GAFSIP

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

GAFSIP is the abbreviated name of the Gambia and Avon Fire Services In Partnership Charitable Trust (registered in the UK with number 1106650).

The key objectives of The Trust (GAFSIP) are:

The preservation and protection of health by the provision of Fire and Rescue vehicles and equipment to The Gambia enabling them to provide a life saving and humanitarian service.
To advance education in relation to all aspects of preserving and protecting health for the benefit of the public in The Gambia.

[edit] History

Since 1991 Avon Fire and Rescue Service has been donating redundant fire appliances, fire and rescue equipment and protective clothing to The Gambia. To date, over 40 fire and rescue vehicles, breathing apparatus, road accident rescue equipment, airfield crash tenders, rope rescue sets and ancillary vehicles have been donated.

[edit] Achievements

The key outcome is the provision of a life saving fire and rescue service which also renders humanitarian services to their communities, together with disaster management and recovery, across 12 fire stations providing these services in each division of The Gambia.

It has also provided over 800 jobs, which give those families dignity and respect in their communities and supports their country’s objective of capacity building throughout the provinces.

We also aim to facilitate education and training in all formats utilising support from Fire and Rescue, Education and Health Authorities.

To date 20 Gambian Officers have attended extended training here in the UK, and Avon Officers have given in excess of 200 weeks training in The Gambia.

Health Authorities have given Ambulances, wound dressings, stretchers and bedding, together with all other manner of medical care and treatment materials, which has included a mobile Dentist Surgery and training.

Education Authorities have given books, teaching aids and chairs. The 2005 shipment included 16 tonnes of primary school books, 150 teaching computers, together with redundant school furniture and a quantity of chalkboards which Avon's fire-fighters made up.

These education materials were all personally delivered to 25 schools in The Gambia. Additionally, some educational materials and sewing machines were donated to a Women's Education and Support Group.

These resources will aide up to 30,000 children, giving access to books and Information Technology.