Just to make the bantaba live a little, I can add my experience.I went to the Gambia in October and visited the school at Bakoteh and I saw the wonderful progress that Fran had made at the GTS compound. It is all going along nicely there. I met Helen who is a volunteer (I think) at the GTS office and everything was looking good in the admin dept.
I found Gambia more expensive than 4 years previously when I was last there and Gambia experience prices were very high at that time but it was the time for me to go.
I'm not sure when I will go again but I would like to know what others are doing there.

well im going on 12th dec for 2wks, this will be my nineth time, and cannot wait

I sometimes think about going back to Gambia...sometimes, when chatting with Gambian friends here in UK and we talk about times past. But I doubt I ever will. As Francis says, Gambia has too many people who want to cause you trouble or scam money. It has it's charms, yes, but I am at the stage when the troubles outweigh them. The laughable thing is, my small circle of gambian friends in London don't want to go back either, for exactly the same reasons.

Hi Lil

Sorry you doubt that you'll be back, but I know it just wears some people down - as you know I say the problem is not knowing who is GENUINE and who just wants what they can get out of you. Sadly, it seems to have become part of the culture, getting something for nothing by telling the most outrageous fibs to enhance their cause.

Gambians returning from abroad are even more at prey than foreigners and their families work on Guilt, Religion, anything to get funds - and they generally succeed.

After 12 years, I still love the place, despite all the disappointing people I have met, who I thought were genuine but turned out to be just small minded little crooks with no interest in their country, their families or their futures.

The only way forward that I can see is through education - which as you know is why GTS and GETS are here.

Every little step forwards helps - thanks for your comments and fingers crossed that you visit again.

Francis

I have to agree with you, Francis. There can be very disappointing let-downs from people who you really believe are genuine but have merely been grooming you for the scam. However, this is not confined to West Africa; just read the British newspapers! I've made about twenty visits to The Gambia and I'll be there again before Christmas because most people are genuine, because I can help a little and because I have a jolly good time (mostly) when I am there!