A Big Build Update: Bricks, Blocks and Brand-New Toilets
A Big Build Update: Bricks, Blocks and Brand-New Toilets 🚧
It’s been a little while since I’ve shared a purely bricks-and-construction update from BFiG Busumbala Nursery School… so here we go! It’s time for a big build update.
You may have noticed me mentioning new toilets quite a lot recently. That’s because this project has been on our to-do list for a long time – and it has now become urgent.
Why the Old Toilets Had to Go đźš«
From the very beginning, we knew the original toilets were a problem. Unfortunately, our first builder constructed them in a very strange location and at a very strange angle – right in the middle of the children’s play area at the front of the school.
Even more concerning, the soakaway (where waste flows) was also positioned in the middle of the playground. This created a serious safeguarding risk for our children.
School Manager Lamin Barrow has always been worried about this and has long wanted the toilets relocated. However, with so many competing priorities and limited funds, it simply wasn’t possible to act immediately.
When “Not Ideal” Became “Not Usable” 🚨
A week or so ago, the situation changed. The toilets began to block completely due to poor design and construction.
Repairing them would have been costly – and made little sense when we already knew they would eventually need to be demolished and rebuilt. At the same time, another crucial factor came into play…
A Ministry Inspection Is Coming đź‘€
BFiG Busumbala Nursery School is soon to receive an inspection from the Ministry for Education as part of our official registration process.
Having safe, working toilet facilities is essential for registration. More importantly, our children and staff deserve dignified, hygienic facilities every single day.
So, what was once a “future project” suddenly became an immediate priority.
And So… Construction Begins! 🧱
Thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts and kindness shown throughout this year, we’ve been able to make a strong start on the project.
Here’s what’s already happened:
- Blocks (bricks) have been made
- Foundations have been dug
- The foundations have now been filled with concrete
In just two days, once the concrete has fully set, the builders will begin constructing our brand-new toilet building.
An Upgrade for the Future đźšż
Lamin and I have decided that if we’re rebuilding, we should do it properly.
Instead of three cubicles, we’re upgrading to four toilet cubicles. And because the school now has a water supply (huge thanks to Chris Sylla), Lamin tells me we’ll be able to install taps and even showers inside the cubicles.
This is a massive step forward for the school – and a huge improvement for the children’s daily wellbeing.
What Happens Next? đź’·
You’ll see photos attached to this post showing the blocks and the builders hard at work on the foundations. We’re hopeful that the building itself will be completed by next week.
But once the structure is finished, we still need to find the funds for:
- The actual toilets
- Plumbing fittings
- Internal finishing
And this is where you can help.
Please Help Us Finish the Job ❤️
If you’re able to support the cost of completing our new toilet facilities, you can donate directly to our charity using the details below:
Building Futures in The Gambia
Sort Code: 77-33-04
Account Number: 34015368
Bank: Lloyds
You can also donate online via:
Don’t Forget Gift Aid 🇬🇧
If you’re a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid allows the charity to claim an extra 25% on top of your donation – at no additional cost to you.
That means:
- ÂŁ10 becomes ÂŁ12.50
- ÂŁ20 becomes ÂŁ25
All I need is your address and postcode.
More News Very Soon… 👋
There’s plenty more to come as construction continues – and I’ll be sharing updates as they happen.
P.S. Visit our website at https://www.bfigcharity.org/. Look for the yellow waving hand on the homepage and sign up with your email address to receive instant notifications whenever new updates are posted.
Thank you, as always, for being part of this journey. đź’›
