The Gambian Schools Trust was established as a registered charity in January 2001. Originally, its sole aim to assist in financing primary education in the West African country. The government there provides very basic state education for those over seven years of age whose parents can afford it. There is no state provision for children under seven years of age, for whom the only available education is that provided by voluntary groups or the private sector.

The Gambian Schools Trust assists through providing direct funding for specific projects, by refurbishing existing schools and resources or building new ones in response to local requests and by supplying school resources and equipment which have been donated in the UK. The Trust also assists by enabling teachers from this country to share their expertise on a voluntary basis during short stays in The Gambia.

The Trust will hold its second Dinner Dance on October 10, 2009 at the Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford. Watch your email and our website for more details nearer the time.

Read about the work of the volunteers, the people of Gambia and the Gambian Government working with the trust. Download the latest newsletter here

 You can find us in the list of charities able to receive a percentage of your receipts.

Please remember the Trust when making sales on eBay

The Taiwan Government built this Library, but put nothing in it. These  shots show what a difference The Gambian Schools Trust can make.

An on-the-spot account from a teacher working with the charity.

 Commonwealth Day 12th March, 2007....Naata Nursery School

It has long been Mr Jallow's wish for his nursery school to take part in the Commonwealth celebrations. Thanks to the Gambian Schools Trust his wish has come true this year.

We started preparations the week before, making dozens of Gambian and UK flags.On the actual day I arrived at school to find all the children in their best clothes.The girls had their hair braided and decorated with sweets (yes, sweets!) and shells.They all looked so smart and proud.

We then walked with the children about a mile to the main square at Yundum, singing as we went. All the locals stopped and clapped. At last we arrived at the home of the Alkalo who spoke to the children about the importance of the Commonwealth - friendship, tolerance and about the value of education.He also said the children were lucky I had left my country for many months to help them and this was the true meaning of Commonwealth.

We then walked the mile back to Naata in the searing heat: we did have to carry the youngest children.

When we arrived back the tables were set and Maryama, one of the staff,  had produced beautiful food - chicken, beef, noodles, rice, vegetables and drinks.The children really enjoyed their feast. By 2 pm the children went home - by now clothes and shoes dirty, faces grimey but with good memories of what the Commonwealth means to Gambians.

Mr. Jallow, though exhausted, was delighted that at last his school had been able to take part.