Teachers
and pupils from Christ Church Primary School and Nursery learnt about life in
an African school when they were visited by a headteacher from The Gambia last
week. Mr Jarra spent a day at the Ware school as part of a two-week visit
to the UK organised by ‘Helping’, a Stanstead Abbotts-based charity that
supports schools and communities in the West African country. Christ Church
School is twinned with Chessay Ma Jaw school.
The
Gambian teacher was keen to find out about the ways children are taught in this
country and plans to take some of the ideas back home. “Mr Jarra was
fascinated by our active way of learning; the interactive and colourful displays
around the school; the fact that teachers asked for the children's opinions;
and that our children were so engaged in their learning,” explained Mrs
Vaughan. “Teaching in The Gambia is still
very formal, however, this kind of visit will help to initiate
change.”
Mr
Jarra also took part in an assembly and spoke to the children about education
in his home country, highlighting the differences between the lives of the
pupils in The Gambia and the UK. “Some of the hardships experienced by Gambian
children are very difficult for our pupils to comprehend,” said Mrs Vaughan.
“There is a considerable shortage of resources; for example, it is common for
six children to share one exercise book and a pen. Many children can only
afford to attend school for three months and work for the rest of the year to
raise the necessary funds – there is no free education in The Gambia.”
Christ
Church pupils presented Mr Jarra with a cheque for £600, which was raised
during the summer term following a variety of fundraising events, including a
bake sale, a pyjama day, a joint artwork, a pinic and a traditional fair. The money will go towards
stationery and uniform for the poorest children, as pupils cannot attend school
in the Gambia without the correct uniform. “Mr Jarra expressed his most sincere
gratitude to all the children for their continuous support,” said Mrs Vaughan.
“The money raised will make a huge difference.” This
was Mr Jarra's first visit to the UK.
