Into Africa

Bedford College is sponsoring the development of a new primary school in one of the poorest parts of Africa. The foundation stone was laid earlier this month at a special ceremony.

Bedford College has given £8,000 towards the cost of land and school buildings in Brikama, Gambia - but will also be lending expertise from its own ranks of Outstanding Ofsted and Beacon Status lecturers and students.

The Governors and Management Team of Bedford College hope the partnership will engage Bedford students as much as their younger friends in the Gambia.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to broaden their horizons and see how the skills they are developing here in Further Education in the UK can help others who are themselves desperate to learn,” said Principal Ian Pryce.

“Initially our construction and engineering students will be able to witness how some of techniques they learn about solar power impact on the building of the school. Seeing a real building created will help bring their studies to life. In fact, students have said they want to help raise the educational aspirations for young people in developing countries.

“Bedford College shares the only Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in Skills for Energy in the UK - and as part of this students learn about sustainable energy, which will be very helpful for the school in the Gambia where energy supplies are limited.”

The funding comes not from Government money but from monies earned by Bedford College from 'full-cost' courses - such as part-time evening classes.

“Bedford College is a multi-million pound organisation. In comparison, a few thousand pounds can change the lives of people in another country,” added Ian.

The idea came about when Ian Pryce met with Gambian teacher Musa Sanneh who is working in the UK. Ian paid a private visit to see for himself what a sponsored school could achieve and recognised the benefits for his 15,000 students and the 400 potential pupils in Brikama.

It has taken a while to secure the legalities that will ensure that the facility is owned by the local community and will remain for educational purposes. This arrangement has been secured with the help of a Gambia-based Swiss Charity which is experienced in this field of activity and its represenative at the scene Joy Buchanan.