Day 7 - Our Final Full Day

As Day 7 began, there was a clear feeling in the air—this was our last full day in The Gambia before heading home tomorrow afternoon. With that in mind, pupils were determined to make every moment count.

The morning saw pupils heading out one final time to their partner schools—Bright Minds, Wisdom, and Omega. It has been incredible to witness how much their confidence has grown over the week. They were now independently leading activities in classrooms of over 50 children—explaining tasks, supporting learning, and building meaningful connections. Classrooms were filled with energy and colour, especially as children proudly showed off the decorated hats they had been working on.

After lunch, the group returned to St. Peter’s for a busy and productive afternoon, adding the final touches to their classroom decorations. The results were truly impressive. Pupils had thoughtfully designed displays to support learning, including the alphabet, fruits, vegetables, family members, months of the year, and days of the week. Their creativity and care were evident throughout—there was some remarkable artistic talent on display.

In addition, pupils took part in repairing a damaged classroom floor. Rolling up their sleeves, they worked together to mix cement and fill the hole—fully embracing the opportunity to make a lasting, practical difference.

Later in the afternoon, the group travelled back to Kotu village, a place they had first visited earlier in the week. There, they distributed mosquito nets and soap to local families—items made possible through the generous fundraising efforts of pupils and their families back home. Pupils spoke confidently with community members as they handed over these vital resources, helping families prepare for the upcoming rainy season.

On the journey back to the hotel, there was one final stop—a well-earned ice cream to round off the day. While there was a growing sense of sadness as the trip drew to a close, it was matched by a strong feeling of pride in everything that had been achieved.

And of course, no final evening would be complete without one last visit to the pool.

Day 6 - Sports, Smiles and Celebrations

It was another busy and adventurous day as our week in The Gambia begins to draw to a close. The morning saw pupils head to a local field to host a House Championship Sports Day, bringing together children from both Spring of Life and Omega schools. With teams representing the red, blue, yellow, and green houses, the excitement quickly built as the competition got underway.

Our BGS pupils eagerly joined in to support the teams, helping to create a real sense of unity and teamwork. Events included football challenges, beanbag races, and, of course, the ever-popular relay race. The atmosphere was electric, with children cheering passionately for their teams and celebrating every success with pure joy. After a closely fought contest, with only a handful of points separating the teams, the red house emerged as champions!

Following the morning’s excitement, pupils returned to the hotel for some well-earned shade and lunch before heading back out to Omega School. There, they reunited with the children they had competed alongside earlier in the day, taking part in some final craft activities together.

The day’s celebrations continued in true Omega style, as the afternoon transformed into a lively party. Children proudly showcased their singing and dancing, encouraging our pupils to join in. The energy was infectious, with music from both local and international artists filling the air. It was a joyful and memorable way to celebrate the friendships formed and experiences shared throughout the week.

After such a full and rewarding day, the group enjoyed a relaxed evening, taking a short walk to Luigi's Pizza. There, they tucked into a well-deserved meal while enjoying views of the beach— the perfect setting to reflect on an incredible day.

A truly special end to an unforgettable week in The Gambia.

Day 5 - From Assembly to Adventure!

It was an early start for six of our pupils this morning, who were up before breakfast to host a virtual assembly with KS3 back at school. With the sun already shining and the pool as their backdrop, they shared reflections on their time in The Gambia so far. They spoke warmly about the activities they’ve taken part in, the impact of the fundraising efforts, and where that money is already making a difference.

One of the most powerful parts of the assembly was hearing what had surprised them. A visit to a local village opened their eyes to the realities of limited access to water and electricity, and just how reliant many communities are on solar energy. They also reflected on their visits to local schools, where class sizes of over 50 pupils came as a real shock compared to the smaller classes they are used to back home. Despite the early start—and the knowledge that half the school was watching—they spoke with confidence, honesty, and enthusiasm, doing an outstanding job representing the group.

Following the assembly, it was straight back into another day of school-based activities, this time at the Spring of Life School. The school has faced significant challenges recently. Previously spread across two sites on either side of the road, it has now had to consolidate into one, creating the need to accommodate three additional classrooms within a reduced space. For those who visited in 2024, the transformation was striking, and it was impressive to see how creatively the school has adapted to maximise both space and resources.

As always, our pupils threw themselves into the day, organising activities for all eight classes. There was plenty of energy and excitement, with face painting, football, and games like “stuck in the mud” proving particularly popular. The connections formed through these shared moments continue to be a highlight of the trip.

After a busy and rewarding week, the afternoon offered a chance to slow the pace. The group travelled to Lamin to visit Nena, who welcomed everyone into her home with great warmth. Here, pupils had the opportunity to try their hand at batik, a traditional wax-dyeing technique. Guided through the process, they designed and created their own unique pieces—special keepsakes to remember their time in The Gambia.

As the fabrics dried, pupils relaxed with fruit juice and sweet potato fries, enjoying a well-earned moment of rest. It was a perfect way to recharge ahead of the final few days of what has already been an unforgettable Gambian adventure.

Day 4 - Growing Confidence & Making Connections

Day 4 began with another bright, sunny morning, with temperatures already climbing above 20°C by breakfast—perfect conditions for another busy and rewarding day.

By 9am, pupils were ready to set off from the hotel, full of energy and anticipation. The first stop was Bright Minds School, a relatively new addition to the area, having opened just two years ago. Supported by Project Gambia, the school has benefited greatly from donated resources and classroom equipment sent from the UK over the past year.

Now in their fourth day in The Gambia, pupils showed just how much their confidence has grown. They were eager to get involved, working closely with children in the nursery and Primary 1 classes. The excitement was mutual—local children warmly welcomed our pupils, proudly sharing their work while also teaching them new games and songs. It was a wonderful cultural exchange, filled with laughter and learning on both sides.

Later in the day, pupils returned to St. Peter’s School, where they have been working hard decorating classrooms. This time, however, the school was in session, giving pupils the chance to see firsthand how their efforts are already enhancing the learning environment. After spending time in lessons with the children, everyone headed outside for some end-of-day fun. A lively game of “What’s the Time, Mr Wolf?” quickly became a favourite.

Once the school day ended and the children headed home, pupils had a few more hours to continue their classroom projects. Inspired by the children’s reactions earlier in the day, they worked with renewed motivation. The progress has been impressive, and with just a few more hours, their creative masterpieces will be complete.

Of course, no day would be complete without some well-earned relaxation. Back at the hotel, pupils wasted no time diving into the pool, making great use of their recently purchased beach ball in an enthusiastic game of water volleyball.

Now at the halfway point of the trip, it’s a great moment to reflect. The pupils have been incredible—demonstrating enthusiasm, teamwork, and resilience every step of the way. We’re excited to see what the rest of the journey will bring

Day 3 - What a Day!

Pupils dived straight into another busy day, setting off bright and early from the hotel to visit Omega School. Nestled within a small compound, the school makes impressive use of its space, accommodating six classrooms and an outdoor area for Grades 1–6.

On arrival, pupils caught the end of the morning lessons before quickly getting involved. They split into groups across the classrooms and began leading a variety of craft activities, including making headbands, hats, bracelets, and star wands. Their enthusiasm was clear from the start—pupils showed great confidence and initiative, guiding the younger children and encouraging them every step of the way. The excitement in each classroom was infectious, with children proudly showing off their creations to one another.

A real highlight of the morning was a special video call involving Grade 4 pupils, who connected with three primary schools back in the West Midlands for a times tables competition. It was incredible to witness this meaningful link between schools—an opportunity made possible through the ongoing work of Project Gambia.

As the session came to an end, children poured out of their classrooms, eager to share what they had made. The atmosphere quickly turned celebratory, filled with singing, dancing, and plenty of photographs. Face painting proved especially popular, with children patiently lining up to have their faces transformed by our talented pupils.

After such a memorable morning, the group returned to St. Peter’s Nursery School in the afternoon to continue their classroom renovation project. Pupils began sketching out their design ideas directly onto the walls, creating bright and engaging learning displays featuring the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and days of the week.

To round off a busy yet rewarding day, pupils enjoyed a well-deserved treat with a visit to a local ice cream shop— the perfect ending after another unforgettable experience.

Day 2 - The First Full Day!

The day began early, with pupils up bright and eager at 8am after their very first evening in The Gambia. Excitement filled the air as they prepared to experience a completely new environment and way of life.

The first stop of the day was Kotu village, where pupils were warmly welcomed by local families. From the moment they arrived, they were greeted with open arms—especially by local children, who were quick to hold hands and enthusiastically guide their new visitors around the village. It was an immediate and heartfelt connection that set the tone for the day.

As pupils explored, they gained insight into daily life in the village. Kotu sits on the edge of a large rubbish dump, which poses serious challenges—particularly during the rainy season. Access to clean water and reliable electricity has long been difficult for residents. However, ongoing support from Project Gambia has made a meaningful difference. The charity has funded vital infrastructure, including a much-needed water tap, giving villagers access to clean water. Their “Light Up Kotu” initiative has also introduced solar-powered lighting—an essential improvement for many households.

During the visit, pupils saw these initiatives firsthand. They toured the village, visited the well, and even helped locals draw water, which was then used for washing clothes. Many pupils were eager to get involved, embracing the opportunity to lend a hand and engage directly with the community. They were also invited into homes, offering a deeper understanding of typical living conditions and strengthening the sense of cultural exchange.

After a busy morning, the group returned to the hotel for lunch before heading out again in the afternoon. This time, they travelled east to St. Peter’s Nursery School, where they will spend the coming days contributing to a creative and meaningful project. Their goal is to paint and decorate three classrooms, helping to brighten the learning environment for young children. Today, pupils began by painting the walls white and brainstorming ideas for their upcoming artwork.

Following a long and very warm day—temperatures climbing above 30 degrees—the pupils returned to the hotel in the late afternoon. Without hesitation, they jumped straight into the largest swimming pool in The Gambia, enjoying a well-earned and refreshing break.

It has been an unforgettable first full day—filled with learning, connection, and purpose. Pupils are already looking forward to what tomorrow will bring as their Gambian adventure continues.

Day 1 - The Adventure Begins!

The adventure began long before sunrise. At around 1am, pupils departed school, setting off on their journey with a mix of excitement and sleepy anticipation.

After navigating check-in and security, there was just enough time to recharge with a quick breakfast before boarding. As the plane lifted, the route carried them west before curving south, passing over the Channel Islands and stretching across the skies of Spain and Portugal. Soon after, they crossed the Atlantic and entered African airspace, following the dramatic west coast of the continent.

Just over six hours later, the descent into Banjul began. Stepping off the plane, they were welcomed by a warm evening temperature of 26°C — a clear sign they had arrived somewhere very different.

The evening was spent settling into the hotel, with pupils already impressed by what was quickly dubbed “the biggest swimming pool in The Gambia.” With excitement building for what lies ahead, an early night was in order—tomorrow marks their first full day in The Gambia!

Welcome to our blog!

Welcome to our blog, where you can follow every moment of our unforgettable 2026 journey to The Gambia! Check back each day for exciting updates as our pupils dive into new experiences, discover vibrant culture, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

You can also keep track of our adventure on Instagram using #BGSGambia2026

Introducing The Gambia

Named after its main river, the Republic of The Gambia is the smallest country in mainland Africa, it is 4,127 square miles in size with a population of around 12.4 million. The capital city and seat of government is Banjul, but the most populous district is Serekunda where around 390,000 people live. There are at least 9 different ethnic groups native to The Gambia, with Mandinka, Fula, and Wolof being the largest, with a long tradition of peaceful coexistence between the different groups. This is further reflected in religious tolerance, where the 96.4% Muslim, 3.5% Christian, and 0.1% tribal religion populations live in mutual respect, often celebrating each other’s festivals. Because of the broad range of tribal languages the majority of Gambians are multilingual, and the official language used in government and education is English.

Each year Project Gambia organises several trips to The Gambia. This is a vital part of the work we do as it enables students and staff from a number of schools and colleges, along with local community members, to work in partnership with Gambian communities to make a significant difference in a variety of settings to the lives of the Gambian people. This not only changes lives of people in The Gambia but also of those of us who visit The Gambia, so that Project Gambia is consistently achieving its objective of “changing lives…including yours.”