which was wonderful!! First we took a couple of Atlantic visitors to see a school with which they are interested in forming a link and to meet two young children associated with the school.
We then visited Isatou's compound to see lots of PAGEANT sponsored children. All the children were well and their grandmother was much better than when we visited them last year. We gave the children their presents from their sponsors which they were all very pleased with! Then we headed to Wandifa's home. It was lovely to see his family and especially all the children who live in his compound. We were treated to a lovely meal and then Claire had her hair braided by some of the older girls there. Pippa and Tina showed Mariama (Wandifa's wife) and Aminata (one of Pippa's sponsored students) how to make some simple bags which we thought perhaps they could sell to tourists and locals if they made lots between them.
Pippa gave Aminata a small sewing machine which she was absolutely delighted with and she was able to practice using it.
After being waved goodbye by practically all the children in the area we headed briefly to Albert Market to collect Frances' outfit and to buy lots of family sized mosquito nets to take to Jarreng. These were bought with gift token money through the PAGEANT website. We were very pleased to be able to buy 50 nets with this money! We then enjoyed a nice meal back at the hotel before watching the staff show which was very entertaining! Claire and Frances joined in in a group dance at the end which was a great laugh! After dinner we packed our things for our trip up-country as it was going to be a very early start in the morning!
Science and Art at schools
Monday 6th
Monday saw us off to Bakau for an eventful morning visiting lots of family compounds to give out forms to students so that they could write letters to their sponsors. We saw no less than 12 students and were able to update 6 photos as these pupils had changed considerably since we last saw them! We also fitted in a visit to Timbooktoo book- and coffee-shop as well as visits to 2 schools, Bakau New Town and SOS Senior Secondary. At the latter Pippa gave an impromptu science lesson on how to use a laser raybox and a set of lenses which demonstrate various optical phenomena. She had an appreciative audience including the headmaster and science teachers. The head asked the science teachers to let him know when the next lessons were going to be so that he could join in and use the new resources!
Tuesday 7th
Today we went to Brikama to visit Brikamadina Pipeline Nursery School to do some art work with the children. We arrived to find over 60 very eager children waiting for us! They were extremely well behaved even though they were very excited and were a credit to their teacher Fatou who is married to Lamin Jammeh from the hotel. We sang songs, told stories and then let them experiment with paint and printing materials. A great and very messy time was had by all! After this we visited Jambanjali School and Day Care Centre to see a newly sponsored child and give out more forms. We were treated to some lovely singing from every class!
We drove back to the hotel calling in at NARI on our way, to discuss the latest progress with the artemisia plant project, plus several more family compounds. In the evening we met Linda for a lovely meal at her local Italian restaurant.
Monday saw us off to Bakau for an eventful morning visiting lots of family compounds to give out forms to students so that they could write letters to their sponsors. We saw no less than 12 students and were able to update 6 photos as these pupils had changed considerably since we last saw them! We also fitted in a visit to Timbooktoo book- and coffee-shop as well as visits to 2 schools, Bakau New Town and SOS Senior Secondary. At the latter Pippa gave an impromptu science lesson on how to use a laser raybox and a set of lenses which demonstrate various optical phenomena. She had an appreciative audience including the headmaster and science teachers. The head asked the science teachers to let him know when the next lessons were going to be so that he could join in and use the new resources!
Tuesday 7th
Today we went to Brikama to visit Brikamadina Pipeline Nursery School to do some art work with the children. We arrived to find over 60 very eager children waiting for us! They were extremely well behaved even though they were very excited and were a credit to their teacher Fatou who is married to Lamin Jammeh from the hotel. We sang songs, told stories and then let them experiment with paint and printing materials. A great and very messy time was had by all! After this we visited Jambanjali School and Day Care Centre to see a newly sponsored child and give out more forms. We were treated to some lovely singing from every class!
We drove back to the hotel calling in at NARI on our way, to discuss the latest progress with the artemisia plant project, plus several more family compounds. In the evening we met Linda for a lovely meal at her local Italian restaurant.
