Realizations

New Classrooms, Quality Education, Local Commitment and Inclusion

We have made significant progress in providing high-quality education. Our first major step was the realization of two newly built classrooms. In order to support the local economy, we work closely with local suppliers and entrepreneurs to purchase materials and execute works.

To ensure that every classroom is fully equipped, we send school supplies annually so that our students can benefit from educational teaching materials and enriching pedagogical activities.

In addition, we have developed a strong school policy that promotes diversity and inclusion. The management has consciously opted for a balanced composition of female and male teachers. Our school is open to everyone, regardless of philosophical or ideological beliefs, social or ethnic background, gender or nationality. We believe that every individual is valuable and contributes to our community.

In addition, we have established an active parent council, which increases community involvement and has led to greater trust and social cohesion.

Reconstruction of the School Wall for Safety and Protection

The next achievement was the reconstruction of the school wall, which put an end to the flooding during the rainy season. This not only protected the school but also created a safe and stable environment for the children to learn and play in.

Creating a School Garden for Sustainability and Education

By rebuilding the school wall, we have created the opportunity to transform a piece of overgrown land within the school fence into a school vegetable garden of approximately 500 m². This vegetable garden not only provides income through the sale of the harvest, but also contributes to the awareness of sustainable food.

We have developed a sustainable structure with the construction of this vegetable garden, with which we not only pursue the objectives of “no hunger” and “no poverty”, but also benefit from the many educational advantages. Think of economical water use, respect for the environment and learning to grow vegetables and fruit.

Sustainable Water Management and Education

In October 2018, we invested the subsidy from the Province of East Flanders in a water pumping installation. This installation allows us to pump up drinking water and store it in a 2000 liter tank. The water is not only used for consumption, but also for irrigation of our vegetable garden.

This sustainable green project offers important educational benefits, such as learning how to manage water. We emphasize the importance of sparing water use and matching water needs to the available water supply.

Sustainable Energy via Solar Panels

In November 2019, we used the subsidy from the Province of East Flanders for an electricity project. This project enables us to generate electricity sustainably using solar panels, which store the generated energy in batteries.

Animal Project for Promoting Self-Reliance and Education

As part of our animal project, we have built a large stable for fattening hens, laying hens and goats. The sale of slaughter-rich chickens, eggs and home-bred lambs promotes the self-reliance of the school. In addition, the excrement of the animals serves as fertilizer for our school vegetable garden.

In addition, we increasingly use outdoor spaces in our curriculum. Teaching outside, the vegetable garden and keeping animals at school contribute to a higher concentration in the children. These environments are ideal for being creative, experimenting and discovering.

Construction of the stable

Goats

Chickens

Upgrading the Playground and beautifying the School Wall

We have upgraded the playground, making it not only an important space for sports and games, but also a place for rest and meeting for the children. The covered verandas, in front of the new and old classrooms, are embellished with beautiful homemade patio tiles and long benches.

In addition, the facade beautification has led to a visual improvement of the image of the school. The logos of all the schools with which we have a connection now adorn the front facade next to the logo of “De Seidemann School”, which emphasizes our connection and cooperation.

Operation Clean: Together for a Clean School and Environment

With Operation Clean, students are committed to improving the cleanliness of their school and its immediate surroundings. They do this by regularly cleaning up waste together. This activity not only promotes a clean environment, but also a sense of responsibility and teamwork among students.

Collaboration with Gambia College in Brikama

We work together with Gambia College in Brikama, where we supervise interns who gain practical experience with us for two years. These interns not only act as additional free laborers who are fully integrated into the school operations, but they also bring innovative ideas with them. Their fresh perspectives contribute to the dynamics and development of our educational environment.

Shopping Project for Self-Reliance (2024-2026)

We are committed to a store project aimed at promoting self-reliance for the years 2024, 2025 and 2026. The goal is to create a store with three different spaces:

1. Product sales: The first space will be set up for the sale of products grown in our vegetable garden and the animal project.
2. Meeting room: The second space will be a meeting place for students and residents of Brikama. Meals will be prepared and sold here using ingredients from the vegetable garden.
3. Third Space: For the third space, we do not have a specific purpose yet. We will consider the further needs in the community and coordinate what is financially feasible and profitable in the long term.