I have just return from a 7 day visit to The Gambia and am very pleased to say that all is progressing well with both the Health Clinic and Bakang/Karantaba school.

1. The number of children who want to attend the Nursery class is growing by the week so has to be monitored or we may have problems at a later date.

2. The number of children now sponsored has risen to 32.

The clinic is really turning into a fine building with visitors very surprised at its size, appearance, and the facilities it has to offer. It is also very pleasing to hear government personnel speaking with enthusiasm about what is being done in the village of Bakang.

3. All the tiling has been completed both inside the clinic and outside on the veranda, steps and wheel chair access. Check out the photos on the project page.

4. Hot & cold water will be available in all the showers and wash basins.

5. Wash basins are to be fitted in the consulting and treatment rooms. Wash basins in the wards completed. Check photos on the project page.

6. Final additions to electrical fittings have been agreed. Check photo on the .project page.

7. Solar power needs discussed and agreed for clinic, staff accommodation & utility building. Fitting of Solar panels. Inverter, batteries, change over switch and charge controller are planned for May installation.

8. Steady progress with construction of staff accommodation. This will be followed by construction of the utility building. Check photos on the projects page.

9. Alumin corrigate roof sheeting purchased for staff & utility buildings.

10. Two septic tanks constructed - now awaiting connection to clinic outflow pipes & tops being made and fitted.

11. Plans are being formalised for the training of staff who will work in and around the clinic - auxiliary nurses, cleaners, receptionists, gardener, security guards, G.D.B. [handyman]

12. Collection of medical equipment from the UK and within The Gambia has commenced. Please check the revised "wish list" of items for the clinic.

13. Many boxes of dressings, bandages, syringes & needles, scissors, forceps, sutures nebulisers, blood pressure machines, steriliser, baby scales, crutches, wheelchairs, examination couch, to name just a few items, are on their way to the clinic.

14. An order for a vaccine fridge, with its independent solar power unit, built to WHO standards here in the UK, has been placed. Delivery expected in May.

Next update early August