ChildFund, in partnership with Aflatoun International, is working with The Gambia’s Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to introduce social and financial education into the national school curriculum. More than a decade after its launch, the Aflatoun Social and Financial Education Project has been integrated and scaled across primary schools nationwide, ensuring that tens of thousands of children gain essential life skills.

In many rural Gambian schools, poverty places basic learning materials out of reach for children. Many arrive without pens, notebooks, or the modest fees required to participate. This lack of resources leads to absenteeism, drop‑outs, and lost potential. By teaching crucial life skills like goal‑setting and decision‑making to saving and entrepreneurship, these clubs have driven a 15 percent boost in attendance and a 30 percent reduction in drop‑out rates among the most vulnerable. 

Watch this video to see how children are using their newfound skills to stay in school, help their peers and families, and achieve their full potential.

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://aflatoun.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.