The people of Waterford have joined forces with Sea cargo Services, Ireland's largest independent sea freight firm, to equip a school in Gambia built by Wexford-based priest Fr. Sean Devereaux and Joe Ryan and their Waterford-based friends, Tom O'Mahony and Nicky McEvoy.

Sea cargo Services donated a container to transport computers, medical supplies, school equipment, sewing machines and children's clothes from the South-East of Ireland to Gambia to the village of Kassawa in Gambia complete the school project. The materials and equipment were donated by local businesses and people living in the South-East.

Joe Ryan, Tom O'Mahony and Nicky McEvoy first visited Gambia in 2003 and were so distressed by the conditions in which people were living that they vowed to try and help them. On a subsequent visit to Gambia, they met Wexford native, Fr. Sean Devereaux who has been working in Gambia since 1999. They agreed that the best way to provide hope for the future was through education.

Thus began a five year fundraising drive which has culminated in a new school for the village of Kassawa in Gambia with facilities for 130 pupils, three full-time teachers, accommodation and toilet facilities. The €5,000 annual cost of running the school and paying the teachers wages are sponsored by local businesses and the generosity of the people of Ireland.

The completion of the school project and the delivery of the materials and equipment, has changed the lives of the people of the village of Kassawa. Education of the local children is key to their hopes for the future and the determination and commitment of four men from the South-East of Ireland has made a significant difference to the lives of the people in Gambia.

"We were thrilled to be able to provide a container to transport vital equipment and materials to Kassawa. We were genuinely moved by the plight of local people and the lack of education facilities for the children. The commitment of Fr. Sean, Joe, Tom and Nicky is a shining example of how goodwill and hard work can genuinely affect the lives of people in a positive and meaningful way", said Graham Parker, Director, Sea cargo Services.