8th Newsletter August 2024
This text was translated automatically from German.
Dear friends of Gambia,
in recent months Ebrima and DYH, the cause so close to his heart, have been able to take a few steps forward, thanks to several new contacts that built on one another.
In September the cooperation with KEYCDA (Kombo East Youth and Children Development Alliance) begins.
Until November a leadership training (KILP) takes place at the center in 9 "sessions".
DYH has space, KEYCDA has staff and content. It becomes a successful seminar. New contacts and relationships develop; DYH is becoming increasingly known beyond the borders of Pirang.
In the picture on the right, KEYCDA is carrying out an evaluation at the center in Pirang to get an overview of which children go to school and what the state of education (and educational opportunities) is.
In January Ebrima meets staff from Cyber Desk, a well-known IT company that, among other things, makes sure the IT equipment runs smoothly at KEYCDA events.
With Lamin Jaiteh (system administrator at Gambia's airport) and Dawda Kujabi he wins two people who want to support DYH.
They plan to offer IT courses at the center through DYH with 3 levels, starting with beginners, intermediate and advanced.
For this, the only room at the center (the shelter) has to be made lockable and secure. The work on this takes place in February. PCs also still have to be purchased. Screens (from the container donation) and keyboards are available.
The first courses for beginners start in February. As the main teachers work during the week, lessons can only take place at the weekend (Saturday and Sunday).
A thoroughly worked-out curriculum forms the basis. The demand from interested participants is far greater than can be met.
The students pay a comparatively low fee for the courses. It is used for a small fee for the teachers, a small reserve for DYH, expenses and the maintenance of the equipment.
At Ebrima's request, DYH is registered with the National Youth Council, which in turn issues a recommendation to NAQAA.
The accreditation by the Gambian authority NAQAA is a big milestone. Without this accreditation no certificates can be issued. The authority checks the conditions on site, the finances, the teachers, their qualifications and the curriculum.
The inspection and accreditation were possible within a short time, which is unusual for Gambian conditions and thus puts the IT courses on a solid footing.
In April Nici and Dorothee visit the project, get to know the teachers and take part in the IT course. They are impressed by how thoroughly, competently and conscientiously it is run.
The exam of the beginners' course is coming up these days. Interviews for new beginners' courses are taking place. Demand is very high.
From September, courses for beginners and the advanced course are to start, both at the weekend.
Building another classroom is a necessary step for the coming period. Especially since the shelter was badly damaged during the rainy season in these summer months and had to be renovated, as the roof had many holes.
DYH is looking for supporters and sponsors so that the construction of further classrooms becomes possible.
Thank you for all your interest in and support of DYH. The support and encouragement from Germany is very valuable to Ebrima.
