We are officially on Day 4, and it’s safe to say the students are no longer tourists, they are now fully-fledged classroom leaders (with surprisingly confident “teacher voices”) and part-time decorating professionals!
After breakfast, we split into three groups and headed off to Bright Minds Nursery, Wisdom Nursery and St Peter’s School.
Each group threw themselves into activities with energy and smiles. There was laughter, learning, and the kind of joyful chaos that only happens when creativity meets small children.
Activities included crown making, nail painting, classroom singsong and face painting. The most requested face paints were Ruby’s Lion and Spider-Man.
In the afternoon, it was back to painting at Omega School. Brushes were brandished with all the confidence of seasoned professionals, sleeves were firmly rolled up, and the transformation continued. The white-wash team have been working wonders, the walls are looking brighter than ever, and the freshly painted alphabet is coming along beautifully.
At lunchtime, we made a tactical mission to the supermarket to pick up snacks and refuel. Nothing says a successful day like a determined group debating what are better, Doritos or Pringles?
After dinner, the productivity continued, hygiene kits were carefully packed, and footballs were blown up in preparation for tomorrow’s activities.
Meanwhile, the evenings have featured special guest appearances from geckos in rooms — now fondly referred to as “Gecko Gate.” We’re pleased to report that while they are bold, they are also tiny and largely uninterested in being Eden and Megan’s new household pet. Thank you, Mr Cajigal, for safely removing “Big Yahoo” from room 15A.
And now… the headline act.
During the daytime, we have experienced what can only be described as Monkey Madness. The local monkeys have taken a keen interest in our students, why would they not when they have sampled their biscuit selection.
We’re fairly certain they are camping out on the roof of said students’ room, in anticipation of their next biscuit fix. Biscuit security has since been significantly tightened.
All in all, it’s been a day full of purpose, laughter, paint splatters, wildlife encounters, and snack-based diplomacy. The students are working hard, embracing every moment, and handling the unexpected (furry or otherwise) with brilliant spirit.
Team Project Gambia
