Part Two

Activity Plan.

Focus 1: Program for Institutions in Education .

The long-term goal of this focus is to help upgrade library and
laboratory facilities(including computer) facilities in selected
schools and institutions. The activities will be implemented
concurrently. With some initiatives already being discussed every
effort will be made to make those the priority. These are the
Gambia College Library and Computer facilities initiative and the
Give-a-book drive.

Activity 1.1   Gambia College library support

Several members have reported the poor state of the Gambia
College library. The Primary objective of this activity is  to
provide the College Library with basic textbooks Reference
material. To achieve this objective the following are suggested:

that each member to contribute one book and $10 for shipping and
handling each year.

that each Zone will be responsible for collection and shipping to
the Gambia.

that the organization approach agencies and other bodies for
assistance in transportation of these books.


Activity 1.2   Computer facility upgrade
The objective of this activity is to donate 10 computers to
Gambia College, the National Library system and secondary schools
in the Country over a 5 year period.

This will include:
5 Pentium based Multi-media Pcs @ $1500 = $7500
5 x86 PCs (preferably used)  @ $750 = $3750
5 Bubble jet printers @ $500 = $2500

Activity 1.3 School classroom support

The aim of this activity is to provide classroom materials and
textbooks to selected Primary and Junior Secondary schools each.

Primary and middle School
5000 Pencils
5000 erasers
2000 sharperners
2000 rulers
2000 color pencils
2000 crayons
500 textbooks
50 teachers guides


Focus 2: Program for Individual Development

The goal of this is to support students in need. To achieve this,
the organization will provide financial assistance through short
grants and scholarships, stationery and book award to students in
financial difficulties. The organization will set up a Students
Advisory and Mentorship Program to advice students.

Activity 2.1   Adopt a student/pupil

This is one of the first activity the organization will
undertake. The Organization will sponsor 10 students, 5 at
Primary and 5 at Secondary School each years. These sponsorship
could range from one time payment of bills to payment of tuition
and books. Recipients will have to demonstrate they are in
considerable financial hardship. The Gambia Zonal Co-ordinator
will in consultation with the rest of the Executive Committee
oversee selection of recipients and disbursement of funds.

Cost of funding 5 Secondary School students at $150 per student
per year amounts to $750. Cost of funding Primary school students
is estimated at $50 per student per year. This amounts to $250
per year.

Cost of 1 year sponsorship.

5 Student @ $150 - $750
5 Pupils @ $50 = $250

Starting 1999, competitions will be supported in essay writing,
science and art projects and award granted. Awards in these
competitions will be in the form of one-time awards.

Activity 2.1   Mentorship and Guidance activity

It is the belief that members of this Organization are notable
role models to many Gambian students. The purpose of this
activity is to take advantage of this relationship. The objective
is to established contact between students particularly Senior
Secondary school students and those established in their intended
careers. The activity will also focus on advising students on
matters such as careers, courses and study abroad. A Working
Committee to compile guidelines on careers, scholarships and study
abroad.

Focus 3:  Education Information Program

A comprehensive information on education in the Gambia is vital
for planning and development of the system. The goal of this
focus is to facilitate access to basic information on education
such as school enrolment, student-teacher ratio, as well as
laboratory and classroom facilities. It is hoped that easy access
to such data would assist planners aid organizations in
determining eligibility.

Activity 3.1   Develop and maintain an Internet Education
               Resource Center for the Gambia

The primary objective of this activity is to develop a HomePage
to publish basic information database on education in the Gambia.
The directory contain information on school enrolment; number of
teachers and qualification; The database will contain information
on all schools from Primary to Higher Education Institutions.

Primary Schools
Year
No. of Classrooms
No. of students
No. of Teachers (uncertified and certified)
student-textbook ratio

Secondary Schools
Year
No. of classrooms
no. of students
no. of teachers(qualification)
student-textbook ratio

Higher Institutions
No. of classrooms
no. of students
No. of teachers(qualification)
Programs offered

A database of Gambians professionals abroad

The purpose of this is to develop and maintain a database on
Gambian professionals around the world. It is hoped that the
Organization will convince employers in the Gambia will in the
future find the Organization a resource pool. To that effect
maintaining such a database will facilitate access to the many
qualified Gambians. It is important to note that entries in this
database will be purely voluntary and will include names,
profession(or intended profession), and contact address.

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