Anbjørg reminisces...

This is how Butterfly Friends began in 2003:

It all started with a house in Ebo Town that was being renovated and 60 students who were to be taught by two teachers…
When registration began, 120 children arrived with their mothers, and all 120 wanted to start school, but there was only room for 60 students. We all cried a little, and I said, “It’s okay, I’ll build a school for you, and we’ll have it ready by September.” It wasn’t September, but on November 15 of that same year, the new school was completed, and 230 students started school. There was immense joy on opening day, with many wonderful sponsors from Norway and many Gambians who had never seen such a beautiful school. The school was painted both inside and out, had tiled floors, and desks and chairs from Norway. Three 40-foot containers were shipped from Norway.

In Ebo Town, things have been running smoothly for nearly 18 years, and today 300 students attend this school, which has 24 staff members. Over the years, we’ve built several schools in The Gambia, and now there are about 2,000 students attending our schools. These students are very proud to wear Butterfly’s uniforms and excel academically. We’re just as proud of them.

So if there’s anyone out there who would like to sponsor a student or support the project, we’d be very grateful. Butterfly Friends has been working for nearly 18 years to ensure that poor children in The Gambia receive an education. Fortunately, we have many WONDERFUL sponsors who understand how important it is to help. Thank you so much to all of you.

Photo series from Brikama, 2003:

Opening day was marked by joy, pride, and hope

Happy schoolchildren who receive a hot meal every day.

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