The history of SawallaH
2011
- SawallaH’s commitment to Sinchu-Gidom, Gambia, during an initial immersion trip.
- Initiation of collaboration between DIA (Damian Institute) and SMA (Institute Sancta Maria) and SawallaH as part of the student exchange program Africrack.
- First African Food Day.
- Commencement of construction of SawallaH Nursery School.
2012
- Completion of SawallaH Nursery School.
- Commencement of Early Child Development (ECD) training sponsored by SawallaH for the first teacher.
- Africrack student exchange program in 2012.
2014
- Official recognition of SawallaH by the Gambian government, registered under the name SawallaH Foundation/Association.
- First Breakfast Buffet, jointly organized by Africrack (DIA, SMA) and SawallaH.
- Africrack student exchange program in 2014.
2016
- Plans for the lower school drawn by students of Construction and Carpentry at Damian Institute (DIA).
- SawallaH registered as a 4th Pillar association and becomes a member of the 4th Pillar Panel under the umbrella of 11.11.11.
- After a second immersion trip with 31 participants in 2013, we are once again heading to Gambia with 17 people.
- Africrack student exchange program in 2016.
2017
- Commencement of construction of SawallaH Lower Basic School – five classrooms and a sanitary block.
- Purchase of the land on which the nursery school was built.
- Africrack student exchange program in 2017.
2018
- Drilling of a well with a solar-powered pump.
- Completion of the five classrooms and the sanitary block.
- Africrack student exchange program in 2018.
2019
- SawallaH Nursery School hosts and organizes the annual ‘Independence Day’ celebration for nursery schools in the region.
- Construction of walls around the SawallaH school complex.
- Africrack student exchange program in 2019.
2020
- Africrack student exchange program in 2020.
- Support activities temporarily put on hold due to Covid-19. SawallaH Nursery and Lower Basic School reopened in October 2020 after a six-month lockdown. SawallaH was able to pay the salaries of teachers and support staff throughout this period.
2022
- In July 2022, the first students graduated from the 6th grade at SawallaH Lower Basic School. A special moment for all staff and members of SawallaH. These are the first students to complete the entire nursery and lower basic school curriculum with us.
2023
- Africrack student exchange program in 2023.
- SawallaH’s directors clear the last administrative obstacles in Gambia. The lands and buildings of the SawallaH schools are finally registered and recognized as the property of the SawallaH Foundation.
2024
- Four students from UGent, under the auspices of Humasol vzw, will spend 2 months in Gambia to provide sustainable electricity to the SawallaH site.
- The damaged roof of SawallaH Nursery, affected by the African sun and tropical storms, will be completely renewed.
