In The Gambia’s Western Region, many children grow up in communities where poverty, limited resources, and proximity to high-risk areas such as the coastal belt of Sanyang expose them to increased protection risks. These challenges can severely impact children’s ability to learn, feel safe, and grow up in nurturing environments both at home and in school.

To respond to this reality, the Education for Protection and Wellbeing (EPW) model was introduced in February 2022 as a holistic, evidence-based approach to improve children’s protection, learning, and overall well-being. The programme strengthens positive child-adult relationships, builds children’s social and emotional skills, reduces violence, and promotes safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for children.

The pilot phase was implemented in two schools, reaching 398 students, 384 caregivers, 41 teachers, and two school directors. Following promising results, the programme was scaled to eight additional schools. To date, EPW has reached 3,241 students, 2,430 caregivers, 285 teachers, and eight school directors, helping to create learning environments where every child is protected, supported, and able to thrive.

The Education for Protection and Wellbeing Program aims to strengthen protective environments for children aged 6–12 by enhancing positive relationships among children, caregivers, and teachers — at home, in schools, and across communities — using an ecological approach that promotes child well-being, resilience, and safety from violence and exploitation

Learn more at https://www.childfund.org/

ChildFund

Learn more at https://www.childfund.org/

Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education

Learn more at https://mobse.gov.gm/

Local Communities

• North Bank Region

The Education for Protection and Well-Being (EPW) project aims to reach over 6,000 children, caregivers, and teachers with interventions that build safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments in homes, schools, and communities. 

During its pilot phase, EPW was implemented in two schools, reaching 398 students, 384 caregivers, 41 teachers, and two school directors. Encouraged by positive outcomes, the programme was expanded to eight additional schools. To date, EPW has reached 3,241 students, 2,430 caregivers, 285 teachers, and eight school directors across Kombo North and Kombo South districts, contributing to safer schools, empowered families, and stronger support systems for children.