12 April 2011
Day 2: 12 April - a VERY busy first day!
A brilliant first day! Our frist stop was Brikamadina Pipeline Nursery School, a small school with just two classes. Our story of 'This Way Ruby (aka Rougie!)' went down a treat with the children. Helped by Pippa and myself, Wandifa, Yankuba and Abdoulie starred as the ducks, frogs and other features of the book, like the storm, rain and waterfall, whilst Tina read! The children all joined us in acting out the story - we had a room full of very excitable quacking ducks, bouncing frogs, and stormy weather! A great lesson! Then, to top it all off, the children did some fantastic art work with sponge and finger painting, and hand printing. Very messy, but great fun!
After a fabulous send off, it was back to our goat research. We visited the compound from which the goats were stolen, to measure up for a shelter in which to house the goats at night. After giving the money for shelter, which is going to include a secure roof, windows for ventilation, and a door with a padlock, the new goats will be very spoilt!
Our next stop was Gambia College where the very successful science workshops took place in February. We delivered the certificates for the participating students, and, some more science and maths resources. We then met two sponsored students from the university, both of whom appear to be doing extremely well. One of them was the very lucky recipient of netbook, which he received with the biggest grin we have seen in a long time!
We were not so fortunate at Nari, our final stop of the day, as they did not have any artemesia plants for us to buy to take up-country. Artemesia is the plant with anti-malarial properties which we have been planting in Gambian villages. The cuttings they had were too small and fragile to take all the way to Jarra, so Wandifa is going to take them as soon as they are ready.
We made it back to the hotel for a quick swim and Happy Hour, and rounded off the day with dinner in The Senegambia with Sainey and Linda. Both are very well and as good company as ever! Then back to the hotel to sort more equipment! Looking forward to tomorrow... but for now, sleeeeeeep!! Love to all at home x x x
