By Nyima Sillah
ChildFund’s projects have made a profound impact on the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable people across The Gambia. Through various initiatives, the organization has improved the daily necessities of many individuals, particularly in rural areas, making a lasting positive change.
One notable project is the Cash Transfer, which is part of the Zero Out of School Children (ZOOSC) initiative. This project is funded by Educate A Child and implemented in collaboration with UNICEF Gambia, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, ChildFund, and Efanet. The Cash Transfer program has significantly contributed to the enrollment of students in schools, providing much-needed support for parents to cover the costs of their children’s education.
During a tour to assess the success and impact of these initiatives, Ebrima Kasama, the principal of Chissay Majaw Basic Cycle in the North Bank Region, shared how the Cash Transfer has been instrumental in increasing student enrollment. He explained that many parents in rural areas struggle financially to send their children to school, but with the support of the Cash Transfer, they now have funds to buy uniforms, books, and other school materials. “Over fifty students are benefiting from this project,” Kasama said, noting that it has improved both academic performance and school attendance, especially for students who once felt reluctant to attend school without the basic necessities.
Kasama recommended expanding the program so that more students could benefit, suggesting that it would encourage even more parents to send their children to school. “Before the Cash Transfer, we had challenges, like students attending school without uniforms or struggling with lunch,” he said, praising ChildFund’s initiative for its positive impact.
Yama Jobe, a mother of eleven, shared how the Cash Transfer has helped her educate her children. Despite financial constraints, three of her children are now able to attend school thanks to the support. She expressed a desire for the project to expand, as one of her children had dropped out of school due to financial difficulties. “I used the money to buy uniforms, shoes, and school bags for my children,” Jobe said. “If someone could help me educate all my children, I would be grateful.”
Bintou Panneh, a single mother, also highlighted the importance of the Cash Transfer in her life. “My husband is late, and I have no other assistance,” she explained. “This support has been very helpful in providing for my child’s education.” Panneh, like many others, welcomed the project, as it had alleviated the struggles she faced in sending her children to school.
Similarly, Sirra Sallah shared how the Cash Transfer kept her child in school. “I wanted my child to drop out due to financial struggles, but with the Cash Transfer, his schooling continued, and his performance improved significantly,” Sallah said.
Abdoulie Jallow, head teacher at Kumbija LBS in URR, also praised the initiative. “Before the Cash Transfer, we had 255 students enrolled; now we have 354. This increase is a direct result of the Cash Transfer and the work ChildFund and its partners are doing,” Jallow said.
Another successful project funded by ChildFund is the bicycle initiative. Fatoumata G. Jallow, headmistress of Balangharr Chamen in CRR North, explained that the bicycles have helped students, particularly in remote areas, travel to school. The school is located 3-5 km from the students’ homes, making it difficult for them to attend regularly. “We hope for more bicycles to motivate students and parents,” Jallow said.
For students like Samba, the bicycle has been life-changing. “I used to be late for school, but now I can get there on time with my bicycle,” Samba said, grateful for the opportunity.
ChildFund’s projects continue to transform lives, providing vulnerable communities with the support they need to build brighter futures.
