The Gambia and Avon Fire Services In Partnership (GAFSIP)

The Partnership between Avon and The Gambia is celebrating 14 life-changing years of working together. As a direct result of this partnership, The Gambian Government have provided eight new fire stations which means that each division of the country now has fire and rescue cover from Banjul (the capital) to Basse (the largest populated centre over 300 miles up river) .

The success of this long term working relationship is evident, not only in The Gambia Fire and Ambulance Service’s ability to extend a sustainable Fire Service, but it also provides a humanitarian service to the communities it serves. More importantly, the eight hundred jobs created mean eight hundred families are provided for with security and respect in their communities – which also supports capacity building within those communities.

Airbus UK and SerCo have supported this project by the donation of equipment and provided vital training for Banjul International Airport fire crews, both in The Gambia and here in the UK. This work is pivotal in maintaining full operation of the airport, which is essential in supporting The Gambia’s tourism and subsequent economy. This is a major area for attention in respect of the improvement of resources and further training.

 In October 2004, a charitable trust was established to secure the long term future of the project, Charitable Trust. No 1106650.

The key objectives of The Trust (GAFSIP) are :-

1. The preservation and protection of health by the provision of Fire and Rescue vehicles and equipment to The Gambia enabling them to provide a life saving and humanitarian service.
2. To advance education in relation to all aspects of preserving and protecting health for the benefit of the public in The Gambia.

History

Since 1991 Avon Fire and Rescue Service has been donating redundant fire appliances, fire and rescue equipment and protective clothing to The Gambia. To date, over 40 fire and rescue vehicles, breathing apparatus, road accident rescue equipment, airfield crash tenders, rope rescue sets and ancillary vehicles have been donated.

Achievements

The key outcome is the provision of a life saving fire and rescue service which also renders humanitarian services to their communities, together with disaster management and recovery, across 12 fire stations providing these services in each division of The Gambia.

It has also provided over 800 jobs, which give those families dignity and respect in their communities and supports their country’s objective of capacity building throughout the provinces.

We also aim to facilitate education and training in all formats utilising support from Fire and Rescue, Education and Health Authorities.

To date 20 Gambian Officers have attended extended training here in the UK, and Avon Officers have given in excess of 200 weeks training in The Gambia.

Health Authorities have given Ambulances, wound dressings, stretchers and bedding, together with all other manner of medical care and treatment materials, which has included a mobile Dentist Surgery and training.

Education Authorities have given books, teaching aids and chairs. The 2005 shipment included 16 tonnes of primary school books, 150 teaching computers, together with redundant school furniture and a quantity of chalkboards which Avon's fire-fighters made up.

These education materials were all personally delivered to 25 schools in The Gambia. Additionally, some educational materials and sewing machines were donated to a Women's Education and Support Group.

These resources will aide up to 30,000 children, giving access to books and Information Technology.

Current Projects.

You can read about one current project about the Sir Charles Lwanga school in Faji Kunda here.

Unique Honour.

In The Gambia’s 2001 New Years Honours, David Hutchings was invested as a Commander of the Republic Of The Gambia (CRG) by His Excellency Dr.Yahya Jammeh, in acknowledgement of this most special and fruitful relationship.

The Future.

We jointly aim to provide a self sufficient training centre in The Gambia to serve that sub region of Africa fascilitating training in Fire, Rescue, Medical support and Disaster Management and recovery.

Our commitment.

All equipment etc is donated and all time is freely given, there are no administration costs of any sort and all visits are self funded.

GAFSIP ensures that every item donated is given directly to the schools in greatest need, as identified by The Gambia Department of State for Education

Our request.

WE ARE SEEKING FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ASSIST WITH THE SHIPPING COSTS WHICH THIS YEAR WILL AMOUNT TO £20,000.