Why sponsorship is needed

Primary education, i.e. from Grades 1-6, is 'free' in The Gambia - that is, the education itself is provided by the state, but the family must still pay for books, food, uniform and travel. From Grades 7-9 fees are charged for education, and these fees increase further when a child moves on to Grades 10-12, equivalent to our sixth form.  Virtually every child is keen to go to school, as education is seen as the way out of the poverty trap. The most sought after item for most children is an exercise book.

Nursery classes - Many of the schools, which Pageant helps, provide nursery classes, but these are not supported by the state, and parents must pay fees for attendance. Although there are low expenses for books etc. these fees mean that the annual cost is similar to that of a child in primary education.

Further education - Pageant also arranges sponsorship for a limited number of young adults in further education.

Click this link for further information about the Gambian Education System. (rtf file - requires a suitable word processor)

Pageant is helping to improve the buildings, teaching facilities and equipment of schools in the Gambia, but many are still in a poor condition. Despite this the children are enthusiastic about education, and appear to attain a good standard. About 40% of Gambian children do not attend school because the family is too poor to pay. Schools try to give some latitude in payment, but will eventually exclude children if fees are not paid.

A shining example of educational sponsorship is Mr Bakary Gitteh, whose education was sponsored a while back, before Pageant was active. Mt Gitteh is now the Headmaster of Bakalarr School. (more details)

Pageant's Sponsorship Scheme

PAGEANT has set up a sponsorship system whereby the entire amount of a sponsor's donation is sent directly to the child concerned. Administration costs are paid out of membership fees, so all of each sponsorship donation is used solely for the education of the child. Sponsors can see pictures of children and young people currently seeking sponsorship on our Sponsorship Enquiry Page, and request further information about selected students.

A form containing a message from the sponsor and his/her photograph is prepared and sent to the child. During each school year a message is sent back to the sponsor (in the form of a letter or drawing from the child) together with a photograph and report on progress at school. Pageant checks that the money is being used correctly for the child's education. In general, sponsorship is sent to each child in two stages each year - the first (and largest portion for the UBS and SSS students) is sent out before the start of the school year in September, so that uniforms and books can be purchased and at least the first term's fees can be paid. The remaining money is given out in February, to ensure that funds are available for the child throughout the year. See how sponsorship works on our Sponsorship in Action Page.

Emergency Fund

We have also set up an Emergency Fund for children who have progressed some way in school but whose parents can now not afford the fees. Those who would like to be involved in personal sponsorship, but do not feel they can make a commitment to one child for a number of years, may be happy to contribute to this fund - a single donation can make the difference between exclusion and being able to take an important exam. You can now make an online donation to the Emergency Fund.

How much? The amount of sponsorship needed depends on the child's grade at school. The recommended amount is shown in this table. (See note about revised costs)

You can pay annually, quarterly or monthly; by cash, cheque, standing order, or by one-off bank payment. Contact us for information on making payments or for Pageant's bank details to set up a standing order.

You can download a Sponsorship Form below. This includes a Gift Aid Declaration which allows Pageant to reclaim UK tax on the money you give, making your support achieve much more without costing you another penny. There is also a separate Gift Aid Declaration form, to use for single donations or to cover donations made in the past. You can find out more about Gift Aid from this link.

Download forms	Web page	PDF format
Sponsorship form	click here	click here
Gift Aid form	click here	click here
Download Adobe Reader to read PDF files

Links