Fund Raising & Projects
How to Apply
Schools can apply for support in writing throughout the year through our office in The Gambia. Letters should include a full breakdown of costs. Where possible the community should assist with the labour costs.
The resort team will assess the costs and necessity of the project and, if approved, forward the application to the SDF team in the UK.
Selection Criteria
- Only government run schools can apply (see project management criteria set out below).
- SDF aims to support a mixture of schools near the tourist areas (making staff and client visits possible) and those that are more remote, however, the latter usually get less support from other charities and therefore there may be a bias towards these schools.
- Generally only projects under D100,000 are selected (as we wish to support a number of projects each year and do not wish to fund part projects).
Suitable projects for consideration are renovations or building of kitchens / toilets / classrooms and teachers accommodation also fencing / furniture / vegetable gardens and so on.
Presentation of Funds and Project Management
Funds are presented to the schools at an informal event held each spring. Local journalists and the Minster of Education, amongst others, are invited.
If enough funds are raised to complete a number of projects prior to this, holding an interim presentation may be considered.
To ensure the money is used correctly the local education authorities are asked to oversee the projects.
Photographs before, during and after the projects are completed are requested to show how customers and staff donations have helped.
Copies of the original applications, photographs and thank you letters etc are kept in the resort office for clients to view.
How funds are raised
Funds are raised towards this project in a number of ways
- Personal donations by The Gambia Experience guests
(these have been matched by the Company)
- Personal donations from non Gambia Experience guests
(generally not matched by the Company)
- Other donations (from companies or from fund-raising activities by clients)
(generally not matched by The Company)
- Collection tins are handed around the departure coaches to collect small change (these have been matched by the Company)
- For every 100 questionnaires returned to the UK the Company donates £10
- Fund-raising events by UK staff
