Crossing rivers to reach her dreams: A child’s right to education in The Gambia
Mildred*, 12, lives in Kerawan Badala, a small village in The Gambia’s Upper River Region, with her father and younger brother.
She remembers very little of her mother, who left the family when she was very young. Financial hardship drove her mother away.
Today, Mildred’s father alone cares for his children and works every day to support and care for them. To earn a living, he transports people by canoe across the river separating the region's southern and northern villages.
Despite the challenges they faced, Mildred’s father was determined to give his daughter the chance to access a quality education. That opportunity came through the SOS Children’s Villages school in Basse, where Mildred found the support and learning environment she needed to pursue her dreams.
“It is my wish to become a medical doctor, so that I can change my family’s situation when I grow up, and make my father proud,” said Mildred.
Overcoming barriers
Mildred first enrolled in her village’s local public school, completing first and second grade. But the poor standard of teaching soon became clear. Hoping for better opportunities for his daughter, she was accepted to the SOS Children’s Villages school in Basse, but the transition proved difficult.
Mildred had hoped to join third grade, but her entry test results fell short. Instead, the school placed her in grade two to strengthen her foundation.
"At first, the high standards at the school overwhelmed her, but with the support of her teachers and her determination, she adapted, improved, and began to excel."
Her challenges didn’t end in the classroom. Each day, she wakes up very early to prepare for school, then sails across the river before 7 am. On the other side, she rides her bicycle three kilometres to reach the campus.
Now in fifth grade, Mildred remains punctual and always arrives in her neat school uniform, qualities she’s admired for.
Academic success
Mildred’s father constantly encourages her to give her all at school, and her hard work is paying off.
She excelled in all core subjects, including English, math, sciences, and social and environmental studies. Her results placed her among the top-performing students in both her school and across the region.
She ranked first in a regional math exam and a regional spelling competition organized by the regional board for education. In school, she continues to achieve outstanding results in her exams and sports competitions.
“Mildred is an excellent student. Her behaviour is exceptional and makes us [teachers] proud,” said Wally Mamadi, her teacher.
Local families praise the dedication and quality of teachers at SOS Children’s Villages schools, which gives their children hope for a better future.
Why your support matters
In many parts of The Gambia, children face significant barriers to accessing quality education and SOS Children’s Villages helps bridge this gap.
With the right support, children like Mildred can continue pursuing their education and building brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
SOS Children’s Villages supports over 450 schools and vocational training centres worldwide.
*Name changed to protect privacy.