Peatmoor Community Primary School

It has been a while since myself and Mrs Moody returned from Gunjur in Gambia. As with previous trips, the visit to Pirang was a success. It never goes quite to plan due to cultural differences, but everything we had planned, we did do! I have to thank the children of Peatmoor for all their efforts fund raising in order for us to buy equipment. After returning their Smartie tubes full of coins, we were able to purchase equipment and resources to take with us to support our project, based on the Rugby World Cup.

As always, the staff and pupils were thrilled to see us. The children absolutely loved learning how to play rugby. Even in the heat and without water, they were enthusiastic and always appreciative of our time. It is an absolute pleasure to work alongside such gracious people and every time I visit, I am humbled once again. It is an opportunity, I think everyone should have. 

Whilst there, we have the pleasure of staying with local families in their compounds. This isn't a trip for the faint-hearted, and living with a family can be quite a challenge after spending a day in school.

 The children at Peatmoor always love to hear the stories we return with, and during assemblies, you can hear a pin drop! I am always happy to chat to any of the children or answer any questions they have about school linking and the relationships I have built up over the years. I have included just a few photos from our last visit for you to get a taste of life in Gambia.

We are now trying to bring Mr Daffeh back to England. The visa application process is a very complex one, and not everyone is successful with their application. We are hoping he will visit during our sports week at the beginning of June. I will keep you informed.

Over the last year, I have been working alongside teaching staff from Lydiard Park Academy (LPA). They too have been successful in their application to the British Council. They are at the beginning of their journey, but they will be forging a link with Pirang Secondary School. This means that all four schools will work together. As a result, we hope another member of staff will also visit at the same time as Mr Daffeh.

I hope you enjoy browsing through the photos.... please do come and talk to me anytime!