Another fantastic and very busy day for our students here in The Gambia — full of creativity, teamwork and just a little bit of healthy competition!
The day began at 8:00am with breakfast, where students fuelled up and prepared for the day ahead. Shortly after, they split into two groups — proof that we can, in fact, organise teenagers efficiently before 9:00am!
At 9:00am, both groups set off for their respective schools, ready to lead activities and bring plenty of energy.
Group One: Bright Minds Nursery
One group visited Bright Minds Nursery, where they worked with the children. Our students led a range of activities including:
• Making paper handbags (future fashion designers in the making!)
• Colouring sessions
• Playground games that may have been just as energetic for our students as the children
It was wonderful to see the confidence and leadership skills on display. There were big smiles all round — and that was just from our students!
Group Two: Omega School
Meanwhile, the second group headed to Omega School, where artistic talent was in full flow. Activities included:
• Paper hand art
• Designing and decorating cups
• Face painting (with some very impressive designs!)
The creativity on show was outstanding — and thankfully most of the paint made it onto paper and faces rather than their project Gambia t-shirts.
After a well-earned lunch, everyone regrouped and at 1:30pm headed back to the new build Omega school, which Earls students have contributed towards being built.
The mission: paint classrooms and add the finishing touches to the areas started yesterday.
A special shout-out goes to Eden and Riley, who were crowned champions of the (unofficial but very serious) Decorating Competition, their prize- ice cream!
At 4:00pm, we visited the ice cream parlour. After a day of hard work, it was very well deserved.
By 5:00pm, students enjoyed some free time in the swimming pool.
At 7:00pm, everyone gathered for dinner, sharing stories from the day and comparing creative masterpieces.
We continue to be impressed by how brilliantly our students are throwing themselves into every activity, whether that’s leading a nursery craft session, perfecting their face-painting technique, or treating a wall like it’s the Sistine Chapel. Their energy levels remain mysteriously high, especially when ice cream is involved.
