Gambia News : Computer store seek PCs for Gambia

Darren Northfield of Aurora Computers on Market Place is keen to collect as many good condition computer monitors, screens and keyboards as possible to fully equip the currently basic computer room of Sanchaba Sulay Jobe Lower School.

The managing director said he had been inspired to launch the local appeal after visiting the school in West Africa for the first time last month.

His parents, Rob and Judi Northfield, of Spofforth Hill, financed a £10,000 building project there back in 2002 - through volunteer charity Schools For Gambia - and they've been paying for a family of seven to be educated ever since.

Darren said: "After seeing how little they have and knowing that myself and the local community in West Yorkshire could help I decided to do everything within my power to assist them in having the best IT department possible.

"While I was there you could see that people really wanted a chance to become doctors, engineers, tour guides but they have so little and it's extremely hard to get a footing.

"The great thing about having access to a computer, printer and the internet is that a world of information is at your finger tips and that really helps towards training in whatever field.

"We have already had a few systems pledged to us but we want to make this as big as it can be," he said.

Darren said people often came into his store with old unwanted computer parts they didn't know what to do with.

He said: "After I visited the school last month I realised that, as I run a computer store, I was in a very good position to be able to help.

"It was so good to see that the teachers were so passionate about giving a good education to all the pupils. It's just £60 to send a child to school for a whole year and I will certainly be sponsoring a child.

"To us £60 is a day or two's wages, but for them that's a lot of money and it's hard to find."

Darren is asking anyone who can help to bring their old computers into his store. He's looking for any Windows XP or Vista systems, Windows XP or Windows Vista stand alone license's, TFT Screens (flat), printers and projectors for lessons.

All donated items will be branded with Aurora Computers stickers and credit will be given to the donor as their name will be put on the sticker.

The school would also appreciate any children's books for its library which has very few books as a lot were damaged by rain during last year's monsoon season.

Contact: susannah.berry@ypn.co.uk