Students set to build links with Gambia

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Friday 6th Jan 2006.

Construction students are looking to build a message of hope with a trip to Africa.

Ten Swindon College students have been making last-minute checks in preparation for a volunteer project in Gambia.

From February 7 to February 14, they will head out to the remote town of Gunjur to assist in the restoration of two infrastructure projects.

The development will be led by Kadu Bojang, who came to Swindon College from Gambia in 2003 until 2004 to study childcare.

The students will be working with Kadu and fellow craftsmen with the refurbishment and repair of the Gunjur Pre-School community.

As part of the project, they will also be helping out with the development of the Woulaba Garden Lodge, where the group will be staying on their trip.

The aim is to help build new rooms and install basic plumbing at the lodge to help the town develop its eco-friendly tourism and potential employment.

Andrew Galliver, a 41-year-old plumbing student from Marlborough, said: "It was the opportunity for travel that first interested me. Working out in Africa is definitely something I look to do in the future as a career move. I just wish it was for longer.

"I plan to go back out and see what our work has done to help the community. The people are so wonderful there."

In order to go, the students have had to raise £300 each through fundraising activities.

Money raised will also go towards equipment and the materials necessary for the work to take place.

Pearce Group Ltd, the team who are building the new Swindon College complex at North Star, has also donated £5,000 towards the cost of the trip.

Bricklaying student Ashley Price, 18, from Park North, said: "I've managed to raise the money to go by collecting from friends, family and colleagues at my mum's work at Swindon Council.

"I'm really excited about going. I'm glad it's only a month away, I couldn't wait any longer."

The students were chosen for the project as part of a work-based training scheme connected to their college studies, which include bricklaying, carpentry and plumbing.

Other students attending the trip are Michael Cox, 44, Michael Sherman, 20, Sam Jenkins, 22, Steve Machin, 24, Aimee Patterson, 18, and 17-year-olds Daniel Wilcock, Sam Halford and Tiffany Spencer.

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