Save our school plea from Angus woman helping Gambians

Jackie Jobe helps provide an elementary education to nation’s children

An Angus woman is in a race against time as she fights to raise funds to keep her school open in Gambia.

Jackie Jobe, from Montrose, is the founder of Pandi’s Legacy, a charity that provides youngsters in a small, rural area of the African nation with the opportunity to go to nursery school every day.

It is the only school in the area of Tallinding, but Jackie, 54, now needs thousands of pounds to meet new rules laid down by the authorities after the establishment became a victim of its own success.

She bought the nursery building in 2009 after fundraising efforts including cycle challenges, climbing Ben Nevis and local business support.

Due to overcrowding the local authorities have requested that Jackie has a bigger space divided into age categories, meaning she now has to rent another building.

Jackie said: “We currently have 153 children at the school but due to overcrowding we now need to move.

“I have personally paid the rent for six months to secure the new building but now I need to try to raise £2,000 in the next four weeks to help kit out the classroom.

“Ideally the future plan would be to buy a building, however this would cost in the region of £15,000.

“Due to time restrictions I cannot ship anything into Gambia so I am having the desk, chairs etc made here, which is great as we can keep the money local.”

Jackie added: “For many children in Gambia, obtaining an elementary education can be the difference between earning a living and spending a life on the streets – and the longer they attend school, the higher their chances of earning enough to be able to afford food, a decent place to stay and opportunities.

“It would be heartbreaking to not reach the amount we need to ensure the children have a safe and comfortable environment to study in.

“I hope the people of Montrose, Angus and Scotland can get behind the campaign to ensure this happens,” she said.

To make a donation towards the new school building visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jackielearmonth4.

Jackie Jobe working in Gambia.