Dumbutu schoolchildren benefit from sponsors

devon.editorial@archant.co.uk
28 November 2009

WHAT has been provided by the people of Woodbury Salterton and their friends during the past 20 years is appreciated and is making a difference in The Gambia link village of Dumbutu, it was made clear this week.

There have been a number of group visits to The Gambia, the last one two years ago. Penny Price said the remote village - about 70 miles from the capital Banjul on the coast - has a population of 669. The village is now made up mainly of elderly people, women and children, with the men working on the coast.

Over the years, the link has provided a steady flow of funds through sponsoring to assist in the education of the local children. The emphasis in the village is on the school which has "an excellent reputation" with a dedicated headmaster. Other countries - notably the Japanese and the Dutch - help considerably in the village but the Woodbury Salterton link was, she said, "appreciated and making a difference".

Besides cash for the schoolchildren, the Woodbury Salterton link has helped with a number of projects such as sending out sewing machines, a tractor, giving financial aid for medicines and the establishment of a library. Money has also been set aside for the provision of mosquito nets.

At the coffee morning - which raised £50 for funds - link chairman Mrs Leo Wilson, of Exmouth said that in the past the link had supported 81 children in the school.

l £25 a year helps ensure a child can attend school with books,school uniform and school dinners.

If you are interested, contact Leo Wilson on (01395) 268820.