Ian and Pippa first visited Jurunku Lower Basic School [MAP] in October 2004, and work has since progressed rapidly. Pageant member Jon Quinnell and Lamin Jammeh, a young man from Jurunku village, are organising the work at this school. Follow the links at the bottom of this page for information on earlier projects. Here is an update on the latest projects

Renovation of the gardens

A priority for Jon Quinnell (or Jurunku Jon as he is now called) has always been to renovate and make use of the considerable area of garden behind the school kitchens. In December 2005 work was completed on fencing the garden area to stop animals spoiling the crops being grown.

Solar powered water supply

Jon is very keen to see donations used by the people of Jurunku to increase the self sufficiency of the school. To this end Jon, together with two friends Linda and Doug Greensit, have worked hard with the villagers to introduce a solar-powered supply of water to the village and to the school. The project was not without the inevitable disruptions associated with undertaking projects in the Gambia. For example, at first it seemed that no borehole companies were prepared to travel to the north bank to undertake the work. Another problem was that a borehole existed that had not been used due to the water being contaminated with salt. However, nobody had found out the source of the contamination and whether the water supply here could be used. In the end it was found that the water supply here was not contaminated and could, therefore, be used in the project.

The water project was completed in June 2006, and opened by Jon himself during a recent trip to the village. The contractor carrying out the work suggests that the new system requires very little maintenance, save for additional battery acid every 4-5 years. The villagers established a Water Committee charged with overseeing the management of the water system. Jon made it clear that the villagers themselves should make sure of the longevity of the project, and the Committee members decided that each person in the village should pay 10 Dalasi each month for essential maintenance that may occur in the future.
 

the Committee at the borehole	laying the pipeline
everyone helps filling the trench	Jon at the official opening

The opening ceremony was attended by many people, and Jon reported that the celebrations continued until past 4am (Jon adds that he was finally allowed to retire to bed at around 2.30am). The Headmaster of the school, Mr Keita, estimates that the garden area will produce sufficient crops to feed the children and to create at least 16,000 Dalasi each year from the sale of excess crops. This money will be used to purchase much needed equipment for the school.

Much still needs to be done in Jurunku, but Jon and his fellow supporters, are very pleased with the excellent start that has been made in this wonderful village.