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Another normal week in Basse

I became the centre of attention at the end of the week when news that I am to leave the Gambia spread around the compound. It immediately created a feeding frenzy that I should have expected but was not ready for. Am I taking my laptop, my mobile phones, my camera, my equipment and my shoes? I had made a mistake in giving the clothes that Lynn left behind to the women in the compound which created an instant fashion show as they paraded in Lynn’s old wardrobe around the compound. This was very strange. Each item reminded me of Lynn and to see Fula women wearing them was quite strange. Top of the wanted list were shoes and it was amusing to see feet several sizes too big being crammed into dainty size sixes. Men were wearing ladies trainers and sandals were being opened to allow bigger feet to find room.
I had been saving yoghurt pots which when they are available in Basse gave me a taste of the west. Having collected a reasonable amount I had them stacked on the side waiting to be moved to the office to become part of our model classroom. Esther, however, a 13 year old child from the compound spotted them and asked if she could have them. I said yes but suggested that we play stackers where a pyramid of 10 pots is disassembled and reassembled very quickly. She liked this so much that she brought her father in who then raced against me, Esther and finally against Adama, Esther’s younger sister.
The pots were then taken outside and groups of men played this rather than watch the Nigeria v Argentina football match. I only wish I could have taken a video of the laughter and whoops of delight as claims of cheating and roars of success were only interrupted with occasional glances at the football.
Friday was prize giving at St Georges Upper Basic School. Lynn and I had been invited as special guests and over the period of three and a half hours were honoured several times as the Principal, the deputy and then students told parents and the gathering what we had done for the school. They were far too kind and clearly thought more of what we had done than we had imagined, but it was wonderful to be appreciated and to hear Lynn being spoken of, even in her absence, in tones praising her knowledge, abilities, experience and personal qualities.
As the news spreads of our departure so more and more people tell us how much they will miss us or ask why we cannot stay. It is quite beguiling and weaker people would be so touched that they might want to stay, but as the old adage used on stage says; “leave them wanting more.”
In this penultimate week in Basse I have around thirty schools to visit to verify nominations for the Teacher of the Year Awards. I must continue to work with the choirs from St Josephs and St Georges who will perform at this event and then I must make all arrangements to ensure the event is a success. I have to complete the entry of exam results for students in grades 9 and 12 for three schools so these can be sent to the West African Examinations Council and the finally I must complete the endless list of documents which are wanted by VSO to enable them to judge the success of our placement. Not a lot to do then, just a normal week in Basse.