Okay, so I've finally found the edge of my comfort zone...and it would appear it would be the fear of standing on top of a plane whilst it takes off, flies around for a bit and lands! But of course, it's all for an amazing cause and to directly benefit the lives of so many needy people in the poverty ridden stricken, The Gambia. 

I am really hoping to raise a bit of money to support our charity PIFTA - Pay It Forward To Africa. Each year we travel to The Gambia to help as many needy families and students as we can. We have currently sponsored 187 years of education for students that wouldn't otherwise get an education, set up a penpal scheme with the students and routinely help a basic upper secondary school with supplies and materials. In addition, we have set up a family sponsorship scheme, helping and visiting families in extreme poverty with food, clothing, housing assistance and supplies. We annually take the families on a day out, often to the beach where we treat them to lunch, play and relax together, something they don't experience in their culture. This is a truly memorable and magical experience, and is something that they talk about all year. 

We have recently set up rice donations, where £20 can pay for a 50KG bag of rice that can feed a Gambian family for approx. 2 months! This is a great success (apart from the difficult task of transporting the heavy sacs to remote villages) and the gratitude expressed is truly overwhelming, some families were so grateful on our last visit they cried! This ensures that the families are able to feed their children, as it is very frequent for some families to only eat every three days. 

Another aspect of PIFTA are business start ups, such as Suwaneh One Barbing Salon, where we invested in the equipment for a very ambition young man to set up his own barbing salon, which has now expanded to also sell products and video game rentals. We have also helped Ibrahim, a deserving man who contracted Polio when he was young, meaning he has not had the use of his legs and has been wheelchair bound for the majority of his life. PIFTA purchased bulk phone credit, which he sells to make a small amount of profit. 

We help as many needy people we come across. Such a small amount of money can truly influence and benefit someone's life in The Gambia. £30 pays for a whole year of schooling for a child, including stationary, equipment, exam fees and uniform. Many families can not afford this and their children simply do not get an education. £20 can feed a family for two months. These families have very little so even the tiniest of donations can make a big difference. 

I would greatly appreciate any donations. Please don't forget giftaid - PIFTA can receive an extra 25%! All donations go directly to the charity :)

Thank you all :)

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