Registered Charity No. 1178497 ## **Chairmans Report to the Annual General Meeting 2024/25** ## **Introduction** The past year has been one of significant progress and achievement across multiple projects. Our continued commitment to education, infrastructure, and community development has yielded tangible results, thanks to the generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our team. ## **Schools** ## Sinchu Balia & Annexe Both schools continue to operate successfully under the leadership of Mrs. Fatou Barrow Jammeh. We are maintaining a watching brief, offering assistance with resources and maintenance where needed. (see Headteachers Report) ** ## **IT Room at The Annexe** Persistent issues with internet connectivity led to a supplier change to Gamcel, which we hope will enable the setup of an internet charging system. Computer education remains a priority, and we are in the process of updating outdated hardware. ## **Roof Repairs** The roof at Sinchu requires urgent repairs, which we are implementing ahead of the rainy season in 2025. ## **Soma** Buildings Projects at St. Michael’s Nursery Since our trips in January and October 2024, GPO has financed the construction of a three-family teachers' accommodation unit, complete with washing facilities and a kitchen. This has been a remarkable achievement, and we extend our deepest gratitude to those who contributed generously. ## **Resources** The school also received a large van load of teaching and practical resources following the closure of CoGS Charity. Collection was arranged from Jabang to Soma with the assistance of Abdoulie (our driver) and Edmond Gibbon, Headteacher at St. Michael's. ## **Soma Fire Station Clinic** Following our intervention and refurbishment of the clinic, donations from the UK have enabled us to supply a substantial amount of medical resources and equipment, including benches from Fossebank Schools' closure. ## Tallingding Nursery School The IT Room has suffered from poor signal and reception, similar to Sinchu. We hope Headteacher Baba Drammeh can transition to a new supplier to resolve this issue. The school has experienced lower pupil attendance due to the opening of a government-sponsored nursery nearby, which offers free education. However, pupils are slowly returning as the quality of private education remains superior. ## **Allotments** ## Alagie Faal at Sanyang The allotment continues to function well, primarily managed by Alagie’s family and close neighbours. Seasonal crops remain a staple, with onions being a particularly abundant harvest. ## Abdoulie Jallow The community allotments at Kunkujang Gunjar are now fully operational, supporting 19 families with daily produce. ## Bananas/Oranges Discussions are underway regarding the establishment of a banana and orange plantation to generate additional income for the community. ## **Group Trips** October 2024 A seven-night trip was undertaken by Gill and David, accompanied by Shirley Ottaway, including an overnight stay in Soma. April 2025 A two-week trip is planned for April 15, 2025. ## **Storage** We continue to express our gratitude to Trustee Richard Collins for the generous use of one of his outbuildings, which has been invaluable for storage. ## **Finances (see attached accounts)** Our financial situation improved significantly in 2024-2025, thanks to generous donations and sponsorships from individuals. This has enabled us to complete numerous projects benefiting communities across The Gambia. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our supporters and friends for their unwavering commitment to our mission. CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALIS Gambian Proj8cts Ovor8888 Receipts and pa ments accounts CC16a For th• parltsd from 0110412024 3110312025 Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted fvnds Restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds Last year tvth• nfjar•¥t to the nearest£ to the nearest £ to the r￿are$l£ tothe rbparest£ A1 Recel CAF Bank Fund Rwsing Donaknn 12.060 2.896 2,917 12.060 2.896 2,917 Sub total (Gross income for ARJ 17,873 17,873 A2 As$•1 and Invostmont sales, Ise8 tablel- Sub total Total r•eolpts 17,873 17,873 A3Pa nts Proi&cis Transwrt 9,475 1,435 2.059 499 216 675 58 207 9,47S 1,435 2.059 499 216 67S Teacher Expense5 Fund R?Ising IT Cambia Office Su Child Stx)nsorshi x2 21J7 Sub total 14.624 14.624 A4 As$*t and Snvostmont urchases, se8 table NIA Sub total 14,624 14,624 Net of r¢¢•ipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last yoar •nd Cash funds thls year end 3,24 3,249 6.533 9,782 9,78 ## **Reports from Schools** ## **Sinchu Balia Nursery School Headteacher Mrs Fatou Barrow Jammeh** ## Dear GPO trustees, It's with great pleasure that I write a short report about the school. The school has achieved many developments from you since you took over the sponsorship, and as the headteacher of the school, I am very much delighted to have you as our sponsor. (Editor’s note: GPO did in fact build the school). We are one of the best schools in our cluster, the school environment is very conducive, enough furniture's, teaching resources and most of all the staffs working and the computer room with the Internet connection . Bravo, and thanks for your support. Last year, we had a lesser number of enrolment in September because the government school annexed a nursery, and it's a free education, but this year, the number has increased because they have seen the difference between. For the past years, we used to have flooding in the old side, but since the GPO sponsored the concrete of the playground floor last rainy season, we had no flood. Last month you changed the roof of my office and the verandah which I am very excited about it. The GPO sponsored teacher at the Gambia College Yassin has also graduated on Saturday, 10th May, and got the best outstanding student of the 2024 badge. This morning I received another great and exciting message from David that the trustees have agreed to funds for repairing the roof, it's a great concern to me as the rainy season is just at the door coming and we have linkages in the classrooms. Things I would like you to support us before we open in September are repainting of the 2 schools and also to help us changed the computers and bring more laptops for our computer room as they are not working. On behalf of the entire staff and pupils of the school, I am expressing our sincere gratitude to all the trustees of GPO for their support to school at all times, and I pray that the charity expand and achieve its goals . My special thanks to Mr and Mrs Bennie for always being very supportive of us at all times. We are the best schools and would always want to remain the best. I'm hoping to see more of the trustees in your next trip. Thank you all. ## **To : Gambia Projects Overseas. FROM: St Michael nursery school (LRR).** Subject: Report of the school and work of Gambia Projects Overseas in St. Michael nursery school. Dear Gambia Projects Overseas, On behalf of St Michael nursery school, I am writing to provide an updated on the progress of the school over the last 5 to 6 years till date. We are pleased to report that we achieved a great deal during this time. One of our major achievements has been contributing to the successful completion of the staff quarters which includes the toilets, kitchen and a fence which serves as a ideal home for our staff your sponsorship program have now made accommodations a reality and priority to our staff. Not only have you make learning a dream come true for our students but also a comfortable environment by providing nursery three (3️) with tables, chairs and valuable learning resources like textbooks, writing books, printing and colour books. Not forgetting the stage you constructed which is now use for assembly and other school programs like graduation ceremony. Your support is making a significant impact on our students education. Overall we are confident that your sponsored has made a significant contribution to our school during the last six to five years till now and we are committed that you will continue to grow and support us. Thank you for your support throughout this year’s till now. God bless you all Your sincerely EDMOND GIBBON headmaster Signature ## **Veronic F. Beyai (Deputy) St. Michael’s Nursery** We are writing to express our sincere gratitude for your generous sponsorship of our school. Not only have you make learning a dream come true for St. Michael Nursery school students, but also provided valuable teaching and learning resources for both the staff and students of St. Michael Nursery school. The school quarters under your sponsorship program have now made accommodation a reality and priority to our staff. As saying goes a steady mind lives in a comfortable environment. To ensure effective and efficient teaching and learning at St. Michael Nursery, the school quarters you constructed serves as a ideal home for our staff. We are forever grateful to Gambian-projects-overseas.co.uk for providing all essential resources to our school. Every year a group of students will graduate from the ECD programme primary school. This significant achievement is achieved as a result of your participation and collaborative efforts. Your support is making a significant impact on our students, and we are so thankful for your belief in our mission. Your generosity allows us to support, provide much- needed resources for our students, enhance our academic programs, Thank you thank you again for your generosity. Veronic Beyai ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Chairmans Report on behalf of Gambian Projects Overseas. 21[st] May 2025 David Bennie