A Swiss charity organisation has given sum of D200,000 in forms materials like milling machines, bicycles to six schools and Bansang community and its surrounding communities.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony, a rep of Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education who doubles as the regional director Paul Mendy and Abba Sanyang, governor of the Central River Region both commended the gesture as laudable.
The association donated grain milling equipment – a total of 12 mills, with 2 electric and 10 hand operated – for a total value in excess of 89’000 GMD. A demonstration of usage of the equipment was carried out on stage, allowing students and community members to understand the benefits of and familiarise themselves with the equipment.
The association also presented the schools with funds for infrastructure development, with a donation for the refurbishment of classroom furniture in excess of 30’000 GMD. Other donations took the shape of the Peter da Costa fund of 20’000 GMD and the Astrid Manneh of Yosh Restaurant Fajara fund of 10’000 GMD which will both be put towards the production and purchase of 70 uniforms for orphans of the region.
Finally, the association presented the schools of the region with 11 bicycles, which will be managed and distributed across the network of schools by the authorities, with the goal of addressing the mobility challenges faced by students residing in remote areas of the Bansang cluster and its schools.
The ceremony was held in the assembly Hall of Bansang Senior Secondary School, with a variety of students and teachers, parents, MOBSE representatives and representatives of the local authorities in attendance
Nicola Ambrosi de Magistris Verzier, Treasurer of the association said: “we at The Bansang Swiss Project are committed to the development of the educational experience and overall quality of life of the students of the region. Our focus on sustainability and driving for local solutions was the driving force in our decision to focus on the provision of mills and funds for the communities of the region and the schools this year, looking at supporting orphans and their integration in the school system via uniforms as well as redeveloping damaged school furniture through school workshops.”
Our investment in the welfare of the community grows and we see its benefits through the continued academic journeys of students in the region, he added.
Started in December 2017, The Bansang Swiss Project is a family run non-profit association whose goal is to support the education of youths in the Region of Bansang. The organisation is committed to supporting local initiatives geared towards empowering the next generation through education, as well as supporting students in their everyday lives by facilitating access to resources.
Discussing this year’s handover of milling equipment, Caroline (Briggs) Ambrosi de Magistris Verzier – Founder of the association, said: Conscious of the strain the physical labor of preparing flour and food brings upon women in communities, we have looked at creating a sustainable solution which will see mothers and students diminish time allocation to meal preparation.
The use of Mills – both electrical for the centres with access to power, as well as mechanical for remote communities – will be surveyed by the Mother’s Clubs of the different location, where a small fee charged per use will be used to finance the maintenance of said equipment as well as generate funds towards the orphans’ uniforms’ scheme for the coming years, allowing members of the community to share the equipment for communal benefit.”
PraWe are grateful for The Bansang Swiss Project’s unwavering support for the education of Gambian youth. The association’s contributions for developing teaching infrastructure will allow for students to enjoy their learning experiences further and grow in and outside of the classroom.