School life
In a Gambia classroom
Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.
All country briefings
Africa · Country briefing
Gambia
A child-friendly mission briefing for 20 November - capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.
- CapitalBanjul
- Population~2.4 million
- Time zoneAfrica/Abidjan (UTC +0)
- Currencydalasi (GMD)
Gambia, with Banjul marked
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Climate in November: Dry season in many regions; warm.
The capital
Banjul
Photo · Wikimedia Commons
Fun facts
What makes Gambia a bit special.
The Gambia River
A whole country shaped around one great river
Open lesson
Stone Circles of Senegambia
Ancient stone rings that nobody fully understands yet
Open lesson
Abuko Nature Reserve
A pocket of jungle packed with wildlife just outside the city
Open lesson
West African Manatee
A gentle giant hiding quietly in the Gambia River
Open lesson
Tap any card to open a class-ready mini-lesson - for the teacher to walk through, or an older child to read aloud.
Native animals
Wildlife your partner class might know best.
- 🐊
Kachikally Crocodile Pool
A sacred pool where crocodiles and people live side by side
Open lesson
- 🦛
Hippopotamus
The Gambia River's enormous, surprisingly agile neighbour
Open lesson
- 🦜
Senegal Parrot
A small, loud and very clever bird from West African forests
Open lesson
- 🐒
Chimpanzee
Our closest animal relatives, living on the Baboon Islands
Open lesson
- 🦅
African Fish Eagle
The river's greatest hunter, with a call you will never forget
Open lesson
Tap any animal to open a class-ready lesson about it.
Greetings to learn
Say hello like a local
- Hello!English
Five questions to ask
Conversation starters
- 01What does your school day look like?
- 02What do you eat at lunch?
- 03What games do you play at break?
- 04What's the weather like today?
- 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?
What not to assume
Friendly cautions
- ℹGambia has many regions and communities - there is no single experience.
- ℹClimate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Culture
Food, music, sport, festivals.
Tap any chip to open a class-ready lesson - what it is, why it matters, fun facts.
Reflection prompts
- “What's something you'd love to share about your school day?”
- “What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?”
Could your class meet Gambia?
Choose Gambiawhen you register - we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.