Learning from Home During Covid19 in The Gambia

Learning from Home During Covid19 in The Gambia

Marie Antoinette Corr - General Secretary, Gambia Teachers Union, September 2020

On the 17th of March 2020, His Excellency the President of the Republic of the Gambia addressed the nation on the status of the Corona Virus, subsequently, he declared all schools and educational institutions closed as a measure to protect children, teachers and education support personnel to control the spread of the virus. This decision though necessary was unexpected and impromptu under the circumstances the ministry was confronted with an unprecedented situation.

At the Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) level alone 674,300 students from Early Childhood Education to Senior Secondary Schools were affected due to the pandemic.  

This made it impossible for schools to achieve 100 percent school contact hours but it was believed that ‘bringing lessons at home’ by MoBSE through various mediums would minimise the school contact hours lost due to the pandemic.

The Challenge of Learning from Home 

The Gambia is classified as one of the least developed countries and is a low-income country. The Gambia Minimum wage is 50 dalasi per day ($1.25). The Gambia’s poverty rate remains at 48.6%. In the rural areas, poverty is even more widespread and almost accounts for about 70% of the total poor in the Country.

On Wednesday, 26th April 2019 an article was published in the Point Newspaper and it stated thus: 

“In today’s Gambia the average salary is d3000 ($60) whilst a bag of rice costs an exorbitant price between D1100 and D1, 550. Internet tariffs are sky rocketing, Megabytes and normal calls D3000 Monthly”.

Therefore, it goes without saying that most of the teachers and parents cannot afford Laptops, Computers, and Smartphones with much more megabytes or have access to internet and I can comfortably say that they might not even have heard of Google much more think of using it. In addition to all that the unreliable provision of electricity is a major obstacle.

Education response strategy to COVID 19


The Gambia Ministry of Basic and secondary education-initiated measures in the form of TV and Radio programmes to make up for learning gaps due to school closures. But complaints and concerns came from all quarters even the National Assembly that the MoBSE online learning disadvantaged many students especially those in the remote parts of the country as access to network coverage for both television and radios and other social media is questionable coupled with poor networking services compare to the urban areas.


In one of our meetings a member of the committee from the furthest region mentioned that he bought a ‘solar radio’ and that is what his children and other students in the community are using to follow the online lessons, he told us ‘they always invade my house to listen.’ After the meeting, we discussed and agreed that it would be a good idea to do something like this. First, we informed the Ministry but unfortunately, they could not provide support because they had other issues to deal with like paying the radio stations for the coverage amongst a host of other things.


I decided to contact few of our partners for support and the Steve Sinnott Foundation responded positively.


Finding the ideal solution


According to UNICEF recent study conducted in the country, out of 10,000 students 2,470 students across the six educational regions did not have access to radio or television in order for them to get their lessons through MoBSE ongoing online learning due to the COVID 19 pandemic.


The radio programmes offer an alternative platform and have the potential to reach children in areas that remain inaccessible. With many hundreds of schools closed, and children exposed to numerous risks the radio programmes will keep children in a positive learning routine.


The programme has a high recall value among students and has been effective in eliciting participation and keeping the students engaged.


Through the Sinnott Foundation we provided 380 Radio sets for students in three regions in rural Gambia. If you calculate that on average radio sets will be shared by several families and deliver lessons to approximately 10 children and adults at a time then we will have reached on average 3,800 students through this medium to allow them to continue learning safely.


GTU have also broadcasted campaigns to inform parents and adults about the dangers facing young girls at this time of early child marriage, pregnancy and sexual abuse, so everyone should be vigilant and protect our girls and report any cases to the police.


On top of this we have also delivered books and skipping ropes and footballs so that children can keep active and healthy and enjoy playing.


Looking Ahead



The Steve Sinnott Foundation have secured more funding for solar radios, thanks to The Canning Trust and The Souter Charitable Trust, who are now rolling that project out to more communities that we work with, in Sierra Leone, Haiti and Nepal.

We are also working with the University of Brunel to research potential ways to connect learners worldwide and create learning platforms that can be delivered both online and offline as needed. As well as creating digital learning resources for these.

The Steve Sinnott Foundation • October 2, 2020

Change Starts with a Will: Leave a Legacy That Helps Transform Education

September 7, 2026
Most of us want to leave the world a little better than we found it. Whether that's through the people we love, the values we pass on, or the causes we care about, we all hope our legacy will make a difference. One of the simplest ways to do that is by writing a will. This autumn, we are proud to be taking part in the Change Starts with a Will campaign, allowing our supporters to write or update their will free of charge through our trusted partner, Octopus Legacy. Why writing a will matters Writing a will isn't just about deciding who inherits your possessions. It's about making sure your wishes are respected and providing peace of mind for the people you care about. Having a will means you can: Protect the people you love. Make important decisions about your estate. Reduce uncertainty for your family. Leave a lasting gift to a cause that reflects your values. Many people put off writing a will, believing it's something to think about later in life. In reality, it's one of the most important documents you'll ever create. A legacy that supports education Steve Sinnott dedicated his life to championing education as a fundamental human right. His belief was simple but powerful: every child deserves the opportunity to learn, and every teacher deserves the support they need to inspire future generations. Today, we continue that mission by working with partners across the world to improve access to quality education, strengthen teaching and support communities where education can change lives. When you choose to leave a gift in your will to The Steve Sinnott Foundation, you're helping ensure that this work can continue for years to come. After taking care of family and friends, even a small gift could help provide learning opportunities, strengthen education systems and create brighter futures for generations to come. A gift that lasts beyond a lifetime Legacy gifts play an important role in helping charities plan for the future. Your support could help us continue investing in sustainable education projects, supporting teachers and ensuring more children have access to the education they deserve. It's a powerful way to ensure your values live on long into the future. Write your will for free As part of our Autumn 2026 campaign, we're offering supporters the opportunity to write or update their will free of charge through Octopus Legacy. There is no obligation to leave a gift to The Steve Sinnott Foundation, but we hope you'll consider remembering us after you've taken care of those closest to you. Together, we can continue Steve Sinnott's vision of a world where education changes lives. Find out more If you've been thinking about writing your will, there's never been a better time. Our free will service is available until 31 October 2026 , making it easy to protect the people you love while considering the lasting impact your legacy could have on education worldwide.  https://octopuslegacy.com/online-will?channel=partner Change starts with a will. And together, we can help create a future where education is accessible to everyone.

What happens when creativity, young people, education and community come together?

By Ann Beatty • August 25, 2026
Seeds of Hope are everywhere! “I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I arrived at Stage at the Lake…” But it was special to meet all of the Calderdale team in person, who had brought this four-day event together so successfully. Sometimes an event stays with you long after the final performance has finished. My visit to Stage at the Lake at the beautiful Shibden Hall in Calderdale was one of those occasions. As UNESCO ASPnet UK Coordinator, I was delighted to be invited as a guest, but what I experienced was much more than simply attending an event. Here, in the grounds of a house steeped in history, the past, present and future seemed to meet. The English Chamber Orchestra filled the setting with music, Northern Ballet brought movement and storytelling to life, and throughout there was a wonderful sense of creativity, community and possibility. And then there were the parklets; a unique gardening festival at Shibden Park celebrating community, creativity and the power of nature to bring people together. At its heart was a specially commissioned trail of ten micro show gardens, designed and built by community groups from across Calderdale. It was wonderful to see spaces where ideas, conversations and creativity were flourishing and connecting through Seeds of Hope. I cannot wait to see them transported to their ‘forever homes’. Standing there, I found myself thinking about what we mean when we talk about education, culture and hope. 

Alfa Liv Kalkil - Math concepts for popular literacy classes in Haiti

By Chancy Jak • August 25, 2026
2025 During the annual fomasyon for Alfa monitors, Antoliyis Pye gave an extensive presentation on how best to introduce and develop basic math concepts in literacy classes. The response to his insight and enthusiasm led to our decision to create our own math book for Alfa participants.  In Haiti and around the world, illiterate market women and peasant farmers develop their own techniques for calculating and recording numbers. However, in providing literacy for the development of our people, we must also introduce the world of conventional numeracy. These skills lead to logical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to interpret and make informed decisions on numerical evidence. For a year we worked together to draft the contents of our Alfa Liv Kalkil, seek illustrations, create layout, and finally take our product to the local printer. Funds were provided for 350 copies, enough for each Alfa participant at each of our sites at the present level of attendance. 2026 Our next step was to fully engage each Alfa monitor in the process for introduction and use of Liv Kalkil in Alfa classes. Our two day fomasyon for 2026 was dedicated to ensuring that each member of our team was familiar with the book and comfortable in implementing the concepts with Alfa participants. The sessions were a great success. Every monitor was extremely pleased with this new tool which will allow them and their classes to work together in the world of mathematics. Liv Kalkil is now in service for every participant throughout Alfa, from Limonade itself out to sites in the hills and along the river. It is with some excitement that the monitors and participants are beginning to use our very own, home-grown, math book. In the same way that we already had Goute Sel*, Lekti Netale*, Ti Koze Sou Istwa Peyi Dayiti*, we are proud to have this math book which advances our shared work for the development of our people. We are profoundly grateful to all those who have encouraged and supported us in developing this book. We want to thank our dedicated team of monitors, the Alfa support team in Columbus, Ann Beatty and the Steve Sinnott Foundation, and the many others who contribute to our literacy programme. Chancy Jak (Alfa Co-ordinator) Antoliyis Pye (senior monitor) *Goute Sel: Taste of Salt (base text for Alfa literacy classes) *Lekti Netale (reading comprehension) *Ti Koze Sou Istwa Peyi Dayiti (stories from Haitian history; Alfa second level)