News Please note that the side is made by Gambians in English, Pick your language for an automated translation by clicking one of the flags right below. Busy Sunday at CASA Gambia Garage Sale in Limburg30 August 2020PUTH August 30, 2020 – In a small village near the German border close to Geleen, it is very busy this Sunday. The skies are clear blue and gentle sunlight makes it pleasant to stay in the Limburg hills… this region is well-known for long walks and cycling, but it is seldom as busy as it is today. What then is pulling the crowds today? Bargain hunters for Good The crowd is made up of mostly bargain hunters. People from surrounding towns and villages like Sittard and Heerlen, have come to the picturesque village of Puth for the “Garage Sale” organized by CASA-Gambia. After a week of wet weather and a long period of staying at home because of the Corona protocols, it was a nice day out for many people. Also, since a lot of the fairs have been canceled, this was a great opportunity for bargains. It was clear that the event has gained quite a bit of notoriety in the wider area in a short time. Organizer and treasurer Francine Simons has done an excellent job of promoting the event and the concept of the event also contributed to attracting people. 69 of the 850 households in Puth participated in the garage sale and all those participants created awareness about the event amongst their friends and family. Good return for a good cause This initiative has led to hundreds, if not thousands, of items finding a new owners and 69 attics being tidied up again and more importantly, raised some much-needed funds towards a great cause. By the end of the day over €800 was raised for CASA Gambia, more is expected in the coming days. CASA Gambia recognises this ‘Garage Sale’ concept as a new Corona-proof way to raise awareness and funds at the same time, this CASA Gambia Garage Sale can become a yearly event in Puth. ... Food to help Gambian families survive Corona30 May 202030 MAY 2020 – Brufut, The Gambia. Today was a happy day for the seventy poorest families in Brufut. They could pick-up a bag of rice, a bag of potatoes, 5 litres of cooking oil and a bag of unions. Food for one month was made available through cooperation with the Wilde Ganzen foundation from The Netherlands. CASA Gambia ‘Food Security’ The objective is to help these family through this lockdown period with no chance to work and generate income. In a country where the biggest threat isn’t Covid19 but hunger and diseases related to that, it is a strong message from CASA Gambia to help each other in these daring times. Only with food in our belly we can have education and develop our country! CASA Gambia, paving the way for self-driven development... 10-classroom expansion started at Brufut Lower Basic School2 October 2019We’re happy to see the expansion of the rehabilitated basic school in Brufut starting with the foundation work. It was amazing that MRC-Holland Foundation* offered their support on the day we celebrated the finalisation of the rehabilitation works we did in 2018, seeing it really happen is even more gratifying. Steps towards Better Education During the kick-off ceremony on the 29th September 2019, CASA Gambia signed a contract worth GMD 4,153,065 with A &A Construction for the construction of a 10-classroom 2-story building at Brufut Lower Basic School to be realised in six months. CASA Gambia also contracted Mr. Mustapha Jallow as supervisor to the building project at the time of GMD 60,000. Mustapha Jallow shall serve as a supervisor for CASA Gambia in monitoring and evaluating A&A Construction at Brufut Lower Basic School in its task to construct a ten classroom Storey building in a period of six months. Scope of the Expansion project The project is aimed at improving the capacity of Brufut Lower Basic School by building a classroom block for the growing number of students in this densely populated community and to improve the quality of basic education. To enable the school to achieve this stated goal, MRC Holland in cooperation with CASA Gambia and CASA Gambia The Netherlands, a non-governmental organization; a non-political, non-religious and a non-profit making charitable association, intends to construct ten classrooms for the school, to address the current problem the school is facing in running afternoon shift, with fewer school hours then the morning shift, due to inadequacy of classrooms. CASA Gambia objectives for Expansion Brufut Lower Basic School This project is part of the objectives of the project plan for the rehabilitation of Brufut Lower Basic School which was successfully and timely implemented by CASA-Gambia. The main objectives of this project include: Construction and commissioning of the (10) classroom block for Brufut Lower Basic School. Furnishing the constructed classrooms with as much as possible locally produced furniture Preparation of a feasible maintenance plan for the classrooms. Handover the completely equipped classrooms to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. Monitoring the maintenance of the structure. The ceremony on the 29th of September was graced by authorities of Brufut Lower Basic School and executive of CASA-Gambia, signifying this important event in our joint quest for better education for the future generations in Brufut. Many thanks to our partner and sponsor MRC – Holland Foundation for the collaboration and trust in us. CASA Gambia team Paving the way for self-driven development!... Sponsor a Gambian student for € 5 per month!18 July 2019Sponsor a Gambian student for € 5 a month is a children education project which seeks to pair up underprivileged students with sponsors to reach their full potential through education. Sponsor a Gambian student is a children education movement, with the aim of championing the cause for children education in the Gambia. Education being a basic human right; our vison is to advocate and pair up Gambian student with sponsors. Our objective is to provide underprivileged child with access to quality education to reach their full potential. Education is the only tool to empower children to live independent, purposeful and successful lives, full of choice and possibilities. For CASA-Gambia, Every child must have access to education as indicated in the millennium development goal, we advocate and support child education, because all-inclusive education is the only way we can fairly allow our children to realize their dreams We have children from deprived and marginalized backgrounds who desperately needs financial assistance to stay in school. Socio-economic status or background of a family should not prevent any child from accessing quality education. Sponsor a Gambian student for € 5 a month is established to step in to ensure that children stay in school to live a successful live. We are proud to put our vision in action, by pairing children with sponsors.100% of the sponsorship goes to the children’s education. Get in touch to sponsor a Gambian child today, or you can help us support more children by donating any amount or you can help us support more children by donating €5,€10,€15,€20. Simply click on the Donate button on our website: www.casa-gambia.org This sponsorship scheme is meant for the UNDERPRIVILEGED students with no access to quality education to reach their full potential. DOWNLOAD FLYER Paving the way for self driven development!... Telescope opens skies for Brufut children10 June 2019BRUFUT, June 10 2019 – Earlier today, CASA Gambia in collaboration with Aries Productions and Stars Shine for Everyone has donated an SSVI Telescope to Brufut Lower Basic School. The event was graced by Alkalo – Brufut Village, Elders of Bulunda, Chairman – Village Development Committee, Aries Productions owner Mabula Haverkamp, friends from the Netherlands, natives and residents of Brufut, Teachers and Students of Brufut Lower Basic School. This happy event attracted nation wide media attention. The SSVI Telescope is the project of the Observatory Armand Pien (University of Gent, Belgium) on behalf of Aries Productions. This project has received international recognition from the International Astronomy Union (AIU) and has donated Telescopes to over 40 different countries already. The purpose of donating this telescope is so Gambian children and young people can be introduced to Astronomy and be inspired by the wonders of the skies like planets, stars, moon and the sun. Donation of telescope by Mabula Haverkamp Mabula Haverkamp himself travelled to The Gambia to donate the SVVI Telescope and train teachers how to use it in education. Mabula in his presentation stated that a telescope in the school is a way to marvel at the beautiful nature above us. Because the starry sky is nature, which is there for all people on earth to enjoy and learn. About Mabula Haverkamp “Mabula was born in Tanzania, East Africa, as a son of 2 Dutch parents. He was raised in the Netherlands where he also got his education. His highest education is a Master of Science degree in Astrophysics from the University of Utrecht. After his studies, he worked for several years in the financial sector before turning his professional career around to become a consultant in internet & network technology, specialized in security. 2 years ago, his background in astronomy and his working career combined, made him decide to start his own company to make image processing software for both amateur and professional astronomers worldwide. With his software, Mabula is now helping astronomers worldwide to create beautiful images of the night sky. As an astronomer, Mabula learnt about a special project from the University of Ghent, Belgium, called Stars Shine For Everyone. Recently, Mabula donated a telescope to a large school community in Tabora, Tanzania, near the region where Mabula was born. Through his network he got introduced to the inspriring work of CASA-Gambia and decided to extend the same generosity to the children in Brufut.” Nation wide Television coverage According to Ebrima Jatta, chairman – CASA Gambia, having a telescope within our curriculums is a way of acquiring knowledge and making a journey through time. With telescopes young people and children can see more stars than with the naked eye. Ebrima also elaborated on the importance of Science in our schools. As children grow up in an increasingly technologically and scientifically advanced world, they need to be scientifically literate to succeed. Brufut Lower Basic School has undergone some major refurbishments, all of which was initiated and managed by CASA Gambia with the support of their local and international partners. This telescope project was initiated as part of their commitment towards national development. For CASA Gambia, this donation aids the effort of becoming a significant support to community development. CASA Gambia, paving the way for self-driven development Join our quest to improve the bottom-up development of The Gambia by becoming a donor and/or volunteer.... Rehabilitation works at Brufut completed!8 January 2019THE GAMBIA Sunday 06/01/2019 – The Community Action Support Association (CASA Gambia) handed over the 2.6M Dalasi Rehabilitation of Brufut Lower Basic School to the authorities of Brufut Lower Basic School. CASA Gambia has been raising funds since early 2018. Through local campaigns and international crowdfunding, hundreds of people got involved into improving the educational facilities for the Brufut children. The project is co-funded by a range of Dutch foundations such as: MRC-Holland, St. Childcare Education Foundation (CHEF), Wilde Ganzen and Elizabeth Strouven, to enhance learning in a conducive learning environment. D 2.6 million Rehabilitation Project for Brufut Lower Basic School This project was initiated by some natives of Brufut to improve the standard of Brufut Lower Basic School for better education. Since its establishment in 1961, the community-based school has been challenged with to little resources, prompting support from partners abroad and locals. The chairman of CASA-Gambia, Ebrima Jatta, said since education is the bedrock of any empowerment initiative, children must be included and supported, he disclosed that through CASA’s efforts, they have managed to: tile 32 Classroom including their verandas, build 11 new toilets and renovate all the old toilets in the school, refurbished all the classrooms, paint the whole school, re-wire the electricity cables through the school, renovate the school outdoor canteen, build a new gate for the school at the main entrance, equipped the school with 364 new tables and 940 new chairs and learning materials (including library). Better Education is Paving the way for self-driven development Henriette Brummer Sonko, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Gambia, expressed her office’s commitment to supporting such schools; “children far from the capital are highly deprived and that’s where our assistance falls” she commended. Sonko promised to cooperate with CASA further on the construction of additional classrooms to accommodate the growing number of children. Omar Nyassi, representative from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education appealed for a proper upkeep of the school. The executive secretary of CASA-Gambia, Mariama Kebbeh, calls for more collaboration between the school and other partners, and used the platform to stress that through volunteerism, the life of many could be changed. The representative of CASA Gambia – Netherlands, Francine Simons, was among those who spoke at the event. School management, pupils, parents and elders of the community cheer the project, as they believe it will enhance the educational level of their children. Without CASA Gambia, numerous volunteers, donors and partners, the future of Brufut children wouldn’t have looked so bright as today. CASA Gambia, paving the way for self-driven development Join our quest to improve the bottom-up development of The Gambia by becoming a donor and/or volunteer.... Start Rehabilitation works at Brufut Gambia school celebrated30 September 2018Today CASA Gambia proudly presented the start of rehabilitation works of the Brufut Lower Basic School in The Gambia. With more than 75% of the needed funds raised, local contractors could be contracted to do the work. These works have been made possible by hundreds of donations by local and international individual backers. These where complemented by large donations from the Dutch foundations Wilde Ganzen and Elizabeth Strouven Fonds. Also Stichting CHEF contributed once again with the shipping of one container with school furniture. Thanks to all the local and international efforts CASA Gambia was able to deliver on their promise to invest in Better Education in The Gambia. CASA Gambia successful in quest for investment in education CASA Gambia presented the proceedings of her fundraising activities during a celebration at the Brufut Lower Basic School. The Chairman Ebrima Jatta announced that they raised € 46.000 already, which is enough to start renovation works. The celebration was attended by students, teachers, parents, a National Assembly member, the Women Councilor, Elders of Bulunda, representatives from the Ministry of Education and members of the Village Development Committee. CASA Gambia also presented the donation of 703 chairs, 246 tables, 60 computers and a lot of books and learning materials which were donated by Dutch foundation Stichting CHEF. It’s chairman Jaap van Duuren took the opportunity to show his passion for better education of children of The Gambia. 46.000 euro for Better Education The funds raised are commissioned to several building firms to tile 32 classrooms and veranda’s, construct 10 new toilets and paint the whole school. Students and former students have offered their help to clean up the school grounds, parents and other villagers offered their support to various activities to help make the school great again. The announcement of these renovation works was covered by national and regional news agents QTV, GRTS tv, Star FM and Standard Newspaper. The 1.875 children will be witnessing the dramatic improvement of their school as was promised to them by CASA Gambia less than a year ago. Through the positive action of the CASA Gambia team and volunteers, these children learn that each of us has the ability to positively influence our circumstances especially when we work together for an important cause. Join the 2018 quest for more investment in Better Education of CASA Gambia by donating funds or your time! CASA Gambia, paving the way for self-driven development... Wilde Ganzen contributes to better education in Gambia17 July 2018As of 27/07/2018, CASA Gambia is happy to announce the recently agreed cooperation with Wilde Ganzen for the Rehabilitation of Brufut Lower Basic School. This cooperation will provide support to CASA Gambia through our Dutch foundation ‘Stichting Casa Gambia Nederland’. On this cooperation, Wilde Ganzen will support our project financially and with their expertise to invest in better education in The Gambia. Wilde Ganzen is a Dutch Organization, based in the Netherlands. Wilde Ganzen was established in 1957. They support initiated projects through the cooperation of communities and committed Dutch individuals. Development and cooperation is what Wilde Ganzen has always been about. Wilde Ganzen has been working for almost 60 years with dedication and determination, because the prevailing inequality in the world is something they wish to change. Wilde Ganzen co-finance projects and provides support and advice. This way, projects which have been started with much enthusiasm and involvement have a better chance to become self-sustainable. Wilde Ganzen stands for cooperation, development and sustainability. Every year, Wilde Ganzen supports about 350 projects worldwide. Wilde Ganzen works hard to raise funds. CASA Gambia – Wilde Ganzen cooperation for Better Education As per the cooperation agreement (WG project number; 2018.0032 – title ‘Rehabilitation of Brufut Lower Basic School’),. Wilde Ganzen will add a 50% premium to the amount collected through Stichting Casa Gambia Nederland. For our project this will result in a maximum of € 15,54.00 as a contribution to our planned project budget, for which fundraising must be realized within one year. After the funds have been raised, Wilde Ganzen will transfer the total amount in one or more installments to the agreed bank account. As part of the cooperation agreement, CASA Gambia will need to send a project narrative and financial report upon completion of the project. You can also Invest in Better Education in Gambia Help us raise the other 50% for the children in Brufut! Click the donate button in the top right corner of this website or transfer to our bank account NL06 SNSB 0939 3191 44 of Stichting Casa-Gambia with reference to the school project. We are looking forward to cooperating with Wilde Ganzen in the coming years. CASA Gambia paving the way for self-driven development... London kids raise funds for Gambian kids2 July 2018Children from Jam Training & Education in London have collected the heartwarming sum of £ 372,67 (€ 421.16 ) for the rehabilitation of Brufut Lower Basic School in The Gambia. Initiator of the fundraising activities is Patricia Whyte, the most recent volunteer to join our club. How did you get involved? Early last year Ebriham was telling me about CASA Gambia Fund raising project for the Brufut Lower Basic School. I shared with him some ideas I had to for fundraising and he invited me to the next meeting. He also invited me to visit the school to see the proposed project. After attending the meeting and visiting the school, I was impressed with what the team was doing. I wanted to be Involved with the project. Shortly after that I returned to UK and met with my previous employer, Sarah James the director of Jam Training and Education, and Mark Mckie the manager of the club. I told them about what CASA Gambia project and showed them the photos of the school. They decided to help. Mark Mckie, staff and the children discussed a few ideas. We decided on a cake sale and sponsored sports day. Cupcake sale & Sports day for Better Education in Gambia The children and staff made the most delicious cupcakes, key rings, and slime. It was a big hit. The parents also gave their support toward a sponsor Sports day. It was an exciting event everyone, we were so pleased with the outcome. Sarah James also bought toothbrushes and toothpaste and parents donated school supplies which I have boxed and shipped along with a set of encyclopedias. This fundraising event raised positive awareness of great things that are happening in Africa. It has proved that you can accomplish anything with teamwork and the desire to help others in need. We are hoping this will open the door for other good things in the future. Thank you Patricia Whyte! CASA Gambia paving the way for self-driven development... CASA Gambia campaign for Better Education hits National News25 June 2018For the first time in it’s existence, CASA Gambia was the national focus of attention for her campaign to all invest in better quality of education – both in facilities, materials as staff. This message was heard on national radio in the two main languages Wollof and Mandinka and a story was run by National News Paper ‘The Standard’ >> read the full story at http://standard.gm/site/2018/06/25/casa-gambia-presents-100-benches-to-brufut-lower-basic/ Below the radio attention generated on national radio 20180624 CASA Gambia on radio 1 20180624 CASA Gambia on radio 2 20180624 CASA Gambia on radio 3...