Gambia Project

CONTENTS PAGE

1. Introduction to Gold Forum

2

2. General Introduction to The Gambia

4

3. President’s Award

6

4. Possible Projects

8

5. Itinerary / Timeline

12

6. Activities

14

7. Home Stay

19

8. Things to do

24

9. Hotels

27

10. Money

29

11. Risk Assessment

31

12. Contacts

32

1

THE LONDON GOLD AWARD FORUM The London Gold Award Forum is a group consisting of 14 Gold participants (all at different stages of the award) from across London. Established in November 2005 we are the first year to take part, in what hopes to be come a permanent forum with a change in committee every year. Our ages range from 17-24 and we provide a broad representation of young people in terms of gender, ethnicity, culture and socio-economic background. It provides us with a fantastic opportunity to get young people opinions heard, and to input into a variety of issues which affect young people. The forum assists in the planning and development of the Award at both a national and regional level. The purpose of the award is to make the award accessible to young people and to give young people doing the award a voice. The forum can also act as a consultation point for Award staff and partner organizations. So far we have consulted on the Governments ‘Youth Matters’ paper, met HRH Earl of Wessex, been involved in the London Arts Project, and various 50th anniversary events. We have even been to Head Office and spoke to Peter Westgarth and several other Regional Directors. Much emphasis is placed on young people having a say in the design and decision-making process for the programmes and provisions that they are involved in.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE Part of the role of the forum is also to plan for 5 international projects over the next 5 years, with The Gambia being the first. The aim is to establish links and programmes for future groups in 5 different countries to enable London Operating Authorities, Schools and Youth Groups to Access affordable international ventures without the need for commercial providers, and thereby offering young people the opportunity to participate in an international volunteering experience at an affordable price. Each forum will look to design future projects, and produce a final report detailing what can be done in conjunction with sister Duke of Edinburgh organizations in other countries. In order to enable a full understanding of the needs of countries young people,, each forum will look to travel to the country to participate in project deign and to carry out indepth research into ‘joined up projects’ with a view to establishing links and programmes for future groups

2

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The first international project was planned for The Gambia, West Africa. Before heading out to The Gambia we came up with a few objectives: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

to establish links between D of E and the Presidents Award research activities / projects which can be done learn more / appreciate The Gambia to come up with a report to encourage others to take part / experience new things

3

INTRODUCTION TO THE GAMBIA The Gambia is on the west coast of Africa and although it is one of Africa’s smallest countries it still has plenty to offer.

•

KEY FACTS Full name: Republic of The Gambia

•

Capital: Banjul

•

Population: 1,400,000

•

Languages: English (official) Mandinka (other - tribal) Wolof (other - tribal) Fula (other - tribal)

•

There are nine tribes: Wolof, Mandinka, Jola Fula, Serrer, Sarakuli, Manjako, Karolinka.

•

Religion: Muslim (90%), Christian (9%), indigenous beliefs (1%)

•

Currency: Dalasi (100 D = £2)

•

Time Zone: GMT

•

Gained its independence from Britain in 1965.

•

The Gambia is one of the poorest countries in the world.

•

Flying from London to the Gambia takes about 6 hours. Things you need to know

•

Vaccinations: some are necessary and some are advised for example yellow fever isn’t a requirement but is strongly advised by doctors. Typhoid, Tetanus and Hepatitis A are compulsory. Malaria is a danger but can be avoided by the proper precautions. There are three different types of medication; Malarone, Lariam and doxycycline. No tablets are completely effective and they all have side effects but the chances of these causing you more harm than a bout of Malaria are extremely small.

•

Mosquito repellent is advised especially in the rainy season (around July).

4

•

It is recommended to be aware of the water in The Gambia, therefore, bottled water is suggested. Bad water is the principle cause of diarrhoea. Both the water and the food may cause stomach aches but this should not be for more than a day. Cultural do’s and don’ts The majority of the population in The Gambia is Muslim and so there are bound to be some cultural difference which you may be need to be aware of. Most notably the dress; it is deemed offensive for a woman to show her shoulders, stomach or legs in public unless in a very touristy area so respectful to cover up at all times. Men also have to be aware that it is seen as offensive to walk round bare-chested. Other cultural hints are:

•

Greetings are a very big part of the Gambian way so don’t be surprised by how friendly everyone is out there.

•

Don’t be put off by apparent shiftiness in eye-contact, it is common for those you are talking to, to avoid direct looks.

•

Traditionally the left hand is reserved for unhygienic acts, so never use your left hand when eating from a communal bowl, or as an offer of greeting.

•

Hissing is an ordinary way of getting a persons attention in the Gambia so don’t be shocked if you hear this.

•

If you are invited to a Gambian house, it is normal to take your host a gift.

•

Anticipate delays as the Gambian way of life is more relaxed and therefore timekeeping is less precise.

•

If photographing people in The Gambia, don’t be surprised if they ask you to send the pictures to them, and it is deemed offensive not to follow this. Also it is seen as respectful to ask permission beforehand.

5

INTRODUCTION TO THE PRESIDENTS AWARD The Presidents Award is the Gambian equivalent to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. In May 1988 the Duke of Edinburgh's Award - International Association was formally constituted to act as a means for discussion and communication between members. In which nearly a 100 countries are included (the program runs under many names). There are a few differences between the Award in Britain and in The Gambia, though this is due to environmental reasons; for example in Britain, gold expeditions are done is wild terrain (mountains and hills etc) and in The Gambia, the terrain is relatively flat, and there for Gambian participants can not hike up mountains. Not forgetting that the temperature is so hot there, that there is no requirement for waterproof clothing, as there is over here in England. However the ethos and credo of the Award remains the same throughout – youth empowerment, encouraging self belief, confidence, independence, responsibility and communication. In The Gambia people hold a high profile of the Award, with three out of five people completing the Award. The Presidents Award, funny enough is named after the Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, as he is a firm supporter of the Award. The President’s Award’s national office is based in Bakal. On the same site they have a skills centre. It is large with space for expansion. They have 14 rooms to let, a hall which they also rent out, a dinning room, and many classrooms. At the skills centre they learn marketable skills – we were told that former participants make a living from the skills that they have learnt at the centre. Some skills that are taught there are: secretarial, I.T, sowing and dressmaking, carpentry, metal fabrication, mechanics and electrical installation. They also offer summer classes to the local residents that are not participants of the Award. What we plan to do is what a group from Scotland have already accomplished which is to form links and to have completed development projects - they called this project ‘GAMSCOT’. The name GAMSCOT derives from the start of Gambia and the start of Scotland. The Scottish Duke of Edinburgh’s Award group which is involved is based in Dumfries. The gold participants from Scotland came and helped build a wall to the left of the compound. This since has progressed to the building of the entire centre, all of 6

which was built by the Scottish and Gambian gold participants working together. Since then, the GAMSCOT project has bought in 17 computers and 3 laptops. These have enabled the President’s Award to teach computing as part of crucial skills which will benefit the Gambian participants for life. A spokesman for the President’s Award said: “We welcome you, as the Dumfries project did so much for us, we hope you will too.” GAMSCOT achieved so much from the building of a wall to the creation of an entire award centre in the Gambia proving that it can be done.

7

Gambia Project 2007 The purpose of our trip was to gain a better understanding on how the President’s Award works in The Gambia and whether we can help the Award in the future. We found that there are a number of projects; the main one, and most urgent, is the complete renovation of one of the classroom blocks in the President’s Award compound. The details for the project are outlined below. What needs to be done? The classroom block needs to have five classrooms, two offices and two toilets at the end of the refurbishment. However, first off, the removal of an asbestos roof is paramount as is its replacement. New ceilings, windows, doors all need to be provided not to mention that the entire block needs to be rewired, repainted and furnished. Who pays for this? We are hoping for a total of five groups of about fifteen people to go out to The Gambia during 2007 to complete different stages of this project. This would involve raising £1000 towards the project – a princely sum of around £66.60 per person, which is certainly not impossible. What is the duration spent on the project? The total time for the project is about 3 to 4 weeks for the basics. To furniture and give the place a lick of paint will take a while longer. For each group it is estimated that they spend a total of one week on the project, perhaps spending another week touring The Gambia doing some of activities in this project and more! This could work out as one day on the project, one day around The Gambia, depending on how long your trip is. Do the groups get any help? The groups will be working hand in hand with Gambian counterparts. These counterparts are learned in different skills, such as carpentry and metal work, and all the groups need to do is provide the money for materials and the counterparts can make the furniture needed. As you can imagine this saves a lot of money in the long run. This gives a brief overview of the local prices for materials and equipment needed:

8

D194,315.00 Also: 5 Litre of paint 20 Litre of wall paint Paintbrush 5mm Roller Sandpaper size 3 Polyfiller Mosquito Nets (1 metre)

D500 D70 D25 D100 D100 D150 D100

9

Gambia Project 2008 This Project is for the newest of the classroom blocks.

•

This new classroom block needs its old wooden frame replaced with a metal one (as the termites are munching their way slowly but surly through it)

•

New classroom block – has sandy floor and needs a cemented floor

•

A general refurbishment of the block needed as well

•

This project – a classroom block (4 classrooms) will last approximately a week for 10 – 15 young people. And will cost again, approximately £5000

10

Gambia Project 2009 This project will be the establishment of another skills centre in the Gambia. The proposed site will be in Kerewn. The President’s Award already own the land. They just need the resources and they are ready to build. Kerewen is an hour drive away and a 30 minute ferry crossing The building will comprise of 3 classrooms, 1 office, 1 store room

Blue Prints of the future skills centre of Kerwen.

11

ITINERARY The itinerary of our week in the Gambia. Tuesday 4th July • • • • • • •

All met at London Gatwick Airport Checked in Flight left at 9:15 am Flight arrived at 2:15 pm at Banjul International Airport in The Gambia Picked up by The Gambia Experience Coach and taken to Senegambia Beach Hotel in Senegambia Booked into Hotel, unpacked and familiarize ourselves with the Hotel Dinner at Ali Baba

Wednesday 5th July • • • • • •

Breakfast Bus to the Presidents Award Scheme and Skills Centre in Bakau Met staff and tour of the PAS Site and Skills Centre Bus from PAS centre to Kachically Crocodile Pool and Museum Returned to Hotel by Bus Free time (Pool or Beach or Diary Time) Dinner at Ali Baba

Thursday 6th July • •

• • • • • •

Breakfast Bus to the PAS Centre Another tour of the PAS Site and the listing of the necessary materials needed to develop the site Bus from PAS centre to Serekunda Market in Serekunda Bus from Serekunda Market to Awa’s House Met Gold and Silver Smiths man Return to Hotel by Bus Free time Dinner at Le Paradise Restaurant

Friday 7th July • • •

Breakfast Bus to the PAS Centre Met Counterparts at PAS for ‘Home Stay’ Returned to Hotel by Taxi

12

•

Dinner at Ali Baba

Saturday 8th July • • • • •

Breakfast Bus to Bungalow Beach in Kololi to meet Counterparts Had lunch at Bungalow Beach with Counterparts Returned to Hotel by Bus Free time Dinner at La Paradise Restaurant

Sunday 9th July • • •

Early Breakfast and Roots Tour Returned to Hotel by Coach Dinner at La paradise Restaurant

Monday 10th July • •

• • •

Breakfast Bus to PAS to meet counterparts Visit to Presentation Girls Vocational School, Independent Arch and Albert market with Counterparts Returned to Hotel Free time (Start Packing) Dinner at Ali Baba with Counterparts

Tuesday 11th July • • • • • • •

Breakfast (Finish Packing) Checked out of Hotel Taken to Banjul International Airport by The Gambia Experience Coach Checked in Flight left at 4:00 pm Flight arrives at 11:00 pm in London Gatwick Airport Pick-Up from Airport

13

Activities Some of the interesting things to do… Serrekunda Market Serrekunda Market is a colourful market packed with local people, authentic Gambian ingredients, pots and pans and trinkets… If you are someone that does not like small places, and likes to be left alone for a quiet browse, then an early warning, Serrekunda market is not for you! It’s hectic atmosphere can get you annoyed very easily along with the constant hassling from the local people, asking all sorts of questions. You may well get befriended by a local man who will follow you and walk with you through the market, and finally persuade you to come to his shop, or the batik-shop of his sister’s. No matter how many times you say no, you will most probably end up going to “just look” at the crafts in his shop with no obligation to buy anything, unless you are firm enough to say NO completely. The main thing one has to remember is that if you do not want something then do NOT feel obliged to get anything. Do NOT take pictures in the market, as local people think that you will put their images on postcards, and may ask for money for it- others may just ask you to marry them! You may enter a building consisting of narrow corridors, with stalls either side of you just less than a metre apart. Again, if you are someone that feels claustrophobic, then don’t bother entering. Because the passage way is not only very narrow, but crammed with people moving through it, and the vendors themselves, hassling you and putting necklaces and bracelets on you. As everything is quite crammed in here, make sure you keep an eye on all your personal belongings.

14

Prices at Serrekunda market are very reasonable. Here is a brief list of the prices we were able to haggle down to. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t have to pay may much more than this (unless you want to), but you may also find yourself paying less(!): Necklaces – 20D Small craft key rings – 10D Sand paintings (sold on the beach) – 100D Wooden bowl (medium size) – 150D Batiks (depending on size), 1.5m – 80 Bracelets (x6 beaded ones) – 60D Silver bracelets (x3) – 60D Beach towels (x3) – 150D Albert Market Albert Market, Banjul, mainly has souvenirs that tourists like to buy, such as crafts, paintings, and batiks. It is most certainly more spacious that Serrekunda market, and less local people follow you around or cling to you. Again, prices here are very reasonable depending on how good you are at haggling. Most of the shops sell the same things, so if you don’t get a low price, don’t worry, just move on to the next store where you will most probably find the same thing! (Also – watch out for the stripy coloured watering cans!)

15

ROOTS TOUR The Roots tour is one of the most famous tours in the Gambia which can be organised directly with the Gambia Experience. Roots was a book which was written on a real life story by Alex Hayley who wrote about his predecessors and their trials and tribulations of the slave trade in North America. The book is based around stories he heard as a child from his Grandma as a young boy and went travelling to the Gambia to find out about Kunta Kinteh who was captured in 1767. In Gambia, Alex Hayley met Bintah Kinteh who was one of the seven generations of the Kinteh family who passed away three years ago. As part of the tour, you are taken via ferry (Lawrence of Arabia) from Banjul Port to Juffreh and James Island. You will be taken into a smaller boat mid-way through the trip to go to James Island as it is no longer big enough to port a larger boat. History Europeans and Americans used to voyage to Africa for trading purposes and to spread Christianity in 1455. Originally, white people in the Caribbean (West Indies), North and South America who were criminals were used to work on the plantations. However there weren’t enough of them so black people from Africa were enslaved and used instead. Black people were obtained and abducted from farms, their homes and forests and the local chiefs sold their own people as slaves. 25% of slaves were obtained from the Senegambia which is the combination of Senegal and Gambia. The transport chain was from the Gambia, through Senegal to America. The French bought in slave rights known as ‘Code Naire’ including rights to the owner in court but free white creoles ignored the sections to law which they found inconvenient. New World slavery lasted for over 378 years and there was a rebellion in 1799 in Santo Domingo (Haiti) where slaves were liberated and established a free state. Sites to see as part of the Roots tour

Juffreh

16

At Juffreh, you have to go and meet the village chief before passing through who at the moment is a woman. This is unusual but this is under a new presidential ruling to give women equal roles in society. As part of her role is to obtain taxes from the people on the Island.

The Freedom pole- this is said to be where slaves were told to swim over from James Island to Juffreh and touch the pole to gain their freedom. Juffreh Museum- Things to see • Statues and pictures of the possible treatment of slaves • Maps which show the occurrence of slave trade in African trade in African countries • Representations of actions occurring during the slave trade • Pictures and contributions of black heroes including Malcolm X, Alex Haley, Martin Luther King Jr. etc. ) At Juffreh, you will also be taken to a small arts market which has various tradition Gambian souvenirs. Be aware that as you are tourists, you will feel obligated to buy but haggle all the way! James Island James Island is the slave fort where slaves who were captured, were kept to be built up in body. The Island is now quite small by size due to erosion. The slaves were fed kidney beans once a day to fatten them up and were normally kept at James Island for 15 days. Disobedient slaves were kept in a dark dug out but the extent on their punishment depended on their severity of their disobedience.

17

The slaves were given a 10 foot area to sit in with more than 30 slaves were kept there at any one time. Male and female slaves were kept separately. The English built the actual fort on the Island and fought with the French for the Island itself.

Things to be aware •

•

•

• • •

At Juffreh, beware of children as they will overwhelm you by talking to you and holding your hand. It might be a nice thing to give out sweets but be aware that there are a sheer number of them and it would be hard to give them all sweets The Ferry does come provided with Sangriah and tuna sandwiches. For lunch there was a buffet with Beef Banellini with salad and bread. Soft Drinks are D25 and can be paid via a tab. For the whole trip, comfortable shoes have to be worn as there is a transfer into a smaller boat (Dinge) to visit James Island Precautions should be taken for seasickness and against sun burn Top deck of the ferry is a good place to sit as they pull over a shade and there is a nice breeze too. At the arts market, be prepared to haggle and they can be persistent so make sure no means no!

18

HOME STAY During our time in The Gambia, we, in groups of two, had the opportunity to spend the day with a President’s Award participant, visiting their homes, eating a typical Gambian meal and being extensively dipped into Gambian culture! We had a number of different experiences, which you can read about below, and the overall feeling about the day was that it was certainly worthwhile. Priya and Amanda We spent our homestay with Mai who took us to a bustling local market where we bought a coconut. We then took a bus to her compound in Setuka. Her family were really friendly and welcoming especially the children who drew pictures for us. The time just flew by as we were having so much fun getting our hair braided, watching Nigerian movies, drinking green tea and playing with the children. At first we were nervous about our stay but by the end of it we did not want to leave. After taking group photos and exchanging email addresses we said our goodbyes and returned to the hotel. Nykki and Neha We went to stay with Amie. She lives in Serakunda with her extended family; grandmother, 2 uncles, each with 2 wives and their children. They live together in 2 compounds. While we were there we looked at some pictures of her family, her school and expeditions. We ate benachin (rice) , fish, cabage, cassava and rangha which is green, made from leaves and has a bitter taste. Neha played ludo with some of the kids, while Nykki was getting her hair braided by Amie. We also played cards with them. We talked to the family and found that some of them go to school, some of them don't; they are all muslims; some of them speak english while some speak only wolof. The family are quiet well off compared to some others. Aoife and Alex As we arrived we walked into Kumba’s sisters’ house and were shocked by the amount of people and especially young children. To tell the truth we were a bit 19

surprised by the difference from this house to the only other one we had seen as it had a TV, DVD player and the like. After being introduced to the family we went outside and played card games and gave the children a football which they loved. Dinner was a bit confusing because although we had expected to eat out of a communal bowl, we were given many dishes with different foods to taste. Thinking we had finished, we were then taken outside to eat from the main food bowl with 20 boys which was different to anything we had done before. Later on we went to Kumba’s house where we met her mother and her brother who was a huge Rio Ferdinand fan. After looking at many photos and spending time with her family we headed back to the hotel having had a fantastic and rewarding experience. Nathan and Sanoobar We stayed with Omar Conteh. We met his family, including his many brothers and sisters and were shown around his house. We were told that one of the daughters, Fatima aged 9 was born in America but was bought back to The Gambia to learn about her African heritage, customs and traditions. She will be sent back when she turns 18. Omar told us about Gambian life and the many tribes that the country has. He taught us some of his tribal languages including Wolof and Mandinka. We spoke for a while about the similarities and differences with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the President’s Award, then went to the mosque for Friday prayer and were later given African names - Abdullah and Nehi. After we ate Kaldu (made of rice, fish, yam and cambage) which was lovely! We shared a bowl with three other people. We were given a tour of the area in which Omar lives as well as being introduced to his extended family and some of his friends - it was a great day! Steff and Suzanne The homestay was, on the whole, a very enjoyable experience for both of us. For the majority of the day we sat outside watching the children playing games, the obvious favourite being hopscotch - using sharp stones, they would sketch an outline of the stepping stones onto the ground. Watching Suzanne join in was rather amusing, and the kids loved it too, especially as she had to be reminded of how to play the game a few times. Every time we tried to take a photo of them, they went berserk! 20

They loved seeing the picture of themselves on the camera screen and they would crowd around us to view all the photos we had taken so far. Another highlight of the day was visiting the local market, where Steff bought some kabba fruit - she got 4 for D10, which amounted to the equivalent of 5p per fruit. We both purchased patterned plastic kettles which the Gambians use for washing – we’re probably going to find a different use for them however! Finally, eating lunch was a new experience for us; the whole family shared a single bowl of rice, using their hands to pick it up. Never done that before! However, one thing we were not expecting was the toilet to be a hole in the ground... just be aware! But taking part in the homestay certainly opened our eyes to everyday Gambian life, and we very glad that we did so.

Izzy and Sheeza The Home stay was an amazing experience; it really opened our eyes to see how different people in Africa live compared to us in England who take little things for granted. We went to Isa's home, to meet her family and then meet her relatives and friends. It was really cool trying the homemade African food, and just walking around the local area with all of Isatoa’s friends and family. Everyone was really friendly and welcoming to their homes. They showed us their photos about a lady's graduation and party, and their model photos. We all shared the bowl of white rice with fish and sweet potato in tomato curry - it was nice. We both got to watch a monthly street performance, consisting of a dance and music (with drums) and we saw a scary dancer! It was such a wicked atmosphere, all the kids and local neighbours were out and about enjoying themselves. From our home stay we learnt that The Gambia is the smallest part of Africa, and is known as the smiling coast. we would defenitely say that being on the trip and staying with Isatoa and her family for the day made The Gambia live up to its well known expectations. Caz and Sarah We had our homestay with Awa, one of the President Awards project officers, and her family. After we left the President’s Award site we piled into a Gambian taxi and headed to the market. It was incredible being with someone who knew what was going on, what to buy and more importantly how to barter! We watched in

21

amazement, it was so different to England and there was so much going on at one time. After that it was back to Awa’s home. This consisted of a stone building with 3 bedrooms, a toilet/show (with no light) and a sitting room crammed full with furniture and ornaments. The kitchen was a separate building out the back in the yard and they were also building another separate room. It was interesting to seeing the separation in duties within the family. While Awa had to stay and do some washing and prepare lunch for everyone we headed off with her brother. After going to see where he played football we spent the next couple of hours sat on a bench under a tree on the street. Gradually more and more of his friends turned up, all of whom could speak amazing English. Then it was back for lunch – a fantastic meal of Fish Benachin (rice with various flavours and fried fish). After a bit of football with the boys Awa was done with her various chores and she proceeded to take us around the whole neighbourhood meeting friends and family – it was incredible how many people she knew! The whole neighbourhood seemed so friendly and by the end we had a gaggle of children with us who we didn’t want to leave, but with the promise of cakes from Awa we headed back into Senegambia market before returning back to the hotel. It was a really good day and is recommended to anyone who visits the Gambia – it was one of Caz’s best days in The Gambia! As you can see, we all enjoyed our visits very much and can only recommend that you go on a homestay yourself so that you can have your own enjoyable Gambian adventure!

22

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THE GAMBIA CROCODILE POOL Location: Bakau Description: The sacred crocodile pool is home to more than 100 relatively tame crocodiles, who prefer the taste of fish to meat. The friendliest crocodile is named Charlie. There is also a museum which has on display old items used by the native people of Bakau hundreds of years ago. The whole area surrounding the pool and the museum is a forest of beautiful trees, plants and wildlife. Cost: D250 (£5) per person BATIK FACTORY Location: Serrekunda Description: Here you get the chance to see how process of dyeing materials and textile work are done, and buy the materials at a very good price. A wide variety of designs and colours can be found. WOOD CARVING MARKET Location: Brikama Description: Brikama has the largest gathering of wood carvers in the country. At the market, tourists have the opportunity to browse through the numerous styles of woodcraft and buy some to take home. PARADISE BEACH Location: Sanyang Description: This beach is perfect for sunbathing, relaxing, and swimming in the sea. Compared to the other beaches along the Gambian coastline, it is very quiet and hassle-free. There is also a Gambia Tours hut where it is possible to buy food and drink. FISHING VILLAGE Location: Tanji Description: Tanji is a busy fishing village where nothing is put on for the tourists. When the fishing boats come in it's a hive of activity along the beach; women and children can be seen dragging fish up the beach in buckets. Just across from the beach is a camel stable and you can go for a trek along the shoreline. There are a few cafes dotted around too. However, the area can be quite smelly as the fish are left out to dry and others are left on the beach near the port. FISH HARBOUR Location: Bakau Description: This is the busiest harbour in the town where you can see fishermen offloading the fish from the boats and the women gathering and cleaning the catch of the day. The variety of fish caught always differs from day to day; it is a way of living in West Africa that some fish are to be sold and others are caught to feed the families of the fishermen. INDEPENDENT ARCH Location: Banjul Description: Built to commemorate the military takeover on 22nd July 1994 (led by Lieutenant Yahya Jammeh, now The Gambia's president), Arch 22 is by far the tallest building in The Gambia. The arch provides excellent views over the city and it's open to the public daily. It also has a small museum. FERRY TERMINAL Location: Banjul Description: The Gambia is divided North and South by the river Gambia, which is the country’s main trading route. There are a number of ferries but the most important is the one between Banjul and Barra on the northern bank. There are two roll-on roll-off ferry boats that make the trip each hour, though there are often delays. Alongside the terminal at both ends are much smaller canoe-like boats called pirogues which make the trip much faster; but you normally have to wade through the water to get on and off! Cost: D3 (300?) each way for foot passengers AFRICAN HERITAGE CENTRE Location: Bakau

23

Description: This is a restaurant and art gallery with an open balcony overlooking the port. It was founded in 1986 and is a joint Danish/Gambian venture. It is a museum of African Art, but sells all of the exhibits and replaces them with new ones - supporting the local people’s arts and crafts industry. There is a large range of products on display, which tends to be art rather than tourist souvenirs. BUSH AND BEACH SAFARI/SOUTH GAMBIA Location: Various Description: Full day tour using 4-wheel drive land rovers or mini-trucks. You can visit small fishing villages and experience life in the rural areas. This is a good opportunity to see monkeys and the rich bird life of The Gambia. Several hours can be spent on the beach where a picnic lunch is taken before returning. It is possible to visit an alcohol distillation factory and go on a camel safari too. Cost: varies depending on the tour operator ABUKO NATURE RESERVE Location: Just outside Lamin in the Kombo North District Opening hours: 8am – 6pm Description: 105ha of land on which there are many types of preserved habitats and thus many species of wildlife; over 270 species of bird have been spotted in the Abuko Nature Reserve. The pools in the Northeast end of the reserve hold a substantial population of Nile crocodiles, and attract a wide variety of birds and mammals, especially during the dry season. The pools also contain quite a variety of fish species. There is also an education centre which overlooks the crocodile pool and houses an environmental education programme. Furthermore, there is animal orphanage where you get the opportunity to view some examples of Gambian wildlife up close (spotted hyena, bush buck) as well as lions, now said to be extinct in the Gambia, apart from the rare vagrants in the east of the country. The orphanage is also a temporary home to animals and birds that had been held in captivity. Available are two refreshment kiosks and a souvenir shop. Cost: D30 per person; D50 to book the photo hide at the Orphanage LAMIN LODGE Location: Lamin village Description: Lamin Lodge is a three-story wooden construction on stilts, overlooking the mangroves of the river Gambia. It is basically a restaurant, but it is also the point of departure for many excursions. Lamin Lodge offers an extended range of both European and African dishes. It is also one of the only restaurants in the Gambia which serves the mangrove oysters, freshly picked from the river Gambia every morning. Cost: D200 for a buffet meal; D110 onwards for an ‘a la carte’ meal BOAT TRIP: ‘BIRDS AND BREAKFAST’ EXCUSRION Location: Leaves from and returns to Lamin Lodge Description: Half day excursion which is scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. After a quick coffee in Lamin Lodge, you enter a dugout canoe which will take you through the vast labyrinth of creeks that surround the village of Lamin, where more then 70 different species of water birds have been recorded. Two hours later you return to Lamin Lodge where you enjoy a breakfast buffet. After breakfast you continue your search for morning birds in the gardens of the neighbouring village of Abuko. Cost: D650 per person BOAT TRIP: ‘SUNSET CRUISE’ Location: Leaves from Denton Bridge and arrives at Lamin Lodge Description: Short excursion which is scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 4.30 pm. After a welcome drink on board you cruise for 1.5 hours through the mangroves of the River Gambia. A small band plays traditional kora music during the sunset. Upon arrival at Lamin Lodge you eat a buffet while watching a performance of Mandinka dancers and drummers. Cost: D850 per person MAKASUTU DAY TRIP Location: Makasutu Description: Makasutu is a palm forest situated on the banks of a meandering tributary of the River Gambia (Madina Bolon), encompassing many different ecosystems including dense forest, savannah and mangrove regions. The day trip starts early (you will be picked up from your hotel at 8am), and upon arrival at Makasutu you have the chance for a tea or coffee. A walk to the wildlife museum

24

then follows where a small talk is given on the work this particular museum is trying to do for the wildlife of the Gambia. Then, you take a trip down the river on dugout canoes while drifting down the waters seeing wildlife, fishermen and women collecting oysters from the mangrove. After the boat trip there is the opportunity to go on a "bush walk" where you can see some of the flora and fauna of the area. For lunch, a drive back to base camp then follows where food is waiting for you. Lunch consists of some of the best African dishes in this region. While eating food you watch traditional dancers and drum troupes perform on the natural stage, under the Baobab tree. While at base camp there is also the opportunity to participate in or just observe pottery, African cooking, furniture making, carving and dancing and drumming. TREASURE ISLAND Location: ‘Treasure Island’ Jinnack Description: Full day excursion which takes you through the countryside of The Gambia and neighbouring Senegal. The day starts early with a short journey to the ferry port at Banjul where you board the ferry for the 45 minute ferry crossing to Barra on the northern bank of the River Gambia. Ferry times can be erratic and crowded. After a quick breakfast stop, the journey continues to the border of Senegal where you have your passport checked and stamped before continuing through the Senegalese countryside to the village of Bakindikotu. A 30-45 minute boat trip brings you to the island of Jinnack and then after a 30 minute walk across the island you reach a deserted beach where a picnic is waiting. After lunch there is time to relax and swim before setting back across the island by foot to catch the boat for the return journey. Arrive back at your hotel between 6pm and 8pm. Cost: D2000 (£36) per person through the Gambia Experience tour operator GAMBIAN REPTILE FARM Location: 4km past Gunjur on the road towards Kartung about 35km from the holiday resorts that surround Serrekunda. Opening hours: 8am – 6pm Description: This is not so much a farm but more a living museum and place to see and learn about the reptiles and snakes that are found in The Gambia. It is an hour visit and especially well worth it if the French owner is there conducting the tour; he is not only very knowledgeable, but also very entertaining. Most of the exhibits are live and not at all dangerous, and the centre serves a purpose of making Gambians aware of which snakes are dangerous and which are totally harmless. This is necessary as Gambians will kill any snake they see, dangerous or not. Cost: D50 (£1) per person (if a tourist); less if not KANINLAI Location: Kaninlai Description: The village of Kaninlai is the birthplace of the Gambian President Dr. Alhajie Yahya AJJ Jammeh. TENDABA CAMP Location: Kwinella Description: This camp was originally built in the 1970s as a hunting camp, but it now attracts more birdwatchers because it is situated opposite the Baobolong Wetlands – a Ramsar site of international importance for birds. It is possible to take a boat trip through the mangrove creeks and spot many rare birds of The Gambia. There is also a restaurant at the camp. GEORGETOWN OVERNIGHT Location: MacCarthy Island Description: This excursion takes you over 300km into The Gambia and gives you a chance of seeing some very old monuments. The journey to Georgetown takes about 4-5 hours when taking the ferry from Barra, but along the way a stop is made at Farafenni Market (Lumo). Lumo is a busy market where local carvings, food and clothing can be seen and bought. Along the way you pass a few villages and some unique sights. After the market a stop is made at the Wassu stone circles where the guides explain the nature of the stone circles, their history and how they came to exist. Then, there is a 307km drive to Jang Jang Burreh (Georgetown). Jang Jang Burreh is the administrative headquarters for the Central River Division, which also has the office and residence of the commissioner. Jang Jang Burreh also had a slave building, which is now converted into a warehouse. Here you stay the night at Jang Jang Burreh Camp, and in the morning the excursion continues to include bird watching. A boat trip to Sapu concludes the tour.

25

HOTELS IN THE GAMBIA There is a wide selection of hotels you can stay at in The Gambia depending on the size of your budget.

Great Value for Money Hotels If you’re looking for a hotel that is simple, fun and friendly, why not stay at African village hotel where one can experience the ‘real Africa.’ It is situated in the bustling town of Bakau where many restaurants serve traditional Gambian dishes, there is a thriving local market and which is home to the popular Kachikally crocodile pool. Offering good value, this small hotel in the centre of Bakau is ideal for those who prefer a more authentic African experience.

African Village Number of nights

7

1 may – 24 May 25 May – 31 May 1 June – 5 July 6 July – 19 July 20 July – 23 August 24 August – 30 August 31 August – 20 September 21 September – 4 October 5 October – 11 October 12 October – 31 October

449 474 429 478 545 524 502 507 512 519

Prices in £’s per person 10 14 509 530 505 532 599 572 548 555 563 582

528 552 527 563 623 588 565 569 575 598

Mid Range Hotels Set in the busy resort of Kololi, the Senegambia Hotel is the ideal place to stay if you want to have fun. Having stayed there myself, I would recommend it to anyone. The hotel provides a full range of facilities and the staff are extremely friendly. For peace and quiet why not try bird watching in the gardens, which attracts an amazing plethora of birdlife. If you prefer something more lively, however, you can head for the beach to play volleyball or go to the bar. Outside the hotel there is ‘the strip’ as it is known locally, consisting of many restaurants, bars and nightclubs visited by many tourists and locals alike. The hotel has an amazing atmosphere and I would definitely stay there again.

26

Senegambia Number of nights

Prices in £’s per person 7

10

14

1 may – 24 May 25 May – 31 May 1 June – 5 July

503 515 489

557 569 539

584 597 578

6 July – 19 July

517

571

599

20 July – 23 August

579

649

666

24 August – 30 August 31 August – 20 September

562 528

620 598

640 617

21 September – 4 October

539

609

629

5 October – 11 October

547

617

639

12 October – 31 October

568

629

655

Excellent Quality Hotels If however you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday, Bijilo beach hotel may be more suited for you. It is a small and quiet hotel with breathtaking views, situated on an unspoilt stretch of beach. The beauty of Bijilo is that there are no bars, clubs or restaurants to disturb the peace, just a long stretch of beach with very few people on it. The hotel offers evening entertainment in the form of local bands and cultural shows and bars, restaurants and clubs are only a 5 minute taxi ride away.

Bijilo beach Number of nights

7

1 may – 24 May 25 May – 31 May 1 June – 5 July 6 July – 19 July 20 July – 23 August 24 August – 30 August 31 August – 20 September 21 September – 4 October 5 October – 11 October 12 October – 31 October

515 537 508 533 602 577 555 566 577 593

Prices in £’s per person 10 14

Luxury Hotels

27

600 622 593 625 689 661 643 652 655 672

634 651 629 654 728 700 682 685 689 705

Coconut residence is one of the best hotels in Gambia as it provides the ultimate in pampered luxury. The accommodation is arranged in suites which vary in size. The hotel has two swimming pools and the Avocado Restaurant, which is undoubtedly the premier restaurant in the Gambia. The coconut residence is really in a class of its own and has taken accommodation and level of service to new heights of luxury.

Coconut Residence Number of nights

7

1 may – 24 May 25 May – 31 May 809 6 July – 19 July 20 July – 23 August 24 August – 30 August 837 21 September – 4 October 5 October – 11 October 12 October – 31 October

818 844 809 840 867 845 837 849 854 868

Prices in £’s per person 10 14

28

1017 1039 1004 1035 1078 1059 1045 1060 1069 1088

1177 1188 1167 1212 1235 1226 1214 1209 1227 1245

The currency used in The Gambia is Dalasi The exchange rate in the UK is £2 = 100D The exchange rates vary but we found it was slightly higher to change money in The Gambia We bought a large bottle of water each everyday which cost about 25D for Naturalle water or 60D for Evian water Lunch costs no more than 200D but we found we didn’t need lunch every day We took spending money with us on days that we visited the market. This varied from person to person but if you do take large amounts of money, it’s a good idea to separate it up into different pockets, because if you are seen with lots of money, you will be expected to pay more for things Generally we found that the majority of things was very cheap but as a tourist expect to pay more than the locals Places such as the roots tour, touristy markets and in your hotel will be more expensive overall Dinner prices vary depending on the restaurant you decide to visit. On average we paid between 200 and 400 Dalasis per person.

• • • • • •

• • •

Places to Eat… Ali Baba Restrant (the one on the corner not the Garden) Here is an E.g Of sum of the food’s you can buy for dinner… You will need about 200-300 Dalasis a Night for Dinner • • • •

Sandwiches cost between 50-135D Omlettes 125-160D Salads 75-125D Burgers 100-175D (includes Chips)

• • • • • • • • •

Pizza 160D (for a big one +30 Per Extra Topping) Chicken (Hole Chicken/ Satay/ Half) 75-250D Meat Dishes (Curry/ Kebabs/ Steak) 95-300D African Dishes (Chicken Yassa/ Beef Dormata) 160-175D Fish Dishes 175-200D Pasta (Bolonase etc) 150D Veggie Stuff 75-150D Drinks Coke Etc. Bottle = 50D Glass Of Wine = 50D Soft Drinks = 40D

•

29

This restaurant was suitable for big groups (we got a table for 16 really quickly)There is also live music and entertainment.

Taxi’s… When you go over to Gambia do NOT pre-book a coach unless you want to get KOnD into paying loads of money… Just simply go there and on the day of your travel you are guaranteed to get a little minibus (taxi) in which you will pay anything in between 400-800D for the whole group.

Things to buy… Any shops around the hotel for gifts are going to be expensive. Your best bet is to buy your gifts at Seracunda market, or one of the other markets. But… When you go you have to Barter (keep going until you get things cheaper – it’s a good idea to maybe take someone who is Gambian with you… Like one of the Presence award leaders…. Things you can get… • •

• • • •

Sand paintings = Drums = Medium Size Drum = original price 500D got it down to 125D = 2x Medium Size Drums = original price 600 got it down to Both for 225D Beach Towels = 2x no more than 150D Postcards = 15D Stamps = 15D Water (1.5L) = Naturalle 25D = Evian 60D

Prices of Project Equipment… • • • • • • • •

5 Litres of Paint = 500D 20 Litres of Water Paint (for the Walls) = 700D Paintbrush (size 5mm) = 25D Rowler = 100D Sandpaper (size 3) = 100D Polyfiller = 150D Cardboard for Roof = 250D Mosiquito Nets (comes in roll’s) 1Metre = 100D

30

31

Contacts Name

Awa Jarra

Involvement in President’s Award Administration Officer Field Oficer

Amie Njies Saikou Ngassi Lamin Sawo Binta Maimuna

Field officer Teacher (IT) Adult Helper Student Student

Omar Conteh Kumba Jeng Isatou Peter Gomez

Student Student Student Student

Ousainou

Name Maw

Minty

Email [email protected] Tel – 4461012 Mobile - 9884125 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] C/o Yankuba Touray, Custom, Banjul, The Gambia [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]>

Profession Tourist taxi driver Senegambia – vehicle number: PJL9162D Tourist taxi driver Senegambia

32

Contact details Tel - 9937199

Tel - 9912540