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.