Student Leadership Trek targeted Grade 10 students throughout The Gambia with the aim of empowering and building the capacities of young people to be role models at their schools and in their communities. The trek traveled to six schools and taught a curriculum aimed at teaching tenth grade boys and girls the importance of working as equal partners to build educated, economically-sustainable communities.
Guess what always happens when I go on vacation? Of course I have a great time, but that’s not what I was thinking. I gain…
Sama couldn’t take his eyes off the kids. I couldn’t take my eyes off Sama. Transfixed in a stare that exuded wonder, the look on his face spoke more than words could ever say. Unable to hear or speak, Sama grabbed my arm and pointed toward the students; he cupped his hands over his ears, then patted his chest. It was the first time the 13-year-old had met anyone else just like him.
Abdoulie Jallow isn’t like the other sixth graders. He’s twice the height of his classmates, often sits with the teachers at recess and has to work after school to support himself. Abdoulie is 25 years old – and finally back in school after a 12-year hiatus
My host father is a man of few words. But when he does speak, they are words of wisdom. When he speaks – people listen. In honor of Father’s Day, here are some quotes from the man I proudly call “Baba.”
I would that you can still recall the title of your favorite bedtime story, the one you begged your parents to read you night after night. Or maybe it’s storytime when you sat in a circle with your classmates that you remember best. Perhaps you have a memory of checking out a book with your first library card or staying up all night to finish a novel that was too good to put down. Reading is a big part of growing up for nearly every child in America. But in The Gambia, that is just not the case
Photo gallery: Students at Sibanor Lower Basic School compete in the long and high jump events in their annual Interhouse sports contest.
