Linda, It is nice to see that you are thinking of duplicating an organization like the Gambia Support Group in Texas. As a member of the Support Group, I can tell you that it is not hard at all. It seems to be natural with Gambians, and so I heard of other Africans too; that bringing people together for a good course is so difficult. However, it does not take miracles. The Gambia support group has a very good support within the Gambian community in the DC area. Just as the paper rightly reported, the group relies on fund raising programs and a token of contributions from its members. I will be more than willing to send you any information that you may need to start such a thing in Texas, and I can personally tell you that the Group will be more than willing to work with any group or person who is ready to help the many in need back home. There is a lot those of us outside could do to help our people, and I hope we all look towards that direction. Most of us here spends in a week more than what one child in the Gambia might need to go to school. And it is very shocking to here a child drop out of school, because his/her parents are unable to pay an exam fee of less than $2.00 (two Dollars). So keep your spirit up. Together there is a lot we could do for our people. And again, I will be more than willing to send you any kind of information you might need to embark on such a project. You will have a lot of hurdles at the beginning, but there will certainly be some who will either join or contribute from their hearts. I wish you all the best. Ousman Bojang. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------