What we have done so far
In 5 years GSS has grown the number of schools in its network from 1 to 15, pupil numbers from 140 to 2,250 and teachers from 4 to 108.
We have refurbished and equipped the schools, turned around the teaching, introduced a pedagogy appropriate to the culture and aligned with the MoBSE curriculum.
We are growing our network as quickly as resources allow.
Where do we operate
In The Gambia there are hundred’s of struggling dilapidated community nursery schools, mainly within a 50×30 mile area where 70% of Gambians live and 14 of our schools are located.
The deal we do with the community
To receive our assistance a school must:
- be community owned
- agree to adhere to best practice e.g. 35 to a class, each led by a qualified teacher who must attend our training program and work with our coach/inspectors. Also must demonstrate they undertake proper safeguarding, good administration and proper governance.
- charge fees (they range from £5 to £11 depending on the prosperity of the area), though 20% of places must be offered free to pupils from hardship backgrounds or with disability.
In return we will restore the school, equip it, provide teacher training and long term support. We contribute 70% of staff wages, maintain/equip the school and fund a food program.
Case Study
Before
Santo Su Community Nursery School, Brufut had effectively failed.
GSS started its assistance in Oct 22, after an MoU had been signed with MoBSE and community. We waited for nearly two years for the community to meet our condition that they sort out a defective land title. The issues:
- bankrupt after support stopped in 2017
- buildings dilapidated, unsafe roofs, unhygienic toilets, water disconnected
- pupil numbers dropped to under 30
- two unqualified, underpaid and demotivated ‘teachers’ remaining
- no proper Board running the school
Intervention
In the following 2 months our local team found good locals to run the school, restored the buildings (£19.6k), equipped the classrooms (£3.7k), helped recruit a Head and 4 qualified teachers.
Enrolment increased to 111 pupils in 4 classes by Jan 23 and by Mar 25 the school was thriving with 180 pupils in 6 classes, staff increased to 6 qualified teachers and 2 trainees
In Aug 25 we funded a new classroom and refurbished an unused one (cost £5.6k) to create an 8 classroom school with two classes per year group. Enrolment rose to 200 and we expect near full capacity, 280, soon.
Annual running cost (2026) £8.8k
- staff pay £6.1k
- social security and income tax £1.2
- maintenance and teaching materials £1.5k
Fees collected from 160 pupils £1.75k (following GSS policy, 40 pupils from hardship backgrounds are not charged fees)
GSS’s annual contribution = £7.05k (£8.8k – £1.75k)
After
