The charity began links with the Sanyang scouts in 2007 when we visited them and were treated to a wonderful day of entertainment. The scouts have an amazing band and when we first visited they were very short of instruments and often playing on improvised flutes made from copper pipe. Many of the young people were not able to be in the band because they did not have a uniform.
Paul is a scout leader in Sunbury and we have established a link between 5th Sunbury Scouts and Sanyang Scouts. The scouts in Sunbury have been fundraising for two years now and there is a steady flow of communication between the young people.Sanyang is a very poor village and the scouts are a very important part of the community, they do a lot of work around the village, cleaning and any odd jobs they are asked to do. The scout band also will play for any of the numerous celebrations the people in The Gambia arrange such as weddings, naming ceremonies, religious festivals and receive a contribution for their funds this way.
GOAL for The Gambia, with the help of 5th Sunbury Scouts have provided many items to Sanyang Scouts. We have given them recorders, paid for three drums for the band, donated money for approximately 100 uniforms, first aid kits, provided scout membership cards for them, badges, footballs kit and balls and helped with the costs of their camps along with many other items. The scouts in Sanyang are very industrious and always raise money themselves for their camps and needs, but it is very difficult in such a poor community to provide the funds for all their needs.The scout group are well respected in The Gambia and when the time comes to find work the young people are finding that with their training and commitment to scouting it is easier to open doors to find employment.
Many of the young people join the army and every single one that has done so has come through basic training with flying colours.The scouts continue to need help, the cost of a camp is very expensive and without donations they would not be possible. They also need more musical instruments for the very talented band, first aid equipment, footballs, football kits, boots etc.We have provided 80 mosquito nets for scout families and aim to provide another 40 when funds allow.Please contact us if you would like further information or to arrange a visit to the scouts while visiting The Gambia, you will be made very welcome.