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

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On 23rd January at the Cima Community School of Hope (ECEC), the first workshop was held with the first group of students as part of the STEM program. This activity marks a promising start to the program's implementation. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is crucial for children because it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity from a young age. It nurtures natural curiosity, helps children understand the modern world, and builds resilience through hands-on experimentation. Additionally, early STEM exposure prepares them for future academic and career success. A total of 20 students participated in this first session. The session focused on a general presentation of the importance of computer programming in today's world. The students were also introduced to the Scratch software interface, an educational tool well-suited for teaching children programming. This initial experience went smoothly and generated considerable interest and strong motivation among the students.

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At the Steve Sinnott Foundation, we know that planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for the people and causes you care about. That’s why we’re delighted to offer our staff and volunteers the opportunity to write or update their will this Spring. Whether you’ve been meaning to get started for years, or you simply need to make a few updates, this is the perfect time to take that important step. Join Our Free Will Writing Webinar To help you get started, we’ve partnered with expert estate planners Octopus Legacy , who will be hosting a free webinar(s) covering everything you need to know about writing or updating your will. Staff & Volunteers 12pm, Thursday 5th March Online via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uvirWft7S12lJUby6oUtnQ#/registration Supporters 12pm, Tuesday 10th March Online via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xxJNZd6ZQYKMOs-2fNz0Gg#/registration During the session, you’ll learn: Why it’s important to have an up-to-date will What to consider when writing or updating your will The different types of will-writing services available How Lasting Powers of Attorney work and why they matter How to claim your free will this Spring This webinar is designed to make what can feel like a complex process simple, clear and manageable. Why Having a Will Matters Having an up-to-date will ensures your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected. Without one, the law decides how your estate is distributed and that may not reflect what you would have wanted. A will gives you peace of mind. It allows you to: Provide clarity and security for your family Appoint guardians for children if needed Make specific gifts to individuals or causes Ensure your estate is handled efficiently Updating your will is just as important as writing one. Life changes marriages, children, property purchases, or changes in circumstances can all affect your wishes. Claim Your Free Will This Spring As part of this initiative, eligible staff and volunteers will have the opportunity to claim a free will-writing service. Full details will be shared during the webinar, including how to access this benefit. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Writing or updating your will is one of the most responsible and caring decisions you can make for yourself and for those you care about. Register Now Spaces are available now, simply register using the link below: Staff & Volunteers - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uvirWft7S12lJUby6oUtnQ#/registration Supporters - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xxJNZd6ZQYKMOs-2fNz0Gg#/registration We hope you’ll join us on Thursday 5th March and take this positive step towards securing your future.

The Foundation supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

By Kaylem James • February 3, 2026
In my time as an assistant at The Steve Sinnott Foundation (SSF), one of my research tasks was looking into how the Foundation contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I really believe in the work of the Foundation and I have also been raising funds as I believe that every child must have the right to education. SSF is a UK-based educational charity focused on promoting quality education worldwide. It plays a supportive role in achieving the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 4: (Quality Education), but its work contributes to several others as well. Here's how the Foundation supports the SDGs: Goal 4 – Quality education (core focus) The Foundation's main mission is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. It supports teachers and educational initiatives in developing countries. It runs programmes like: The Education for All Campaign – advocating for universal access to education. Teacher empowerment projects – providing training and resources to educators in under-resourced countries. Girls' education programmes – encouraging and supporting girls to stay in school and complete their education. Goal 3 – Good health and well-being Through education, particularly health-related programmes, the Foundation contributes to raising awareness about hygiene, nutrition, and mental health. The Foundation has developed a range of webinars to promote health and wellbeing and these can be found on YouTube. Goal 5 – Gender equality The Foundation promotes girls' education, directly addressing barriers that prevent girls from accessing and completing school. It advocates for the rights of women and girls, especially in patriarchal or disadvantaged societies. Goal 8 – Decent work and economic growth By improving access to education and vocational training, the Foundation helps create employment opportunities. Educated individuals have better chances of securing decent work. Goal 10 – Reduced inequalities It supports marginalised groups, including children in rural or conflict-affected areas, contributing to reducing global inequalities in education. Goal 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions Promotes education as a force for peace and conflict resolution. Supports democratic participation and awareness through educational programmes that foster community engagement. Goal 17 – Partnerships for the goals Collaborates with NGOs, unions, schools, and governments to deliver and advocate for education projects. Builds international partnerships to achieve the SDGs through education. Summary While The Steve Sinnott Foundation's primary focus is on Goal 4, it contributes to many of the SDGs by empowering communities through education, particularly: Gender equality (Goal 5), Health (Goal 3), Economic growth (Goal 8), Reducing inequality (Goal 10), Peace (Goal 16), and Partnerships (Goal 17).  The Foundation’s programmes also contribute to the achievement of other SDGs through the power of the provision of education and life-long learning; 1. No Poverty, 2. Zero Hunger, 13. Climate Action. We believe that all of the 17 SDGs are only achievable by ensuring that all children, wherever they are born, deserve the human right of quality education. Over 250 million children are still out of school and the global out-of-school population has reduced by only 1% in nearly ten years, according to the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2024. There is still much work to do in achieving equitable and quality Education for All.