The Forum for African Women Educationalist Gambia Chapter (FAWEGAM), in collaboration with the World Bank through the SWEED project, successfully hosted a transformative ten-day career guidance program known as the ‘Take Our Daughters to Work’ camp in Basse Mansajang, Upper River Region (URR), from July 23rd to August 1st, 2023. This initiative aimed to empower young girls, enabling them to pursue their education, excel academically, access higher learning opportunities, and consider STEM subjects for a brighter future, both for themselves and their communities.

 

The camp brought together a group of fifteen dedicated students and three teachers from various schools across URR and Central River Region (CRR) North and South. Participants represented schools such as Wassu, Jarume, Armitage Senior Secondary Schools in CRR North and South, as well as Nassir, St. Georges Senior Secondary School, and Cobba Kunda Technical Secondary Schools in URR. Selected teachers hailed from Armitage, St. Georges, and Wassu Schools. Working closely with the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education, Health, Agriculture, and the Police Department, FAWEGAM assembled a team of four skilled facilitators and eight inspirational speakers, including representatives from the Regional Educational Directorate, a Principal of Cobba Kunda TSS, a Nurse from the Regional Health team, a Police Child Welfare Officer, a young female mentor from MRC, an Agriculture expert, and the President of the Network of Mothers Clubs.

Throughout the camp’s duration, each day was dedicated to various learning experiences, featuring motivational speakers, enlightening field trips, personal presentation preparation, and engaging drama and poetry performances. Evening activities were equally enriching, with campfire gatherings, storytelling sessions, poetry recitations, spelling bees, talent showcases, dramatic performances, and a grand cultural show on the final evening. These activities not only nurtured strong bonds among the participants but also provided opportunities for them to acquire and hone new skills.

The pinnacle of the camp’s closing festivities was a captivating cultural show, during which the girls showcased their vibrant traditional attire and dance. Additionally, they delivered insightful 5-minute presentations about their unique cultures and traditions. Ms. Yadicon Njie-Eribo, FAWEGAM’s National Coordinator, expressed her gratitude to distinguished guests, facilitators, motivational speakers, and, most importantly, the girls for their active participation. She looked forward to replicating this empowering camp in other regions and encouraged the girls to act as ambassadors in sharing their newfound knowledge with their schoolmates.

As the cultural show came to a close, one of the students extended a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to her fellow participants, organizers, facilitators, and all those who contributed to their enriching experience in Basse. She affirmed that the lessons learned during the camp would forever remain etched in their hearts, and they were determined to make FAWE proud by striving for excellence in their educational journeys.