Our CHS trip to The Gambia is a unique opportunity for some of our Sixth Form students to explore a new country, learn about its culture and history, and take part in meaningful community projects that make a real difference.
Day 1: A warm welcome to The Gambia
On our first day, we settled into the trip with some exciting sightseeing in the capital city, Banjul. We visited the National Museum of The Gambia, where we learned more about the country’s history and traditions.
We then experienced the busy sights, sounds and smells of the famous Albert Market, before finishing the day with lots of laughter at Bijilo Monkey Park, where we saw monkeys up close in their natural habitat.
Day 2: Visiting Dumbutu Medical Centre
On the second day we travelled inland towards Tendaba, with a very important stop along the way at Dumbutu Medical Centre.
While we were there, we saw the borehole that CHS has funded, which will provide the clinic with vital access to clean water. It will also be available for the local community to use. We also visited the site where an outdoor toilet we have funded will be built, with work due to begin this month.
During our visit, we met with women in the village and provided them with washable period underwear and reusable menstrual pads, supporting their health, dignity, and education.
Later that day, after arriving in Tendaba, we went on a boat trip along one of the tributaries feeding into the River Gambia. We were incredibly lucky to see a wide range of wildlife, including pelicans, kingfishers, African darters, crocodiles, and even a mongoose!
Day 3: Tendaba Nursery and Primary Schools
The next day, we visited Tendaba Nursery and Primary School, which was a real highlight for many of us.
Our Sixth Form students were amazing, they helped younger children walk up the hill to the primary school (and some even carried them!) before spending hours playing games and joining in activities. We brought sports equipment and a colourful parachute, which the younger pupils absolutely loved.
As well as supporting the children, we also got stuck into practical work where our students painted three classrooms. We ended the day by sharing a delicious meal prepared by the local community — rice, fresh fish and vegetables.
Day 4: Badrudeen Islamic School and the famous football match
The next morning, we visited Badrudeen Islamic School, a school which receives no government funding and depends entirely on the local community and donations.
We attended a special opening ceremony to celebrate CHS funding a new borehole and water tower, as well as 25 sets of classroom furniture. It was a proud moment to see the direct impact our support has had.
Afterwards came the famous football match, refereed by Mr Wilson! This game will be remembered for a long time. At one point, a member of the community casually walked across the pitch carrying shopping bags, two children cycled through the game, and later on a vehicle even drove across mid-match! Despite the heat, the sandy pitch, and the unexpected interruptions…CHS won!
Day 5: CHS Soma Nursery School
From Badrudeen, we travelled a short distance to CHS Soma Nursery School, where the welcome was unforgettable. The whole community met us on the road and walked with us to the school.
Our Sixth Form students gave each child a rucksack filled with stationery, books, toys and a water bottle. These were kindly donated by the children and families of our Junior School, and it was a lovely moment of connection between our youngest pupils at CHS and the children in The Gambia.
Day 6: Saamasang Technical College
Our visit to Saamasang Technical College was a standout moment for many of us. The welcome was incredible, and the students performed cultural dances, music and theatre before inviting many of our own students (and staff!) to join in.
After an enthusiastic performance of “Last Christmas” by Wham!, our students spent time in classrooms talking with Gambian students about their lives, education and ambitions. These conversations were powerful and helped everyone understand how much we can learn from one another.
While at the college, we were proud to present 75 sets of furniture and 3 laptops, which had been kindly donated.
Reflecting on the Experience
Back at the hotel, our Sixth Form students had time to reflect on everything they had seen and experienced. They discussed how we can continue supporting the medical centre and schools we visited, and many felt inspired by how much positive change can come from working together.
View the full photo gallery here.
