My first trip to Gambia had the most powerful impact on me as I experienced both the warmth and friendliness of the Gambian people in spite of the fact that they had so little.

Having the opportunity to be a part of the development of ongoing projects at Illiassa and seeing the progression of the nursery school, which has been funded by fundraising efforts of Withington Girls, certainly made me very proud of our girls.

Being lucky enough to return to the Gambia each year has meant that I have witnessed how our projects have benefited the local people, from seeing the joy on the faces of the children who are now able to go to school, to the gratitude of the women getting a much needed rice pounding machine to help cut down their heavy workload.

Miss Browning continues to be an excellent team leader and project organiser and she motivates and encourages the girls every year. I am thankful to be a part of this very worthwhile trip, knowing that all money that is raised goes directly to where it is urgently needed and is so gratefully received by the Gambia communities.

Miss B O’Neal, Head of Psychology