Education in The Gambia
Education plays an important role in communities throughout The Gambia, and access to schooling has expanded considerably over time.
Schools range from nursery and early-years settings through primary and secondary education to vocational training and higher education.
As in many countries, however, schools and families can face challenges around resources, attendance, progression and the costs associated with education.
Jeddah Progress Nursery School in The Gambia.
Schools in The Gambia
The Gambian education system includes early childhood education, basic education, secondary schooling, vocational education and higher education.
The aim of basic education is to provide children with access to free and compulsory schooling, although practical barriers can still affect individual families and communities.
These can include the cost of uniforms and materials, transport, family circumstances and differences in resources between schools.
Higher education and skills
Students who continue beyond secondary education can pursue further study through institutions including the University of The Gambia, as well as technical and vocational education.
Skills development is particularly important in a young population, helping people access opportunities across industries including tourism, healthcare, education, business and technology.
Should visitors give children pens, money or gifts?
Wanting to help is understandable, particularly when visitors form connections with people during a holiday.
However, handing money, sweets, pens or other gifts directly to children isn't always the most effective way to support them and can sometimes have unintended consequences.
If you'd like to contribute educational materials or other donations, speak to our local team first. They can advise on what is genuinely useful and help make sure support reaches schools or organisations appropriately.
Want to help?
Rather than handing items directly to children, consider supporting an established school or community initiative.
This helps ensure assistance is coordinated locally and responds to what communities actually need.
Discover our Community Development Fund ›
The Gambia Experience and education
Supporting education has been part of The Gambia Experience's community work for many years.
Our former School Development Fund assisted more than 130 school projects, including work ranging from classrooms and staff accommodation to wells, gardens and educational facilities.
The programme later developed into the broader Community Development Fund, allowing support to extend beyond individual schools into wider community-led projects.
Visiting a school
Some visitors are interested in learning more about education or visiting a local school during their holiday.
Where visits are appropriate, they should be organised respectfully and with the agreement of the school rather than arriving unannounced.
Our local team can advise about suitable organised experiences or community visits available during your stay.
Explore excursions and experiences ›
Responsible visits involving children
Children's welfare should always come first when visiting schools or communities.
- Don't photograph children without appropriate permission.
- Avoid giving money or gifts directly to individual children.
- Use organised visits rather than arriving independently.
- Follow the advice of teachers, community leaders and your local guide.
- Support established projects if you'd like your contribution to have a longer-term benefit.
You can find more guidance in our responsible and sustainable tourism information.
Frequently asked questions
Is education compulsory in The Gambia?
Basic education policy is intended to provide free and compulsory education, although access and attendance can still be affected by practical and economic challenges.
Can I donate school supplies while I'm in The Gambia?
Yes, but it's better to ask our local team or an established organisation what is actually needed rather than distributing items directly to children.
Can visitors go to a Gambian school?
Some organised visits may be possible, but they should always be arranged with the school or through an appropriate local organisation so that pupils and teachers aren't disrupted.
Does The Gambia have a university?
Yes. The University of The Gambia provides higher education within the country, alongside other vocational and tertiary institutions.
