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Papst employee sets up internet service centre for needy school in Gambia

A Papst employee is sponsoring an initiative to provide an internet service centre and to supply much needed equipment to a school in Gambia. In an ongoing process, Brenda Shore who is a Production Operator at Papst and her husband Keith have sent packages of computers, sports equipment, woodwork and metalwork materials, clothing and books to help Crab Island Junior School in Banjul.

The latest shipment, comprising three large 'Euro' pallets of equipment was carried by specialist logistics company Redcoat Express, and keen to help out their philanthropist employee, Papst themselves joined in the action by sponsoring the transportation costs for the haul.

During one of Brenda and Keith's first meetings at the school, the Head of Computer Studies had explained that he "had a dream" that one day the school would be connected to the internet, but as this would cost £137 it wouldn't happen for a long time.

Brenda and Keith (a Technology Officer at AWE Aldermaston) aim to promote children's welfare at the school including the payment of students' fees who in some cases have lost both parents and cannot afford to pay them. The couple have also provided the latest copies of the International Vocational Qualifications Standards (IVQ) for use by the Gambia Technical Training Institute. As a project that runs through into 2003, the couple are also working with Banjul's Royal Victoria childrens hospital providing clothing and toys.

Crab Island school principal Mr ML Jaiteh has expressed gratitude and confirmation that the equipment would be put to good use, asserting that the materials would raise the academic standard of the students.