Gambia

Gambia is the smallest country in Africa with a population of one and a half million. Its territory is spread along both sides of the River Gambia which runs the length of the country, with the capital Banjul situated on the Atlantic coast. The country has no significant mineral or natural resources, and the economy is largely based on agriculture – mostly peanut production, due to the poor soil – and some tourism. Although there is a degree of political stability, the lack of resources results in widespread poverty. Smile International has been liaising with Pastor Carruthers Donkor of the Baptist Union of Gambia to see how best to help those in need in the country. On 27 January 2007 a sea container of aid and educational supplies was sent out from the UK – aid, sewing machines, clothes and shoeboxes for the 2,500 school children and 30 computers for the new IT department they are setting up. This is the first time we have sent shoeboxes to this country. The container arrived in March at Glory Baptist School in Banjul.

Pastor Donkor and the Secretary of the Baptist School Board would like to thank all those who contributed to these gifts which are greatly appreciated and welcomed, and will be a great blessing to both children and adults, and their hopes for the future.  A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this possible.

Clive will be visiting Gambia for an update on the distribution of this aid and to investigate further how Smile can help with the needs of the region.

   
Computers, sewing machines and shoeboxes loaded in UK

     
Unloading at Glory Baptist School, Banjul