Marlborough Brandt Group

How long do you go for?

Volunteers spend a minimum of three months in Gunjur leaving in January returning in April, but this can be extended if you wish. Also departure dates can be flexible, with agreement of either the school or the development project. Many volunteers spend time travelling around West Africa at the end of their stay.

Where is Gunjur and what is it like?

It is a large sprawling village with about 15,000 inhabitants, 2km from the coast and 25km south of The Gambia`s largest town Serrekunda. At the centre are the market and the mosque. The bush taxi station is on the outskirts of the village ony a short walk from the centre.

The taxis are very cheap and very crowded, they take you to the beach in 10 minutes and Serrekunda in less than an hour; there is no fixed timetable and they leave when they are full. The Gambia is a mainly Muslim country and Gunjur is an important Islamic centre. The fishing industry at the beach, local vegetable gardens, rice and groundnut fields all provide the principal employment for the people of Gunjur.

What work do you do?

Volunteers work as teaching assistants in the Upper Basic School. What you will do depends largely on the skills you have to offer and the ability of the school to accommodate those skills. There is also an opportunity to teach in the Lower Basic School or the Preschool.

TARUD is a small NGO in Gunjur and there is always help needed there in the form of Computer Training, Accountancy Support and Administration Advice. We will contact the schools and TARUD for you and draw up a brief job specification for you. There is no age limit for a volunteer, but you must be over 18 years old and in good health.

What is it like to live there?

You will have your own small house in a family compound, they are built of concrete blocks with a corrugated roof. Your family may consist of several brothers and their wives and families, they will look after you as if you are one of their family. You will eat traditional food of fish and rice, sometimes with vegetables and a spicy sauce. You will fetch your water from the well, wash from a bucket, and your toilet will be a hole in the ground.

There is no electricity so you will read by candlelight or chat under the stars. Some compounds have telephones, and there is a telephone exchange in the village where there is a fax machine.

You will pay £55 per month for your house, this should consist of a living room, bedroom your own private washing area and latrine. Your family will give you three meals a day, and will do your washing.

What is the weather like?

It is dry and hot during the months of January and June, this is why we like to send our volunteers at this time since there is less risk of becoming sick.

What Support do Volunteers receive?

The Gunjur Link Committee working with TARUD provide primary support for volunteers. They have a pro office consisting of Babucar Touray (Boyo) and M`banding Touray, you will find that these two people will be there to advice you if you should need it. There is a programme director of TARUD, Sandang Bojang who is also able to provide advice and support.

The High Commission is fully aware of our programme and gives excellent support.

How much does it cost?

Between £1,500 and £1,800 for the three months, this will cover airfare, insurance, living expenses, training and any injections you may need. We ask for a contribution of £200 towards bringing young people from Gunjur as part of our Work Placement Programme, this is funded totally by M.B.G. The currency of The Gambia is the Delasi with the present exchange rate is D41 to £1 sterling.

We can give you advice on sponsorship and how to raise the money yourself.

What training do you get?

We provide a training weekend approximately one month before your departure. We will discuss the cultural differences and you will receive several booklets of information. We will also arrange for you to meet some returned volunteers and some young Gambians living in UK.

You will also receive an induction when you arrive in Gunjur.