In a bid to boost the education and health sector, Dot Priestley, a British philanthropist on Monday distributed stationary, furniture, footballs and football gears, bicycles, tables, chairs, video, computers, photocopiers, 12 large television screens and other valuable items to The Gambia College, Bullock, Farraba, Bakadaji, Bakau, Janet International schools as well as medical items to Wellinghara Clinic.

Other household items where also distributed to the people of Bakau, Brikama, Sabba and Serrekunda.

Speaking to the Daily Observer shortly after the distribution exercise, Dot Priestley from Derbyshire in the UK, gave a brief history of how the gesture came about. She noted that she has been visiting The Gambia since the year 2000 and through such visits that she became increasingly aware of the importance of supporting the people of The Gambia in the education, health and other sectors for the development of the country. “I love The Gambia. The people are friendly and I wish them all the best and ready to share with them all what I have” she said.

Madam Priestley then emphasised the importance of the items donated noting that it will benefit beneficiaries and increase their level of achievements as well as enabling the Gambia College trainees to benefit and thus, the children they eventually teach.

“The items distributed to the various villages will as well not only be of benefit to the children but also to their families. This will help increase the resources of the villages and improve the well-being of the families” she said.

She then commended Ann Poole, a teacher at Knivebon Primary School in the UK for assisting her in the distribution exercise and Lynn Board, a daughter and head teacher and Sue Cartlidge, an infant teacher for their immense support in ensuring the success of the initiative.