Project to rebuild The Gambia after brutal rule

A group of musicians, television producers and filmmakers have launched a project to help re-build The Gambia's shattered economy, following 22 years of brutal rule under the country's former dictator.

Earlier this year Sky News' Special Correspondent Alex Crawford reported that the country's former dictator Yahya Jammeh plundered the state coffers to the tune of nearly 500m Gambian dalasis (£9.2m).

That figure was later revised by The Gambia's Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou to approximately £37m.

The country is now led by a former Argos security guard from London , Adama Barrow, who was elected President on a platform of greater democratic freedom and political reforms.

But Mr Jammeh's stolen millions had already decimated the economy and left many young Gambian children without access to primary education. During the political crisis many were forced to flee to Senegal and Guinea Bissau.

A team of media professionals called Good Causes Good Karma have helped to raise nearly £20,000 to construct a new primary school in Serekunda, providing new hope for a group of children who had been left studying under mango trees.

The team has produced a music video to promote a new crowdfunding campaign and they are also shooting a documentary about life in The Gambia after Yayha Jammeh.

Ceesay Nursery School was the brainchild of Gambian educator Bakary Ceesay, who despite protests from his family, gave up his own career to help educate the poorest in his community.

The project was supported by British school teacher Diane Fisher who began sending school supplies she purchased in pound shops in London.

Ms Fisher's charity has since helped raise more than £16,000 and has almost finished construction on a permanent school building.

Last month musician and fundraiser Darren Sims from Daz's Rock 4 Charity was awarded the Points of Light by Prime Minister Theresa May for his fundraising efforts, which have now surpassed more than £500,000.

Mrs May said: "Through the numerous charitable concerts you have organised over the past decade, you have raised £500,000 for a range of excellent causes.

"You should be proud of how your extraordinary fundraising has also inspired hundreds of other people to undertake volunteering of their own."