Alan Hutchison & Tony Rea Gambia-Extra October 2013 Visiting The Gambia Oxford Brookes University

Why The Gambia? Pronounced cultural contrast; Very welcoming; Accessible; Safe; English speaking; Connections we have made.

It’s hot! The blue marks and figs at the bottom are London averages

Weather data

Locations for visit Hotel base on coast for the visit Local village visit

African Village Hotel

Standard Room at African Village Hotel

Local village visit  Time with family in compounds in small groups  Time with children  Lunch African style

Outline itinerary Educational experiences:  Briefing on education system with local experts  Visits to local schools according to interest – 2/3 days  Teaching/observing/meetings  Educational conference with Gambian student teachers

Typical visit Cultural & other experiences:  Bush taxi  Sacred Crocodile pool  Local markets/towns/ museums  Monkey sanctuary

Teachers comments from previous trip A “This unique trip has highlighted for me some major issues within our society and having experienced a comparative community I can now try to start unpicking these issues. I feel empowered by this visit and it will impact profoundly on my professional and personal life.” B“an incredibly precious experience to share deep experiences with people much wiser than us…”

Teacher comments C “from the moment we touched down in Gambia I knew that I was in for the experience of a lifetime but I did not and could not have anticipated the extent to which it has affected me.” D “I have had to confront my own judgements & open my eyes to alternative ways.”

Teacher comments E “A truly life changing experience which will stay with me forever.” F “I have also really enjoyed the time to reflect as a professional. I thought this would be mainly about the Gambian education system but I have reflected much more on our own systems and have come away with more questions than answers.”

Benefits Personal & professional development Confidence Cultural awareness/global perspective Possible teaching abroad later Possible links to course work at the university Relationships with others here and in Gambia & possible school links Your CV and teaching career

Key information and issues Dates/times: June (1 week): Tuesday to Tuesday Flights from Gatwick: Dep 9.15am; Arr From Banjul: Dep 16.25; Arrive (Gat South) Getting there and back Travel insurance needed Passport (need copy of passport page); valid min 3 months after return Health/safety: visit your local GP inc malaria; further briefings in situ & before we depart

Key info & issues Need minimum of 19 people to go Cost: £850 (1 week)  Inc: flights; B&B; transfers; local guide; group dinners on 1 st & last nights; group travel costs; rice for family visit; costs of drummers and dancers; 1 Batik session; entrance fees to places of interest.  Not inc: get to/from Gatwick; lunch each day & other dinners; local travel by bush taxi; tabs etc; insurance; any other spending Travel with Gambia Experience tour operator Payment dates:  Deposit £95 by Monday 4 November  Balance £755 by 7 April latest

How to pay? Pay in to the university: an account will be set up for this. Make sure you pay in to the correct a/c & the finance staff record your correct details. Make sure Nick knows you have paid. Pay by the dates given, no later!

Contact info: Alan/Tony Alan office (p/t Tues) home mobile Tony Further briefing meeting before we go. Your contact details: mobile & on sheet

Other key info Check the Gambia Experience website for further info inc cancellation charges: o.uk/Docs/About- Us/Company- Information/Terms- And-Conditions.aspx o.uk/Docs/About- Us/Company- Information/Terms- And-Conditions.aspx Check the Gambia Experience website for more hotel info, guidance on travelling to Gambia etc: