Well done Joyce!

Joyce has just completed a 25 mile sponsored cycle ride for GOES. Not bad for 70+ ! Very proud of her - well done!

Where has all the money gone?

Something of a problem - running out of money while, at the same time, the need for it increases.
GOES can keep promises already made but we're unable at the moment to take on new commitments. It's quite heart-breaking to have to say 'Sorry, we can't help you.' We never make promises we can't keep: it would be so easy to say 'We'll see if we can help next month' but at the moment it just would not be true. We can't be dishonest and deal out false hope.
We are aware of young people who would benefit from futher education; there are clinics urgently in need of funds to purchase antibiotics; schools which would make massive strides forward with just one extra, qualified, teacher; families which would be protected by the gift of a mosquito net - the list is endless.
GOES does not thrive on memories of what has been achieved (though, with the help of friends that achievement is considerable) but on thoughts of what is yet to be accomplished.
Please help if you can. These are desperate times.

Welcome!

Ebou and Tom shake hands as we welcome him to the team. Tom wants a T-shirt now!

Happy Gardening!

Remember a couple of years ago when GOES, with your help, established a garden in the compound of the Jones' Nursery School? Well, it worked! The children and staff can now enjoy fresh fruit (We can testify that it is delicious). Congratulations to the staff of the school - they have worked very hard to produce such fine crops. And thank you, because you provided the money to make it possible!

Back to work at last.

Great boat holiday. Managed to cover 28 miles and work 14 locks in fourteen days. Explored the Grand Union Canal (well, a few miles of it) visited some beautiful villages, spent too long in some very friendly pubs, met some lovely people. There's something about boating that attracts wonderful laid-back folk with time to talk and chill out.
Home to the emails. Lamin, at Lodz University, has problems with his visa, Ousman almost passed his final teaching qualification exams, Ami must have her school fees - and my barber is holding a car boot sale to raise funds for us. He'll guarantee a minimum of £50. I'm searching for a cheap flight to Banjul so I can visit some schools and hospitals and take out some medical equipment friends have given us.
The Co-op Bank account is up and running, the application for Charitable status is almost complete and we've got information on how to apply for Gift Aid, which will mean an extra 28% on every donation from tax payers.
We promise that we cover our own expenses, so that every penny of every donation goes to The Gambia.
We've sent our local newspaper a press release, which, if published, will hopefully attract interest, funds and volunteers.