Squire of The Morris Ring, Robin Springett has recently returned from visiting a family in the Gambia that he and his wife Julia have supported for over 12 years. The Gambia is one of the poorest countries in the world, and latterly, that support has focussed on funding the secondary education of the two eldest girls, who are extremely bright and ambitious. Of course, things in Africa are never straightforward, even in education. Girls generally get a fairly poor deal, as any money available within a family is usually directed at boys, in the belief that they are more likely to find work. There is also the environment of poverty, malnutrition and ill health. For example, the eldest girl Haddy contracted malaria, which caused her to miss a full school year. So this year the girls, who are a year apart in age, both successfully graduated from secondary school, and as a result, both have applied for tertiary education. Haddy, along with 1000s of other girls has applied to Nursing College for one of 40 places; she has had the interview and must wait until the New Year to learn if she has been successful; whilst Fatou her younger sister has just heard that she has been accepted for an 18 month course leading to a Diploma in Business Studies.
Robin and Julia are very proud of these 2 girls, and he points to the commitment they made to pursue their education, for example undertaking daily a round trip of 7 miles to get to school, initially on foot, then later on bicycles bought for birthdays. They have kept in contact over the years, originally by writing, more recently by text, and when there has been the occasional visit to the family these have involved seeing the girls’ school reports, talking with teachers and generally learning if they have been hard working or not, which usually they have! Of the remaining children in the family, there is a girl with special needs, who is being educated by a charity, a boy of 11 who the family are supporting through education themselves, and a younger sister who at 6 has just started primary school.
On his recent trip, Robin was asked if he knew anyone who would wish to sponsor a bright 10 year old boy with a struggling single mum as the only parent. Sponsorship would involve payment direct to the mother 3 times a year of approximately £100 for the school fees. If there is anyone who might be interested to take this on, please contact springettrobin [at] gmail.com (subject: Gambia%20Appeal) (Robin) direct. It can be a very satisfying experience, but should not be entered into lightly, as it is also a commitment!
The photograph shows Robin with Haddy (left) and Fatou.
