Freundeskreis
Sukuta -
Moormerland e.V
Our projects
More than 30 years have passed since the FSM e. V. was founded in 1986. During this long period of time we have been able to collect more than 120.000€ of donations, which have been invested in the following projects:
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Construction of classrooms
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Construction of the Assembly Hall (Aula)
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Enclosure of the complete school property with a wall of approx. 1 km length
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Creation of a school garden
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Construction of an administration building
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Establishment of a library and library equipment which reflect the life of young Africans*ì in a special way, as well as textbooks for each student of the Upper Basic School in the subjects English, Mathematics, Agriculture and Science
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Since 2019, the school library has been housed in the new school building, because after the school was extended to the university level, the previous rooms were needed for the construction of new classrooms and therefore the library had to be provisionally accommodated in the Assembly Hall. We expect the new building to be completed in spring 2021.
Current projects
Expansion of the Assembly Hall
Anschaffung von Schulinventar
Acquisition of school inventory
New construction of the school library
New inventory for the library
Construction of a photovoltaic system for the library
Expansion of the Assembly Hall
In order to be able to use it as an event room, sanitary facilities, changing rooms and the stage have to be extended.
Acquisition of school inventory
There is always a need for inventory for administration and teaching. At the moment we fit out the school with a Covid19 hygiene set, consisting of 2400 mouth and nose masks, sufficient soap and disinfectants.
Construction of the school library is finished
At the end of October 2021, the time has finally come: The new construction of the school library has been completed and fully financed, the 2019 offer of GD 3,174,312.00 was not exceeded despite the long construction period.
With the help of numerous sponsors and financial participation in the construction costs by the Gambian Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education, the Circle of Friends was able to provide the equivalent of 55,575.00 € for this project. The Circle of Friends would like to thank all those in Germany and The Gambia who have contributed to the realisation of this project.
Even though the Corona pandemic is currently preventing a ceremonial handover of the library to our partner school, there is great joy in November/December 2021 that the more than two-year provisional arrangement in Assembky Hall will now be over with the complete transfer of the library to the new building and that the new library can finally be used.
The school library gives all children - regardless of their parents' purse - access to reading and teaching materials. This is because books are not as easily accessible in The Gambia as they are in Germany. There are only a few libraries or bookshops and books are so expensive that most pupils cannot afford them.
Since 2001 FSMeV has been supporting the school library by purchasing books, shelves, tables and benches. It also pays part of the salaries of the employees.
When the library burned down in 2007, a new building was not possible for financial reasons. Therefore the books were provisionally housed in a classroom. FSMeV financed a new roof for it, prepared the room and - and above all - bought new books.
In 2015 the planning of a new library building could be started. The School Management Committee, the school management, the Gambian Ministry of Education and committed members of the association took part in the project. When the financing by the Gambian state and the FSMeV was clarified, the new building was started in 2019.
Students like to use the library.
In January 2007 the library was destroyed by a fire.
The library gets a roof.
Students like to use the library.
New inventory for the library
The library focuses on books from Gambia or other African countries with stories that relate to the children's lives. Books for the teaching of English, mathematics, agriculture or science are purchased in such numbers that each child has a copy available. In addition, literary works, further literature for various subjects and reference works can be found on the shelves.
The books are in English because all subjects - reading and writing or mathematics and chemistry - are taught in English and not in the mother tongue of the pupils* (e.g. Mandinka, Wolof). This makes learning immensely difficult, which is why children in The Gambia have to work especially hard to be good at school.
The workstations in the library are also used for doing homework. At home there is often no place to study in peace. As the pupils* are taught in two shifts in the morning and afternoon, the library is open all day. This is possible because FSMeV finances a part of the salaries for the two employees.
Because former pupils* or children from other schools in the area also use the library, it has developed into a small learning centre. And this development will be reinforced by the new fit out.
There are many books within the book shelves.
Many books are up to date.
There are many books within the book shelves.
Construction of a photovoltaic system for the library
The library will be equipped with internet and computers. Also, via wifi the teachers and students can connect their own devices to the internet to gain new information meaning a high progress in technology. However, a prerequisite for a reliable usage is a stable electricity supply. Hence, next to the new library a photovoltaik system will be installed.
With this, not only computers but also lighting and fans for fresh air supply will be powered without exceeding the low financial budget of the school.
The School Management Committee, the school management and the FSM e.V. cooperate in the planning and realization of the project together with the Hochschule Emden-Leer and the association Nachhaltige Entwicklung in Ostfriesland und der Welt (NOEW). Students at the university Emden-Leer have laid the foundation for fundraising in the last two semesters despite restrictions imposed by Corona.
The project was advanced under the direction of Professor Dr. Michael Schlaak and Dr. Manfred Hoogestraat and with the participation of the FSM via a video conference.
The school representatives Haddy Sosseh and Saikou Fatty were involved via two video conferences.
An application for funding for the project is currently being submitted to the VRD Foundation, Heidelberg. The second step is made up of the FSM's own funds and donations that have already been received.
At the beginning of July 2021, 5,000 € were provided by the VRD Foundation following our application. We say thank you for this generous support.
Still, a remaining financing of 5.000€ out of 30.000€ must be gained. For this, we ask you for your support. If you want to donate and do good, please click here.
