After the purchase of the land in 2023, the transformation of the site began in January 2024. The land had two very run- down buildings and a shell of a small store. There was zero running water due to lack of NAWEC water supply.
The first task was to clear the land and install a bore hole and water tank before any work could begin on the land.
The second task was to secure the boundaries as all the walls were in a bad condition. This was a huge undertaking and really ate into funds. The soak away had collapsed and had to be rebuilt
After some deliberation, it was decided it would be cheaper and quicker to refurbish the original structures instead of razing them to the ground and building again. The buildings were in appalling condition and all needed new roofs, complete rewiring and changes in doors and windows. The main building, however, was a good size and became three nursery classrooms and a kitchen.
We were able to utilise the space well by knocking down a few walls. Each classroom has two toilets, so the little ones do not have to go far, it also allows easy access to a water supply in each classroom.
The rooms are designed in an L-shape allowing different activities to happen at the same time, including an art area, a reading corner, writing area, messy play, construction and a home corner.
At the side of the Kitchen, a bantaba was constructed over the top of the soakaway. This large, covered area is used for various activities such as meetings, circle time, serving lunches and even their Christmas party!
The building work for the new nursery was completed in just 8 months and was ready to move into for the new school year in September 2024. The children were very excited to move into the new buildings. All the extra space gives the teachers the freedom to follow all aspects of the Gambian GOALS curriculum, including sand and water play. The large playground allows children to run and play games and exercise without disturbing primary classes.
One of the biggest problems we faced at the old school, was the noise from Nursery while Primary lessons were going on! The new classrooms have been designed specifically for the children’s needs, and we are already seeing new teaching initiatives in place along with teacher-made resources.
To the right: Gilly teaching some students.
On the left, Aunty Monica with the children. Bottom Right, Uncle Chris serving drinks at the Christmas Party! All the children had so much fun, they were able to sing and dance and even act all little drama of a Nativity play in their new space
The large open space that was left has been turned into a useful playing field as you see below.
The Primary and new Secondary school is just a short walk from this site, so we can use the playing field for the senior PE lessons in the afternoons after the Nursery has closed. We have built new changing rooms so the children can have showers and use the bathroom facilities after playing sports.
