"Published on Wednesday 2 August 2006 16:50 IT may be more than a year since St Elphin's was forced to close, but the spirit of the school lives on in West Africa. Children in the Gambia are attending their nursery school wearing St Elphin's uniform that was found in the building by developers Audley Court. The company donated the clothes to Geoff and Julie Henson of the Darley Dale Partnership, who provide books, materials and other equipment to nursery and primary schools in the Bakang District. The Hensons recently visited the Gambia where children at the AC Nursery School received their long-awaited delivery. Julie said: "We were introduced to the project in November 2003 and it was heartbreaking to see the children learn in such terrible conditions. "We decided to do something about it, and set up a sponsorship scheme. "We, along with the parents and children in the Gambia are grateful to Audley for thinking of us when discovering the uniforms – they make such a difference." The AC Nursery School provides education for children aged three to eight and receives no financial help from the Government. Aljuma Camara, founder and principal of the school, said: "I am delighted that such kind-hearted people in the UK have given so much of their time and support for the AC Nursery School. "We desperately need help - we are vastly under-funded and the demand for education is enormous." The St Elphin's site will soon be transformed by developers Audley Court into 129 apartments for the elderly. The scheme also includes plans for a clubhouse, restaurant, bistro, lounge, library and health spa. For more information on the AC Nursery School, please contact Geoff and Julie Henson for further information on 01629 732 553." Reprinted by kind permission of Matlock Mercury |
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