SOS Schools in Gambia

SOS Nursery School Basse 2008

The SOS Nursery School Basse, Gambia calendar of activities was prepared and staff followed closely.  Below is a run down of the activities.  Meetings were frequently held whereby educators were informed of new and ongoing developments within the organisation at local and international level, and would be allowed to discuss or table out any idea they have towards the progress of SOS Nursery School Basse.

P.T.A meetings were held twice in the second and third terms.  These meetings or discussions were always centred towards the development of our two schools (Nursery School and LUBS) as we always work as a team.

18th February 2008 was a great day for the school.  The SOS Nursery School for the first time joined other schools in a National Day Celebration in a form of March past at the Basse Stadium.  The school also organised its first inter-house competitions.  At the end of the day Blue house won the trophy.

The school also joined other schools within Basse to welcome the President of the Gambia to Basse and also bade him farewell on his departure.

Among the school activities is an ongoing general monthly cleaning exercise, called in local language “set settal”.  Assembly is organised every Monday and Friday at the village hut whereby children are welcomed, counselled followed by review of work done during the week and past week in order to awaken the children’s mind.  During these sessions lots of reciting and singing is always encouraged.

The Director has been attending monthly meetings at the Regional Office scheduled for project heads by the National Office.  At these meetings monthly reports of activities done within the various projects are reported and discussed.

The teachers and Director of the SOS Nursery School amongst others attended many workshops during the course of this year.  The Acting ND and NEA have been visiting and working with our staff trying to shape things in the right direction.

The SOS Nursery School Basse was inaugurated on 24th October 2008 together with the SOS Children’s Village and SOS LUBS. This was a great day as lots of work and preparation was done by all staff of the three facilities and the acting National Director and team.  The unveiling of the SOS Nursery School was done by the sole sponsor of the building of this facility and the village.

The roll of the school as it stands:

Because of the pressure from the community class size has been increased by 2.

During the schools inter-house competitions a total sum of D4, 440 was collected with this the school was able to purchase jerseys, flags, head bands, food, music, refreshments and recording of the program.  Another donation in cash of D10, 000.00 was received from H.E. the President of the Republic through the Director of Education, during his annual meet the people’s tour.  A letter of thanks and appreciation was sent back to the President.  All schools that received this gift from the President were instructed to spend the money on a party where the children will enjoy themselves. We had a joint party with SOS LUBS.

The school organised and attended joint workshops in various fields:

• Performance Appraisal form and Individual work plan
• Child Protection
• First Aid
• The development of Teaching Aids
• ECD, Jolly phonics and Montessori methods of Teaching

All these were geared towards capacity building and improving quality deliverance at our schools.  The educators and the Nursery School Head had a twenty days training at SOS Nursery School Bakoteh and LUBS respectively.  Our team was also lucky to have a first hand training in using the computer.  Most educators now can type using the computer.  Follow up to this workshop was done at school level before the opening of the third term to prepare educators for the incoming terms work as advised by NEA.  Educators have since taken up the challenge and are right on spot.  Jolly Phonics is high on the time table. Educators have implemented the style of teaching Jolly Phonics and children are responding well.

Slowly but surely, the Montessori is being introduced and with the materials that are available, the educators are delivering and doing well.  Children can differentiate colours, shapes, heavy, light, big, small and can feel and respond.  With the little resources available teachers are doing their best in implementing some Montessori methods.  So far there is a great improvement in our classes compared to 2007.

Eight children were promoted to the LUBS out of them one was transferred to Banjul due to parental reaction, and one was dropped because he could not make the standard.  The other six were admitted (three girls, three boys), two SOS children inclusive.

Adverts were placed on GRTS Basse for the post of an Educator, and a Caregiver.  These vacancies came up as a result of the nursery school having to star group 3 class for the academic year 2008/09.  Applications were received and after thorough screening and interviews the best applicants were hired.

In a view to improve the environment the Director of the Nursery School bought and planted flowers, mango and eucalyptus seedlings in front of the school and behind the buildings.  These are meant to beautify the environment and the eucalyptus to form as wind barriers during the strong winds in the harmattan season.

SOS Lower and Upper Basic School Basse 2008

The SOS Lower and Upper Basic School stands in a very attractive environment located within the SOS Children Village Basse. The school’s roll is now 124 pupils 87 boys and 37 girls, of whom 34 from the SOS Children’s village.

The demand for the school has increased greatly; especially grade one where all applicants could not secure places.  The school recently opened Grade four as it started with 3 classes, and the classes have adhered to the normal class size of 35.  The expansion of the Lower Basic is still ongoing with the foreseen addition of Grade 5 in September 2009, the school roll will then increase to 175, a new teacher will be recruited for that class and material resources will be required.

We worked on strategies to improve students’ performance by conducting assessments monthly in each term. Team teaching is now introduced as a way of reinforcing effective teaching and learning.

Terminal examination is conducted except second term where assessment marks are processed and final term mark issued to each pupil home works and assignments are given regularly. We continue to implement the rest of the quality assurance activities; lesson notes and scheme of work are monitored and inspected weekly.

The individual education plan and the neatness card are distributed to the teachers and filled in the appropriate way. A teacher is attached to the library and children collect books to read at home and record taken to ensure proper accountability of books issued.

A one day workshop was held before the re-opening of schools bringing together staff of lower basic and nursery school geared towards preparing ourselves for the new academic year 2008/09 and effective collaboration between the staff of both schools so that we achieve our common goal.

The children village education committee had series of meetings with the teachers in order to formulate ways of improving and monitor the academic progress of SOS children attending the school. SOS Mothers pay regular visits to teachers at the school to discuss with teachers about the academic performance of their children and other issues concerning their holistic development, and series of face to face meeting between school staff and the mothers to collaborate and work together to improve SOS children in their weak areas, monitor assignments and home works given as the education of these children is a collective responsibility

The staff underwent one month attachment at SOS Lower Basic School Bakoteh organised by the National Education Advisor; the training was very effective and all teachers learned best practices and acquired basic computer skills which they are now utilising in doing their office work.

The school took part in a march past commemorating Africa Human Rights Day, worldwide cane Day and world AIDS day simultaneously

A sizeable computer laboratory was set up in the admin block and computer is now introduced to the mothers, aunties and the rest of staff.  Series of sensitization programmes were held in all satellite villages surrounding Basse and a radio panel discussion which invited question from the listeners which has greatly enhance enrolment and more understanding of SOS as an organisation.

The school continued collaborating with parents through the PTA and open Days .An executive committee has been elected at the general meeting of the Parent Teachers Meeting. Some elected parents have been incorporated into the relevant school committees, we envisage that there will be better cooperation and collaboration between parents and the school’s Terms of Reference was distributed among parents during a PTA

Monitoring and supervision of teaching and learning is ongoing as more focus is on quality which should be in line with the National Education Policy which is being implemented.

Proper records of all information about staff and pupils are confidentially kept in the filing cabinets. Club activities included Scout, Drama, Red Cross are already set up and are functional, Whispers and Peace Pal are set up but staff in charge needs further orientation.

The school held its annual inter-house sports at the school playing ground and green house emerged as winners of the competition. Sport activities were held as part of end of term activities, the various grades competed in football.

The school organised a friendly football match with Koba Kunda Lower Basic School.

All school staff underwent training on child protection and basic first aid organised by the Village Director.

The Permanent Secretary Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education, with the Director of Planning visited the school and were taken round the facility by the Village Director and the Principal. The visitors were very impressed with the neatness and the classroom settings.  School cleaning activities were held once every month. All children and staff take part.

The school was recently inaugurated officially on the 24th October, 2008. The delegation included the Secretary General of SOS, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare representing the President of the Republic of The Gambia, two other Secretary of States and their Permanent Secretary, the visiting UK Sponsors for the building of the Basse facilities and colleagues from SOS Children’s Villages UK, the Regional and Deputy Regional Directors  SOS RO NWA, SOS Children’s Villages The Gambia National Office staff, and High ranking Government and Local Government authorities.

SOS Nursery School Bakoteh

The SOS Nursery School opened for the academic year 2007/2008 in September with a total enrolment of 184 pupils of which 94 are boys and 86 are girls. Out of this number 16 boys and 22 girls are from the SOS Children’s Village Bakoteh. The nursery school operates a double shift because of the high demand for admission from the community and the lack of additional classrooms to accommodate all the children in the morning shift. Using the Montessori and Frobel methods of teaching which is referred to as learning through play. They are also exposed to extra curricular activities e.g. excursions, picnics. 'SET SETAL' referred to as environmental sanitation.

This academic year, one of the educators graduated from the Gambia college school of Education with Early childhood Development certificate (ECD) after undergoing two year training course.  Six educators are presently undergoing Information Technology (IT) course at the SOS Technical senior secondary school. Staff development trainings on various disciplines were conducted to increase awareness and improve on the quality delivery system of educators.

Forty-nine pupils in group 3 both morning and afternoon were prepared for the entrance examination at the SOS Lower Basic School. The results were excellent as 21 out of 49 all had 100% in both English and Mathematics and as a result the children’s ability was then graded according to their reading and they did very well also. Our nursery school is a member of the Early childhood Development Association and we participate in all its’ activities from meetings, zonal sports and Independence march past. The school has an active PTA committee which was formed this year.

The group three pupils both morning and afternoon went on an excursion to the Banjul Breweries and GAMBEGA Company. This was to expose them and allow them to have a first- hand knowledge about what they learn in the classroom and also allow them to see the different processes undertaken in manufacturing drinks. It was a successful trip as they had a lot to say when they returned.

A three day workshop was held for the SOS Nursery School teachers on Montessori and jolly phonics teaching methods and Early Childhood Development concept. On Thursday 3rd July 2008, the SOS Nursery School head and three educators and the Basse educator join other members of staff from SOS Lower and Upper basic school Basse and Bakoteh on a visit to the community initiatives school in Wellingara to see demonstrations on jolly phonics and to know more on what jolly phonics is all about.

A days outing to the Palma Rima Beach was also a success as they were taken out from the classroom to refresh them. The children were very happy to be on the sandy beach and also see the Atlantic Ocean.

The SOS Nursery School open day was on the 16th July 2008. Many parents and guardians turn out well. Friday 18th July was the SOS Nursery School's 13th graduation ceremony. Although it was a rainy day the programme was successful.  The Academic year 2007/2008, ended on the 18 July 2008.

Bakoteh Technical High School

The SOS Technical High School takes students from 15 upwards. It has a capacity of 600 students and has 28 classrooms.

The school also has five science labs, wood and metal workshops, technical drawing room, art and home economics sections plus a guidance & counselling centre. There is also a library and reading room, a canteen and a staff room. A recent addition is a computer laboratory where pupils are taught computer skills as part of the school's curriculum. The subjects offered are based on the national curriculum with an emphasis on technical and vocational areas. The programme is enhanced with extra-curricular and community activities.

Update from 2008:

The school’s Inter House competitions were held at the Independence Stadium on January 16th, 2008. Green House won the competitions.

100 students offering Agricultural Science as an elective visited the Department of Veterinary Services in fulfilment of a West African Examinations Council’s continuous assessment requirement.  17 students; with two teachers participated in the 43rd Independence Anniversary Celebrations held at the 22nd July Square in Banjul.

The first meeting of Project Heads with the Acting National Director was held at the Regional Office on February 19th to discuss the new salary structure for SOS Gambia.

The Gambian Consul in Germany (Dr. Rolf Becker) visited the school with donors and officials from the Department of Social Welfare.

On March 5th 2008, the Acting National Director visited the school with Mr. George Nyahera (the SOS Regional Management Advisor - East Africa).

A team of four teachers from Haga High School (Sweden) visited the school.  The team expressed interest in forging links between Haga High School and SOS Technical Senior Secondary School.

The Principal and Vice Principal of SOS Technical School in Bissau came to The Gambia on a study tour.

The Social Committee in collaboration with the Languages Department organised quiz and debate competitions.

Sports certificates were issued out to the best three athletes in the 40 events that the different Houses (Green, Blue, White and Red) competed for in the Inter House sports competitions.

The Acting National Education and Training Adviser, the Assistant Regional Education Adviser and the SOS Headteacher of the Technical School attended a meeting with the Management of Stratford College (Gambia Campus).  Matters discussed centered on the development of an MOU and also work on the modalities for possible affiliation in the area of “Conflict Resolution and Peace Building”.

26 out of 31 students, of the school qualified in 40 events at the Inter Schools Athletics competitions.

The Principal and Heads of Departments attended a meeting at the Regional Office on Saturday 5th April 2008.  The meeting was convened by the Acting National Director and the Regional Office Education Department to discuss issues relating to admission at the SOS Ghana International College.

The school was ranked 4th out of 43 schools that participated in the Inter Schools competitions.  Alhagie Jawo won D500.00 courtesy of Trust Bank for winning the 1500 meters race.

For the first time, the Grade 12 students sat to Auto Mechanics and Applied Electricity examinations.

Alhagie Jawo (student of the School) represented The Gambia in an open marathon run in Canada.  Alhagie participated in a 20km run and came 2nd out 300 athletes.  He won a medal, trophy and cash prize.

Career Day was organised in May.  The theme was “Developing study skills”.  The Resource persons were Ms. Beatrice Prom of the Cambia Camber of Commerce and Industry and Mr. Dawda Jallow (past student of the school) of the National Council for Civic Education.  25 students from the business studies Department were out on a field trip at the Gambia Ports Authority.

The School hosted a two-day teaching syllabus development workshop.  This responsibility was assigned to the Gambia Conference of Principal by the Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education.

The School’s Peace Pal Club participated in a peace March organised by SOS Schools in collaboration with WANEP and Alumni of the “Peace Building and Conflict Management course”.

The Principal had discussions with official’s of the Marketing Department of Trust Bank.  The Bank provided prizes at the Schools Graduation ceremony for three best students in Commerce, Science and Arts.  The prizes went to Isatou Jallow, Aisha Saho and Musa Suwareh.

The Principal went to Basse to participate in the SOS Day celebrations as a representative of the Acting National Director.

250 Grade 12 students graduated from the School in June.

The NEA and the Principal met an official of the office of the Ombudsman to discuss modalities on the setting up of Human Rights Clubs in Senior Secondary Schools in The Gambia.  This was a follow up on an MOU signed between SOS and the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Principal visited Fatima Senior Secondary School (Bwiam) with the Acting NEA to work on possibilities of organising a workshop for the setting up of Human Rights Clubs in Senior Secondary Schools in The Gambia.

Mrs. Madeleine Jones (Child’s Rights Officer) attended a day’s workshop on Child’s Right at the Children’s Village.

Staff workshop organised to look into the activities of the 2007/2008 academic year.  Staff Workshop based on the preparation of Departmental Work Plan and the school Annual work plan was held in the school from the 16th- 18th September.

The Academic Committee interviewed students for admission in Grade 10 after the national exam results were released.  Grade 12 exam results were released, the results were analysed by the Academic Committee.

Departmental meetings were held to discuss the results and formulate strategies for the way forward.  Mr. Martin Engelfield donated a brand new projector worth ₤600.00 to the school.  Donation of books from Messrs Jonga and Onykwere, both of whom are now in the United Kingdom, served as Youth Leader and Head of Science and Maths Department respectively.

In fulfilment of the external examination requirements, the Math and Science Department organised a field trip t o the Abuko Nature Reserve.

The Maths and Science Department also invited Mr. M. Gassama of the WHO to talk on the “Challenges of the MDGS in The Gambia”.

Gabriel Nyang and Elvis John (SOS Youth) were selected to represent the Gambia in the Under 17 Cricket tournament in Nigeria. The Gambia came out 4th out of the 6 countries that participated.

The Principal attended the usual monthly meetings of the Regional Office.  Matters concerning the global economic crisis and its effects on SOS were discussed.  Meetings of the Principals and NEAS from the North West Africa region started on November 24th.

A group of students and 3 teachers from Haga High School (Sweden) visited the school.  An MOU is being formulated for approval and signing.

Bakoteh Primary and Secondary School

The school in Bakoteh is a combined primary and secondary school with about 540 pupils - 340 primary in six classes and 200 secondary in six classes. Pupils stay at this school until they are15 when they can transfer to the SOS Technical High School. There is also an SOS Nursery School for 200 children in four classes.

Fatou, a girl at SOS Children's Village Bakoteh in The Gambia,moved from the SOS Nursery School in July 2004, aged six. In September, she started grade one in the SOS Primary and Secondary School. Fatou was excited about her new school and class and shared some of her first experiences.