Late February, I went with some family and friends to Gambia. It was a very intensive week in which we have seen and done a lot. For me it was the third time to Gambia in 11 years.

Africa continues to be an intense experience, all black people with warm colored clothing, the heat (drought) and the beautiful dark orange colored sand. I saw some improvement in the country such as the construction of more roads but also the availabilty of water. Yet it struck me that so little has changed in 11 years. The developments do not seem very hard to go, or for me as an outsider just not visible.

Despite the eyewitness of poverty which you see during a trip to Gambia, people are very friendly. Every Gambian seems open to contact. We can learn form that with our modesty in the West, although it also has a flip side to ever be spoken to. This year were at of a family again. Then you see how living in groups in the 'Compounds' is shaped. Relatives living there often with three or more families together. Although there is much poverty and care for the morrow with regards to basic needs like food and health, people are no less welcoming. There is always a meal ready and I find that really admirable!

This year we visited the London School Corner several times which has always been a very intensive experience with over 300 children who want your attention. This year was extra intense for me because it was the first time that I am here without my mother (who deceased three years ago). The party and the many singing children helped to feel less pain. And I could see the school as it were, through the eyes of my mother. She had her heart so lost to the children, parents and teachers. It gave me a warm feeling that everything seems to run pretty well at the school. In addition, I must say that I if I looked through my 'Western eyes' , there are still many things to improve.

Naturally in the group arose also discussions about the usefulness of our work as a foundation and future approach. We would like the school te be more financially independent and therefore want to make some nice ideas we could further develop. It gives me a good feeling that we are on the Londer Corner School as a foundation and can make a difference in fulfilling the basic needs of children, including providing food and developing academic skills. Although I am very aware that this is a drop in the ocean it really gives satisfaction to drop it to through the work of the Foundation.

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