- Registered Charity Number 1156030
- adissponsorship@gmail.com
- Registered Charity Number 1156030
- adissponsorship@gmail.com
About Us
OUR JOURNEY
FROM THE START
The charity was initially formed in March 2012 and was registered with the Charity Commission in March 2014.
Jayne, one of the founder Trustees, visited the school in February 2012. It was housed in a partially completed building. There was no electricity or running water and the toilet facilities were a hole in the ground surrounded by corrugated sheets. They had very little equipment and most of the teachers were not trained.
At this point Alex (the headmaster) could not pay the rent – the charity was formed, the rent was paid and funds raised through donations, events and sales.
One of our Trustees, Ian Dow, who was a member Of the Aberdeen St Nicholas rotary club, raised funds for the charity and through the Rotary club funded several projects at the school.
This activity continued and as the school became established in new premises, funded by a Belgium charity. The charity focus was changed in May 2021. Recognising the difficulties that many families face in paying school fees we now offer sponsorship for individual needy children.
Libby Davis
Treasurer
YEARS SUPPORTING
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Why the need?
Although The Gambia has a basic education system, families must bear some of the costs and there are insufficient Government provided school places. Around 40% of children do not go to school because the families do not have the money to pay the school fees.
Our Objective
Our objective is to enable disadvantaged children from a small fishing village in Ghana Town, The Gambia to access basic primary education at Aunty Dorricing’s International school.
Sponsor a child
You can Sponsor a Gambian child ensuring they can attend primary school for the equivalent of £1.35 per week.
AUNTY DORRICING'S INTERNATIONAL NURSERY & PRIMARY SCHOOL
THE SCHOOL
Aunty Dorricing’s International nursery and primary school was founded in 2009 by the present principal Alex Mensah. His ethos has always been to strive to provide a high standard of education for all its children and not exclude the children of families who are experiencing severe hardship and cannot afford to pay to send their children to school. This continues today.
The school was started by Alex in one room with no facilities or equipment. Over a number of years the school has developed considerably with help from ourselves and various other charities and organisations.
The school follows the Gambia education curriculum, and the children sit exams annually. The school has achieved some excellent results.
Alex Mensah - Prinicpal Giving thanks for your support and donations.
Principal - Alex Mensah
Alex who is of Ghanian heritage, was born in Ghana Town, The Gambia in 1979. He attended Catholic school, Fatima High School, where he was sponsored by an Irish Priest. Alex completed his education at Gambia College School of Education, where he obtained a Higher Teaching Certificate. He started the school in 2009. Alex has two children, his daughter Aunty Dorricing (who the school is named after) and son, Henrick.
ABOUT US
MEET THE Trustees
A representative of the Trustees of A.D.I.Funds4School will endeavour to visit the school at least once every academic year. This visit enables us to check on sponsored children’s well being, attendance and progress. Often the school has no notice of the charity visit. VISITS TO THE SCHOOL BY TRUSTEES ARE SELF FUNDED IN THEIR ENTIRITY.
Jayne Gallagher (Chair)
My first experience of Gambia dates back to 1988. Returning in 2011 I found some things had chnaged but the desperate need for education continues. Now retired, my professional background was Mental Health Nursing and I have 30 years expeience as a Trustee of a nursing charity. Libby (Treasurer) and I set up A.D.I Funds4School in 2012.
Libby Davis (Treasurer)
Retired, accountant, who has been involved as Treasurer of several UK charities including Citizens Advice Bureau Chesterfield and Chesterfield Alzheimers Society.
John Gallacher (Trustee)
I visited The Gambia in 1988. Now retired, I worked in the NHS as a senior management level and as a Trustee see the tole to be responsilbe for the charity's governance ans strategy and to ensure it is administered effectively.
Sarah Davis (Trustee)
Primary school teacher from 2012 to present. Taught a range of children from 6 to 11. Visited Ghana and taught there in 2011 as part of my training. Advisor for the charity on things teaching and learning based. Supported the teachers at the school in teaching of phonics.
Michelle Woodall (Trustee)
NNEB Nursery Nurse, lots of experience working with special needs children and young people. Mum of 3, one biological daughter and 2 bonus sons. Thrilled that following a conversation with Jayne re wanting to sponsor a child the same age as my daughter, I have been involved in helping develop this amazing charity.
Ian Dow (Trustee)
Retired Community Psychiatric Nurse, who also spent over 50 years working with young people through Scouting. Introduced to The Gambia in 2012 and still working there on projects through Rotary. Is a past District Governor Rotary and delighted to still be involved in providing support to those in need. Is a Patron of Books Abroad.
