Children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and connected. That’s why we launched the Education for Protection and Wellbeing (EPW) program, giving children the tools they need to succeed, inside and outside the classroom.Through EPW, we work closely with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) to create school environments where children’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being is prioritized.

We train teachers and caregivers in techniques that help children manage emotions, build relationships, solve problems, and stay safe. Children also develop key life skills such as communication, self-awareness, and decision-making, which enhance learning and boost confidence.

At the heart of this approach is social-emotional learning (SEL), which research shows improves academic outcomes, mental health, and future success. 

Initially piloted in two schools (Jambanjelly LBS convention school and Quranic Illumination Centre) in Banjul, this project is now being implemented in schools across 7 districts

Access to learning materials remains a major barrier to education for many children in The Gambia. The cost of school uniforms, books, bags, pencils, and other essential supplies places a heavy burden on families, making it difficult for many children to start or stay in school.

To help bridge this gap, ChildFund, in collaboration with three local partners, implements the annual Back to School initiative. Each year, children receive a package filled with the basic materials they need to participate in learning with dignity and confidence. In 2024, more than 10,000 children benefited from this support at the start of the academic year. The initiative has played a critical role in boosting enrolment and helping children remain in school, ensuring that no child is left behind simply because they lack the tools to learn.

According to the Gambia Education Fact Sheet 2020, children's ability to apply essential reading, writing, and listening skills across subjects has significantly declined. Their understanding and application of mathematical concepts to solve real-life problems is also alarmingly low. The data shows that among children aged 7 to 14, only 12% demonstrate basic reading proficiency, and just 9% meet the minimum standard in numeracy. By Grade 3, only 9 % of learners possess the expected reading skills for their level, while only 6% meet the expected standards in numeracy.

In response, ChildFund is investing in foundational learning by promoting literacy and numeracy at the community level. Through the establishment of seven fully equipped community libraries, the organization has launched reading clubs that encourage children to read and learn in safe, supportive environments. In 20204, we trained 46 teachers in child-centered pedagogy, equipping them with improved teaching methodologies to better support children's learning needs and outcomes in the classroom.

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ChildFund is partnering with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education,  Aflatoun International, and other key stakeholders to integrate social and financial education into The Gambia’s national curriculum. This initiative aims to equip students with essential life skills alongside traditional academic subjects, supporting the global shift toward a skills-based education system.

The government has officially approved the integration, which is now underway across schools in the country. Through this program, children will learn about their rights and responsibilities, as well as practical financial concepts such as saving, spending, and budgeting. These competencies are vital for empowering young people to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of everyday life.

To ensure effective implementation, ChildFund is providing comprehensive training to headteachers, classroom teachers, cluster monitors, and regional education coordinators, enabling them to confidently deliver the new curriculum and engage students in meaningful learning experiences.

ChildFund is implementing the Dream Bikes program, an ambitious 10-year initiative aimed at providing 10,000 bicycles to girls to improve access to education and enhance their safety. For many girls, long distances to school pose a serious barrier to regular attendance and expose them to risks along the way. Without safe and reliable transportation, the likelihood of dropping out increases significantly

In 2024, ChildFund distributed 1,000 bicycles, along with safety vests and helmets, to an equal number of girls. To date, more than 5,000 bicycles have been distributed across the country. This initiative has not only reduced the financial burden of transport on families but, most importantly, is helping girls reach school safely, on time, and ready to learn.

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ChildFund works alongside the government and key partners to strengthen school retention, with a particular focus on girls who are at greater risk of dropping out by Grade 12 due to multiple barriers. One significant barrier is the lack of financial resources to pursue higher education, as many families are unable to afford tuition fees.

To bridge this gap, ChildFund, through its local partners, supports sponsored children in continuing their education at colleges, universities, and vocational training institutions across The Gambia. In 2024 alone, 190 children and youth benefitted from tuition support to pursue Technical, Vocational, and Educational Training (TVET) and university studies, including at the University of The Gambia.

Educating girls is one of the most effective ways to advance gender equality and break the cycle of poverty. In The Gambia, women remain underrepresented in leadership and decision-making roles, a challenge closely linked to barriers that prevent girls from continuing their education.

To address this, ChildFund conducts community sensitization campaigns to promote girls’ education. In 2024, the campaign reached 32 community associations across the West Coast Region under the theme “Every Girl Deserves Quality Education.” The initiative engaged girls, parents, and guardians in meaningful dialogue about the importance of keeping girls in school.

Led by ChildFund’s Country Director Musu Komma, one of The Gambia’s top female achievers, the campaign urged families to prioritize education over early marriage and to support girls in advancing beyond primary school to higher levels of learning. The campaign reinforced that investing in girls’ education is essential for empowering future women leaders and fostering stronger, more equitable communities.