On a mission for Gambian school (From Barry And District News)

On a mission for Gambian school

TWO Barry fundraisers are determined to make a difference to underprivileged children.

Paul Durkin and Anita Last are raising funds to build a school in Gambia - a task which will cost just 6,000.

The couple, who live in Coed-yr-Odyn, have sponsored children in the small African country in the past.

But recently they decided they wanted to do more, and they will be heading off in April for a six-month stay in Africa.

Paul Durkin has been to the Gambia on numerous occasions, and during one trip he was taken to a traditional village to see how people live.

As a result of that visit, former ships officer Paul now pays for a young boy's schooling - and partner Anita sponsors a child in the same family.

The children are from Sukuta and the town needs a new school which will cost 6,000 to build.

Paul said: "We have been selling our own possessions to help to raise the money and will be going to Gambia in April.

"We will be staying in the country for six months to oversee the project and to make sure the money is used for the correct purpose.

"There is a lot of corruption in the country so we thought the best idea would be to help build the school ourselves.

"We also want a student or someone who wants to come with us to Gambia and help on the project."

Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. It formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia with Senegal between 1982 and 1989.

In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and co-operation treaty. In 1994 there was a military coup but by 2001 and early 2002 there were elections.

The total population is 1,546,848, life expectancy at birth is 54.79 years, and the average age is just over 17 years.

Gambia is the smallest country on the continent of Africa, and is surrounded by Senegal.