Teachers Advance in Guidance and Counselling Training in The Gambia

The journey to strengthen the well-being and success of learners in The Gambia continues with a renewed commitment to guidance and counselling in schools. In August 2025, we have successfully trained 140 educators across Regions 1, 2, 3 & 4 under our Guidance & Counselling Programme; a programme designed to equip educators with the skills to support students’ academic, social, and emotional development.


Region 3: teachers complete level 2 training

On 6 August, 30 teachers from Region 3 (North Bank Region) began a three-day Level 2 Guidance and Counselling training at the Christian Council in Kanifing. This programme built on their earlier Level 1 training in Farafenni, with a focus on deepening their capacity to serve as school-based counsellors.

The training concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, recognising the teachers’ commitment and marking an important step in their professional development. These certificates symbolise more than an achievement; they represent each teacher’s readiness to provide psychosocial support, guidance, and mentorship to learners across their schools.

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Region 1: teachers begin their own leg 2 training

Following the success in Region 3, the focus shifted to Region 1, where another group of 30 dedicated educators embarked on their Leg 2 Guidance and Counselling Training. Like their peers, they are equipped with essential tools to address the emotional, social, and academic needs of students, helping to create school environments that are safe, nurturing, and inclusive.

This training marks another significant milestone in building a nationwide network of trained school counsellors who can provide consistent, meaningful support to learners.


Why this matters

In today’s world, learners face a wide range of challenges from academic pressures to personal and social struggles.


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Guidance and counselling services in schools play a pivotal role in helping students:

  • Overcome personal and academic challenges
  • Build resilience and life skills
  • Develop positive behaviour
  • Reach their full potential

By empowering teachers with these skills, schools become more than places of academic instruction; they become communities of care and growth.


A shared commitment to learners’ well-being

The Guidance and Counselling programme, supported by The Steve Sinnott Foundation, reflects a shared commitment to empowering teachers, strengthening education systems, and transforming the lives of learners across The Gambia. With Regions 1 and 3 making significant progress, the foundation is being laid for a sustainable, nationwide counselling framework that prioritises student well-being and success.


A growing network of school counsellors

Through the collaborative efforts of The Steve Sinnott Foundation, The Gambia Teachers’ Union, and Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), the Guidance and Counselling programme has made significant strides. With the completion of Region 1’s Level 2 training, the GTU has now trained and certified 140 school counsellors across Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4 a clear demonstration of the commitment to empowering teachers and strengthening school counselling nationwide.



Looking ahead

These milestones mark more than just the completion of training sessions; they represent the foundation of a nationwide network of dedicated school counsellors who are committed to fostering safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environments. With continued support and collaboration, The Gambia is building a stronger education system where every learner has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.New Paragraph

Ann Beatty • August 18, 2025

UNESCO ASPnet UK schools on the theme of peace was presented to Pope Leo XIV at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris

By Ann Beatty • September 25, 2026
A moment to be proud of and a reminder of why young people’s voices matter. Today, artwork created by students from UNESCO ASPnet UK schools on the theme of peace was presented to Pope Leo XIV at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, alongside artwork from young people in other countries. What an amazing opportunity for our students to have their creativity, ideas and hopes represented on an international stage. For me, this is what UNESCO ASPnet is about: creating opportunities for young people to connect across cultures, express themselves creatively, learn from one another and imagine a better future together. The power of young people’s creativity: their voices being part of an international conversation about education, peace, culture and our shared future. UNESCO’s programme for Pope Leo XIV’s visit specifically focused on education, artistic creation, AI, information integrity and peace. The work was part of a mural that brings together 80 original creations marking UNESCO’s 80th anniversary, produced as part of the "International Youth for Peace" competition organized by France TV and UNESCO.

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.