I have asked various people if they would share with us, as guest bloggers, their story of something important to them. I am grateful to Margaret Gardner, who has written about her involvement with a nursery school in The Gambia and provided the delightful picture for today’s blog. She writes:
“In 2008 my husband Colin and I celebrated our Ruby Wedding Anniversary by visiting The Gambia. We had many memorable experiences, but Bethel Nursery school stole our hearts. 300 three to seven year olds meeting and learning in the basement of the Bethel Methodist Church in the back street of the capital city Banjul. When we returned home we were contacted by a Charity called “The Friends of Bethel Nursery School”. A group of 6 amazing people who had a vision to build a nursery school in Banjul, working with the Head of the Nursery there, Sarah King. They asked us if we would like to join them and so began an amazing journey. Now the landscape of Banjul is changed for ever, a two storey, eight classroom nursery is up and running.
With the support of many friends from Cornwall to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and many places in between, we now have a wonderful fully equipped playground and the children this year have had their first ever sports day. We have sent musical instruments, story books, cuddly toys and many educational items. The charity last year started a feeding programme, so now the young children are fed, body, mind and spirit. As MWiB Birmingham District President 2011/13 my theme was “From a Spark to a Flame”. We each have a spark but when we work together it can become a flame. The Gambia has changed our lives forever and the school will change children’s lives for generations to come.”
