WHERE AID IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Following the ceremonial school opening in Benin, Christian Krämer and Tilo Braune’s journey continued on to Gambia. A two-day fact-finding mission—initiated at the suggestion of UNICEF Germany—provided key insights into the current situation on the ground.

The visit began with a high-level exchange: The Gambian Minister of Education personally received the delegation to discuss the challenges facing the national education system. A subsequent visit to a multi-story school on the outskirts of the capital, Banjul, presented a mixed picture.

Light and Shadow in Daily School Life

While staffing levels—specifically the number of teachers—and class sizes met a comparatively high standard for the region, an examination of the infrastructure revealed a critical state of affairs. The sanitary situation, in particular, is dire: a single water pump serves several hundred students. There is an acute need for action here. In close coordination with UNICEF staff on the ground, we are now assessing how targeted support can improve the living and learning conditions for these children.

UNICEF Gambia: Advocating for the Most Vulnerable

Beyond infrastructure, UNICEF performs indispensable work in Gambia, particularly in rural areas. Key priorities include:

• Health programs and protection against violence.

• The determined fight against female genital mutilation.

• The continuous improvement of educational quality through renovations and the provision of teaching materials.

Gambia may be small, but its challenges are significant. We are keeping a close watch on the situation and are currently evaluating our next steps. We remain committed!