The Centre completed!
We completed a purpose built health centre in 2002 with assistance from the UK Community Projects Fund. We are now in a position to expand our health care services to the surrounding community. To do this we shall need to expand our resources.
Young people involved
An important aspect of our programme is the involvement of young people from the UK. Medical students have undertaken health care research projects for the Association with the Department of Health. Student midwives have spent study periods in the Centre as part of their training. Sixth form students, most recently from Ardingly College, have assisted local primary schools in the development of science teaching and health education. A builder from Ardingly supervised the construction of the first buildings.
How it all started
Some years ago, the Village development Committee of Old Jeshwang approached Redcoat, a company based in the U.K. and with interests in The Gambia, to ask for assistance to build a Maternity and Child Health Care Centre in their village.
Redcoat Air Cargo, formally a cargo airline in the mid 1970’s and early 1980’s, had long served West Africa with its cargo aircraft and subsequently with its airfreight, courier, seafreight and travel services. It established offices in Banjul during this time and Redcoat Express (G) Ltd. currently manages the Banjul International Freight Centre at the airport together with a similar facility at Banjul Port.
Redcoat’s Director, Lynn Wilson of Ardingly knew that, while the company could offer vital logistical support, it could not at that time undertake the management or finances of such a venture but, fortunately, was able to introduce John and Margaret Dale, fellow residents of the village of Ardingly, West Sussex, both former health care professionals. After visiting the village to review the project, they decided that it was worthwhile supporting. We formed the Ardingly Old Jeshwang Association to raise funds, to offer direct help with the design and construction of the buildings and to advise on the development of services.
Treatment
Since these clinics were opened we have treated over 4,000 women and 20,000 children. The Department of Health of The Gambia funds routine medical care in the Centre while the Association funds administration and the development of healthcare programmes.
