• Samba

  • Alfa

  • Lee

  • Pamela

  • Bryan

  • THE SUPPORTERS

Samba

Samba, the man, the legend, has been the heart and soul of Alpha’s journey as both headmaster and teacher. If anyone needed proof of his incredible abilities, Alpha is a living testament. From the moment I met Samba and his family, I realised I was in the presence of someone truly extraordinary. Samba is a pillar of his community, always looking out for others—whether it’s providing rice to families in need or covering school fees for children who couldn’t otherwise afford an education.

As we walked together through Sanchaba in The Gambia, it became clear how well-known and respected he is. He’s taught so many of the local children, and little did we know how valuable that would become. Many of his former students have gone on to learn about livestock and are now helping us at Kerr Layen. Samba now oversees the cashew nut fields, the goat herd, the chickens, and even the new school.

There are countless stories I could share about Samba, but perhaps my favourite is his dream to own his own school, which you can read more about in the School Project section. Samba, you’ve brought so much purpose and meaning into my life. I deeply cherish your friendship and your humanity. Thank you for everything. I am excited to see where this adventure takes us and your beautiful village.

Mum & DAD

Mum and Dad have supported the village financially from the beginning, spreading the word to the blue rinse brigade. After my beautiful dad passed away, my mum has become my Gambian travel companion, I know how incredible special this is. Every thing I do, is with my parents in mind,

The children from Alfa’s home and the Kerr Layen village adore mum, playing with her hair and just wanting to be near her. My mums real smile comes when in the company of these beautiful Children.

Alpha

After a powerful windstorm destroyed Alfa’s family home, we went to visit them. The rebuilding process was expected to take 15 years, and Alfa would have had to abandon his studies. The estimated cost of rebuilding was around £2600.00. My amazing parents generously split the cost with me, and within just two months, the family home was rebuilt, reuniting everyone under one roof.

When we visited, we were welcomed with overwhelming kindness. We’re eagerly looking forward to seeing them again in November 2024.

Alfa is truly remarkable. With only minimal support, he has shown that he can thrive and create countless opportunities for himself, paving the way for a bright future. His journey has inspired us to take on a new project: building a school in his home village of Kerr Layen, so that others can also pursue their dreams.

Bryan

Several years ago, I met a fellow photographer named Bryan Osborn. During one of our conversations, he mentioned that he was sponsoring a schoolchild in Gambia. After another coffee and slice of cake, I was inspired to do the same and began sponsoring a boy named Alfa. When COVID struck, and Gambia went into lockdown, Alfa and Samba’s village found themselves in desperate need of food. It was Bryan’s remarkable kindness, quick thinking, and decisive action that rallied support to send emergency rice to the village. From there, he spearheaded the initiative to rent land and plant 500 cashew trees, along with a groundnut plantation, which will provide lasting support for Kerr Layen Village for years to come.

I cannot imagine the hardship the village would have endured without Bryan’s humanity. Every future project we undertake will carry his influence at its core. Without him, this incredible journey would not have been possible.

Lee

I suppose that’s me! First, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family and friends who have given me so much love and support. My role in this journey is only possible because of the stability they’ve provided.

As for myself, I’m a clinical hypnotherapist and a semi-retired wedding photographer. I enjoy running (when my hips allow it) and love the thrill of plunging into ice-cold water—it’s my free high!

I have to give a special mention to my wonderful wife, Lisa, who has patiently supported all of my various hobbies and endeavors. She’s never once complained about the money that has gone toward helping the village, even though I know she’d love a new patio!

I strongly believe that we’ve won the lottery just by being here on this planet, and it’s our responsibility to help those who share this beautiful world with us.

This village has given me far more than I could ever give them.

The Supporter’s

I’m not even sure where to begin with these incredible people. Over the past few years, this project has become a huge part of my life. Along the way, people connected to me, either personally or through social media, have been unbelievably generous. Donations have poured in for rice, goats, chickens, sewing machines, clothing, school books, desks, school buildings, mango trees, cashew nut trees, solar panels, and even two wells. It’s truly amazing, and most of this has happened in just the past year.

If you’re reading this and have been one of the supporters, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have changed lives and given an entire community hope and the resources to create a brighter future. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

If you’d like to get involved or support in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out!