School reopens and support is needed

Once again, we approach school opening in The Gambia and my children all need support in order to attend. Last year we managed to support fifteen children, and three young adults (university and college) complete their year.

We had the help and the support for one term from a local charity in the making, which unfortunately was denied accreditation by the government, and must be rework their application.

Again, many of you who have been long term supporters, provided the assistance to ensure at least the children completed their year. We were also fortunate to get a sizable contribution from a colleague and friend for whom I had worked.

I am still searching for a charity to share the load – but they are difficult to find.

The economic situation there like everywhere has worsened, and of course there are no social programs, or school subsides, only outside sponsors like us to lend a hand. Gambia is one of the poorest of the poor countries in the world.

My situation is stagnant, and as a result I have had to reduce my overall contributions to sustain my mission.

Our support to many families still provides for life’s basic necessities of food and medical – for them it is survival at best and appreciated by all – they have no other alternative.

Education is above and beyond all this and without continued support the children will not attend school.

Contributions have dwindled over the past year or so and I realise that is not easy for anyone. Many of you have been supporting my efforts over my thirteen years of involvement in The Gambia.

The needs there, like everywhere, have increased with the world economic situation. In my heart I know that a mission like this just cannot be abandoned as so many will suffer, especially the children.

Many die very young – I received notification only yesterday from one of? my school principals of the death of one of her students, a boy maybe eleven years old; fortunately, not one of mine.

While I? find it difficult to continue asking for support, on my own it is not possible. A little from many will at least allow the children attend school this year. The first term requires books and uniforms as well as fees.

?

I appreciate all who consistently support me, others who have helped recently and humbly ask everyone who are able to help these little ones to attend school again this year.

I appreciate all who consistently support me, other who have helped recently and humbly ask everyone who are able to help with this difficult situation for me, and for all the little ones and those not so little to continue their studies.

Written by William (Bill) Pardy

April 17th, 2024

If you are inclined, are able, and would like to help, you can be assured it would be most appreciated by my families and children, and most helpful to my cause.

In Canada you can make an e-transfer to the Bank of Montreal? via my email:?[email protected]?

or outside Canada can contribute via my PayPal Link.

https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=RJYJZ727F24AA&source=url

?? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?