Visit to the Ministry of Youth and Sports

Thursday was an important meeting at The Ministry of Youth and Sports for The Gambia, in Banjul. We all got togged up with the best clothes we had and travelled in the pick up and car.  Sainey, as usual was very punctual and got us to The Ministry in style.  The Permanent Secretary, Mr Alieu Jammeh, met with us and was very interested to hear the history of  The Penyem project 25 years ago and the development of The President's International Award since.  He asked all of us, after Ann explained the development in the last 25 years, about what we had been doing this time. Jade spoke on behalf of the girls who had done their expedition and formally thanked him on behalf of us all for the opportunities we all have had. He was most interested in us and in the links between Duke of Edinburgh Award and PIA and Gamscot.







Jade's formal thank you



Mr Jammeh was very interested in how many young people have benefited from these links since 1985.  Alex explained the importance and influence The Gambia  has had on many young people lives which he has heard both Barry and Roddy from The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme Scotland talk about over the years. The PIA epitomizes and puts in practice what the vision statement is for The Ministry.

After the meeting- we had some fun and is this Abdoulie Bah, the Chief Executive of the President's International Award Scheme in "Lady Anne's " hat??

After a drive round Banjul market we headed back via Serrekunda to try and price up some chairs......then it was back to work for some painting, bench mending, teaching and staff development/ training. Shona helped Ros collect information from students about their hobbies. Shona would make an excellent Teaching Assistant! Alex's last training session was lively but there was much noise and  excitment happening in the central yard.  There was a buzz about a certain arrival..........