Team Gambia
Team Gambia is a volunteering project, which raises money for the Abuko Nursery and Lower Basic School near Serrakunda in the Gambia. Solihull Sixth Form joined the project, originally started by Hamstead Hall School, in December 2013 when 10 Solihull Sixth Form students travelled to The Gambia along with 12 students from Hamstead Hall School. Since then, the project has grown and grown, with more students taking an interest each year and more money being raised.
The nursery school now comprises of 8 classrooms with almost 300 children benefitting from the facilities. We have also built a library and drilled a well as well as providing valuable teaching materials. During the pandemic the trip was on hold, but it resumed in 2023 and even when we were not able to visit, with the money raised by students in 2019 we were able to continue to pay the teachers, repair the school after storm damage and replace the water pump which serves the entire community in Abuko. In 2021 the nursery school was officially handed over to the Gambian Education department which ensures the sustainability of the project but there is still lots that we can do to help.
In February 2025, 29 students joined the College’s Team Gambia. They had a target to raise £400, and many exceeded this target through a variety of creative events. Their efforts culminated in a week-long visit to The Gambia in mid-November, where they saw first-hand how their contributions are improving education and life chances for the children at Abuko.
In total, the students raised more than £12,000, which is already being spent on putting new windows into the nursery classrooms and building a shelter to protect against the extremes of rain and sun. We are very grateful for all the support we have received.
Overall, Solihull Sixth Form students have raised more than £104,000 between 2013 and 2025, but we still want to do more! Anyone who wishes to donate funds or materials (such as teaching materials, children’s clothing or raffle prizes for fundraising events), please call 0121 704 2581.
While in the Gambia, the students spent every morning at the school and taught the children (aged 3 to 6) in small groups. Many of the activities that the students undertook with the children were active and visual, such as singing, craftwork, and word and picture matching and there were lots of outdoor fun and games too.
As well as working at the school, there was time for the students to experience more of the local environment and culture. They visited the Lamin mangroves, Bijalo monkey sanctuary, the Arch museum in Banjul and the Fajara War Cemetery.
Vice Principal Janice Hamilton commented:
“It has been a priviledge to be part of the Team Gambia project for the last 12 years. I’m proud of the difference we’re making for the children, and equally proud of the growth I see in our young people. I saw that demonstrated again with this year’s group of students, who gained cultural awareness, whilst developing teamwork and leadership skills. Our students also delivered vital resources, including computers, medical supplies, sports kits, reading glasses, and stationery."
Highlights of how the students got on in November 2025 are in the video below.
After the success of Team Gambia 2013, through to Team Gambia 2025, we want to do it all over again in 2026! We will start recruiting students from Year 12 in January 2026 and at the end of 2026, we will fly to Banjul in the Gambia and teach the children at the Abuko Nursery and Lower Basic School again.
Being a part of Team Gambia is a life enhancing opportunity! Just ask the students that were part of Team Gambia 2025:
Maya Phillips-Patel commented:
“I enjoyed teaching at the school and seeing the joy we brought to the community. I enjoyed seeing the kids love the lessons I taught them and their smiles when seeing what they had created. The people were so welcoming; despite having less than us economically, arguably they have more through the close-knit community. I have developed a deeper appreciation for the small things, because in The Gambia something like a smile, wave or small conversation made peoples day. This made me realise I should not take things for granted.”
Christopher Hill said:
“I loved the whole experience. Being able to experience the culture of The Gambia, whilst also knowing that you were really benefitting the children in the school was incredible. The locals were so friendly. They all wanted to speak to you and many were grateful and extremely interested in what we were doing.”
Interested? Find out more about this exciting enrichment options:
How long will the enrichment last?
One week in either November or December 2027.
How much time a week will it involve?
Meetings with lead staff in relation to planning for the trip (approximately 8 meetings in the January to November period). In addition, there is a considerable individual time commitment for fundraising and preparing teaching materials.
What will it cost?
The trip costs approximately £1,400 per student plus approximately £100 for vaccinations/anti-malaria tablets. In addition, students are expected to fundraise at least £400 each (from January - September) to improve teaching facilities and sanitation at the school and pay teachers’ salaries.
Who can sign up?
Places are available for up to 30 enthusiastic Year 12 Students, who are interested in learning more about life in a developing country. You can register your interest by emailing Anisa Lokat-Fanning, Associate Assistant Principal.
How do I sign up?
Students will be invited to a meeting in January 2027. The 30 places will be allocated following a check on attendance and behaviour records, on a first come first served basis. We expect to see attendance in the high 90’s and a strong worth ethic. You can sign up for another enrichment alongside Team Gambia.
Check out more photos of the most recent trip.
Click the links below to see Photo Galleries of past trips:
Team Gambia 2013
Team Gambia 2014
Team Gambia 2015
Team Gambia 2016
Team Gambia 2017
Team Gambia 2018
Team Gambia 2019
Team Gambia 2023
Team Gambia 2024
Team Gambia 2025