Educating The Gambia's next generation of change makers.

The Gambia Academy was set up in 2015 by the renowned musician, educator and activist Sona Jobarteh in order to pave the way for a new generation of institutions across Africa, dedicated to a process of educational reform which critically challenges and rejects well established educational frameworks which she believes marginalise, undermine, victimise and disempower young Africans from a formative age. It is Jobarteh's conviction that by reforming education we are directly addressing the bigger mission of working towards true sustainable development across the continent. 

The Gambia Academy is dedicated first and foremost on re-orientating curriculum, and to critically assess what best serves young africans in order to equip them with the knowledge, passion and tools they need to succeed as proactive change-makers, entrepreneurs, role models, as well as a highly skilled workforce. Jobarteh has developed and is expanding a  curriculum that uniquely supports the holistic growth and development of each child, incorporating entrepreneurship, leadership, nutrition, health and vocational training into the very fabric of an academic curriculum which is centred around African values, culture and history. This approach, says Jobarteh, will create a generation of Africans who will be innately proud of their culture, confident with who they are as Africans, and proactive contributors to the growth and sustainable development of the continent. 

Ms. Jobarteh is now well on the way to realizing her vision for The Gambia Academy's expansion to be able to accommodate the growing number of students who wish to join. She purchased 50 hectares of land on which a brilliant new campus will take shape. Situated on the southern edge of The Gambia, this will enable the expansion to support 300 students as well as launch the Academy's Senior department for over 18s. 

The site of the Academy in Kartong puts it in a perfect location - a ten minute walk to the beach, whilst being closely connected to the rural community. The Academy will offer courses to both national and overseas students, also benefiting from on-site accommodation. The expansion of this project is now at the development and funding stage, and we are reaching out to partner organisations, individuals and funders to come on board this pioneering enterprise.