Have you ever wondered what a sponsored child can achieve? Across The Gambia and beyond, many former ChildFund-sponsored children have broken the cycle of poverty and gone on to lead impactful lives.

For over 40 years, ChildFund has partnered with children, families, and communities to provide essentials like education, healthcare, nutrition, and protection. This support has enabled children to grow up healthy, educated, skilled, safe and ready to pursue their dreams.

Today, some of them are teachers, professional football players, and community leaders, contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic development of our nation. Meet 10 remarkable individuals whose journeys were made possible through the generosity of their sponsors.

Abdoulie Jammeh, project manager, United Nations Office for Project Services

“My journey with ChildFund began when I was in preschool,” Abdoulie says. “I got a sponsor known as Mathias Randhall. Through our friendship, we exchanged letters and pictures regularly, sharing our lives. She supported me to attain basic education at no cost.

“My tuition fees and other stationery were paid for throughout. This enabled me to excel in my education, coming top of my class at every end-of-term exam. ChildFund also ignited my interest in youth work and empowered me to become an active voice to address some social problems in my community. I was elected to sit on the board of an umbrella organization – a group of youth and children – as a children’s representative, implementing programs in local communities, and was exposed to child protection issues.

“ChildFund’s influence extended beyond just monetary assistance; it instilled in me a sense of responsibility and the desire to make a meaningful impact in the world. This ethos is something I carry into my work at the UN, where I am committed to managing projects that improve lives and foster sustainable development.

“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities that ChildFund’s sponsorship opened up for me. It has been a pivotal force in shaping the person I am today, allowing me to contribute positively to the global community.”

Dino Bah, high school teacher

When Dino was first told that he got a sponsor named Claudia Mitchell, the sense of joy was palpable throughout his entire family. “I received this information while I was on my way to school and was told that I was supposed to write my first letter to my American sponsor,” he remembers. “That day, I was in such a hurry to reach home to write that letter. You cannot imagine how I felt when I received the first letter from Claudia, asking me how I was doing. I was over the moon!

“Thanks to sponsorship, I was able to pay my school fees, book bills, learning materials and even school lunch. I acquired the knowledge I was hoping for. I dreamed of attending higher educational institutions like the Gambia College, which came to fruition. Whenever I fell sick, healthcare services were accessible, as I was provided with medicine anytime I visited Mankana Health Center.”

Fast forward to today: Dino is now serving his community as a high school teacher. In addition to his regular duties, he also teaches summer classes and is involved in community service work such as environmental cleanups and awareness campaigns to tackle teenage pregnancy, child marriage and drug abuse.

“I serve as a representative in one of the ChildFund-supported youth groups, bringing young people together to complement and sustain the gains registered by the sponsorship program,” Dino says. “I thank ChildFund for their tremendous contribution towards the lives and livelihoods of so many people and urge them to continue involving youth in everyday programs, as it’s truly transformative.”

Isatou Fatty, entrepreneur and children’s advocate

“Growing up with a single parent as a guardian can be challenging for any child, especially when that caregiver has to take care of everything and everyone all on their own.”

That was the story of Isatou’s childhood. However, her life took a positive turn when she was enrolled for sponsorship at the age of 4. Through the program, Isatou had access to workshops, life skills training and peer-to-peer learning activities.

“Sponsorship contributed significantly to my growth, education and health,” Isatou says. “Gifts from my sponsor such as partial school fee payments, books, pencils and shoes played a vital role in supporting my education.”

Today, Isatou is self-employed as a fashion designer. “As part of my fashion design business, I am teaching other young people skills in the craft so that we can all grow,” she says. She is also super engaged in some exciting development initiatives in her community. “Some of my colleagues and I formed an association under Samaa-Kairo Federation, a local partner organization of ChildFund. We educate communities on child protection and engage children in various activities like poetry, writing, reading, debates and drama.”

Neneh Bojang, accounting student

When she was younger, being part of ChildFund’s sponsorship programs afforded Neneh an opportunity she’ll never forget – to represent the organization at celebrations to mark the Day of the African Child in Malawi in 2018. She describes it as “the highest point in my journey with ChildFund – and my life so far.

“No matter what I become someday later in life, getting to moderate the intergenerational dialogue between Africa’s children and those high-level policymakers was something I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams. Coming from a very humble background, to be tasked with such a huge responsibility, rubbing shoulders with prominent child protection experts at such a young age, will always remain an honor and privilege.”

Ever since Neneh embarked on that trip, she never lacked confidence or looked back. It renewed her optimism for the future – and her belief that she had all it took to realize the huge potential that ChildFund and our local partner organization Ding Yiriwaa Federation saw in her.

“By the time I graduated from high school, I came out with an impressive eight credits. I am currently studying at the Management Development Institute, pursuing an Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) course. This couldn’t have happened without ChildFund, who has been there for me from my days as a child at an early childhood development center. I am what I am today because of the tremendous investment ChildFund made in my education and well-being.”

Mansour Mbye, pro athlete

Mansour Mbye is a household name in The Gambia. He is a soccer player and star striker who represented The Gambia at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina in 2023.

“When you support a child in need, they will never forget it,” Mansour says. “The impact lasts a lifetime. That’s my relationship with ChildFund. They sponsored me and provided for most of my needs when I was growing up in my community, Bijilo in the Western Region.

“My peers and I were enrolled at the village early childhood development center, which was established and funded by ChildFund through their local partner organization Ding Ding Yiriwa Federation. In our community, it was known simply as the ‘nursery school.’ It was the only nursery school in the area. ChildFund ensured we had access to educational materials, daily meals, and a proper children’s playground. I particularly loved playing football from a young age, and these essential provisions, which my parents couldn’t afford, laid a strong foundation for me.

“Today, I proudly represent The Gambia’s national football team, The Scorpions. I am immensely grateful to ChildFund for supporting me and giving me all the amazing opportunities that laid a solid foundation that has gotten me to where I am today.”

Bubacarr Sambou, peace ambassador and university lecturer

Bubacarr’s father never wanted him to be enrolled in school, he wanted Bubacarr to focus on Quranic education. It was Bubacarr’s older brother who decided to get him registered in school, but he too did not have the means to pay for Bubacarr’s education. This coincided with a period when staff from ChildFund were taking photos of children for possible sponsorship. As fate would have it, Bubacarr’s picture was taken and eventually got enrolled for sponsorship. 

“My sponsorship was a turning point for someone who came from a large extended family with none of my parents having any formal employment. The sponsorship continued beyond my Senior Secondary School years, elevating me from a village boy into a public figure recognized nationwide for my work in child and youth development.”

Today, Bubacarr holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, and is a senior lecturer at The Gambia College.

Abubacarr Drammeh, engineer and million-dollar contractor

Abubacarr’s story as a sponsored child is profoundly inspiring. Coming from a poor background where education was not a priority, sponsorship didn’t just provide him with educational opportunities but also instilled in him a sense of hope, determination and responsibility. 

“Through ChildFund’s mentorship, I learned the value of giving back to my community. Your support for my education and life in general has had a profound impact on my life and brought great opportunities into my world. Your support gave me the tools to create a brighter future.

Today he is the Founder and CEO of Space Engineering & Construction Enterprises. Just 3 years after helping to install directional signage for the ChildFund The Gambia country office, he achieved a significant milestone: securing a multi-million Dalasi contract from Saama Kairo Federation, a local partner organization of ChildFund. The youth-friendly centre is one of its kind in the entire West Coast Region. This facility will significantly empower youths and children, enabling them to realize their potential.  “I am deeply appreciative of your role in my success and many other youths and children. Long live ChildFund and its affiliates!” Abubacarr says. 

Tida, soil technician and child rights advocate

Being able to engage in initiatives like youth dialogues, leadership trainings and campaigns against drug abuse, child marriage and female genital mutilation, among others, came with a sense of great fulfillment for Tida. For her, these experiences, that were part of the child sponsorship program, were more than sufficient motivation to chase her dreams.

“I was only 7 years old when I was enrolled in the sponsorship program, and enjoyed every opportunity that contributed to my growth including sponsoring my education. It also provided me the opportunity to interact with so many young people, working with them and contributing to their growth. Today, I work as a Soil Technician, playing my part in national endeavours to combat food insecurity and promote good health and nutrition. I am also actively engaged in girl rights campaigns in my community.”

Fatou, financial controller at The Gambia College

Fatou was born into a less-privileged family. With her many other siblings and other extended family members under the custody of his farmer father and a mother who sold vegetables at the local market. Fatou was unable to start school at the right age. Consequently, she was unable to attend nursery school because her age was already beyond that level. Primary school became her first path to education. Regarding her enrolment in ChildFund’s sponsorship program, Fatou described herself as very fortunate as it happened just within her first year in school. She was one of the top five best students from less privileged backgrounds who were selected for enrolment. 

“My parents hardly spent a penny on me. My sponsor took care of everything. She paid my school fees and ensured I received books and learning materials at the beginning of every academic year. Anytime my books were full, I would go to the ChildFund office to get new ones. My sponsor also sent me money every year during Christmas and on my birthday and that’s what I used to buy new uniforms, clothes, and part of it as lunch money.”

Currently, Fatou works at The Gambia College, the country’s biggest teacher training institution as the institution’s first-ever financial controller mandated with managing the institution’s finances.

Fanta, program assistant

“My sponsorship journey with ChildFund began in 2008 when I was 8 years old and in Grade 2 growing up in Mandinaba community, Kombo East District. My parents were low-income earners who struggled to fund my education.  Through ChildFund’s programs, I gained public speaking skills which built my confidence and supported me to attend international events like the Youth Summit in Dakar, Senegal, where I networked with influential figures.”

Fanta graduated from the University of The Gambia with honours, and since served as Program Assistant with the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding, she managed early warning systems to monitor conflict and human security issues across the region. Fanta recently joined ChildFund The Gambia as a Program Assistant, specializing on Gender and Inclusion programs.

Lamin, public servant

For Lamin, the pursuit of his goals would have remained an elusive dream were it not for ChildFund’s timely intervention. He was enrolled in the sponsorship program at a very tender age and was privileged to have a sponsor in 1993 during my third grade in primary school. 

“The sponsorship paved a golden path for me to grow and become a productive, responsible, and confident individual. I currently hold the dual role of Clerk and Public Relations Officer at the Brikama Area Council, the largest municipality in The Gambia, helping to shine the light on the positive developmental projects the local government authority is implementing to support communities.”

Isatou, nurse

“I was enrolled in the sponsorship program when I was in grade 1. I received essential educational support such as books, pens, school bags, and even a bicycle for transportation. Moving on to Senior Secondary School, I pursued science, and upon graduation, opted for nursing. ChildFund continued to fund her nursing program, providing all the necessary materials for practical classes. I chose to become a nurse because I have seen many people in my community struggle to get medical care.” 

Isatou graduated from Hadigala College of Nursing in 2024 and is now working at her community’s clinic, which was also built by ChildFund, and handed over to the government. 

Yusupha,  journalist

Yusupha Jobe is a talented Gambian journalist deeply passionate about his work. He produced captivating stories from the coastal areas of Tanji, Brufut, Gunjurr and Kartong for both the Point newspaper and the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS). 

“Thanks to the support I received through the sponsorship program, I am a final year student at the School of Journalism and Digital Media, University of The Gambia, and with an enriching sponsorship experience, I am fully aware of the development challenges confronting my community and what better way there is than amplifying the voices of the poor through the power of his pen? This is why I chose to become a journalist.”