A Life-Changing Trip: Beacon Academy Sixth Form in the Gambia

Year 13 students, Jasmine, Sophie and Luca, reflect on their recent trip to the Gambia, our school’s 30th visit to support rural communities in the West African country through aid, partnership, and education.

Over the decades, Beacon has built and developed strong links with communities in the Gambia, and this year was working in partnership with international development charity, Self Help Africa, to support sustainable community-led projects.

Following months of dedicated fundraising activity, a group of sixty-seven Beacon Academy Sixth Form students, staff and volunteers spent a week working with Self Help Africa to help rural communities develop and move towards self-sufficiency.

During the trip, the students gain a first-hand experience of life in Gambian communities - an opportunity no tourist could replicate. They visit rural schools, health centres and villages, meeting with community partners and developing a new, global perspective.

Thanks to their efforts, our sixth formers had collectively raised an incredible £34,000, which funded a wide range of vital projects including a new medical centre, medical supplies and training for health centres, school buildings and classrooms, food and staff accommodation, a motorbike and trailer ambulance, a milling machine, a library, a women’s garden, agricultural initiatives and much more.

Describing the projects the students had funded, Sixth Former Jasmine says, “It was really eye-opening. There were so many different projects. We went to multiple different schools. One school didn’t have tables or chairs. One school was asking for a main hall for somewhere for students to eat. There is no right or wrong. It’s about thinking what would be best long term.”

“I loved seeing the agricultural farm,” said Year 13 student, Sophie. “They’re doing experiments, growing fruit and veg you can’t grow in the Gambia - it’s really impressive. They then go to other communities to share their knowledge. The women’s garden employs around 100 women, each supporting families and communities – so by supporting the farm, you’re supporting more people than you think. It all builds and it all creates something that’s amazing.”

Reflecting on Beacon’s legacy, Sophie said, “At Tendaba Junior School, there were staff quarters with a Beacon Staff sign. It’s obvious there is a legacy there. The Chief and townspeople had met every group from Beacon over the years. The legacy is there in the buildings and in the people.”

“A lot of people put a lot of work into fundraising,” added Jasmine, another Sixth Form student. “I did a 12-hour overnight bake-a-thon and Sophie held an afternoon tea. We all really tried and put our hearts and souls into it. This experience has showed me the good that people can do by being less selfish.”

“This trip is a perfect example of young people coming together and fundraising for a really good cause,” continued Sophie. “Beacon’s legacy meant that we were given such a welcoming response. The Gambian people were thankful that we were there, and that goes back to the amount of work that Beacon has put in over the years. The trip should be here for another 30 years.”

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip,” agreed Luca, a fellow student, “and it was great to share that experience together with some of the people I have spent the last seven years with. There’s nowhere else in the world like it.”

“It has inspired me." concluded Sophie. "Before going, I had some ideas about what I’d like to do in the future. The trip has solidified that – I know that I want to help people and work internationally. I don’t want to be the Prime Minister, I don't want to sit around and do politics - I want to do things first hand. I want to change the world.”

Some former students keep visiting long after they have left Beacon, and many current and former students are still in touch with friends they made on the trip. Former student, Emily Baldwin, returned to the Gambia with Beacon Academy this year.

"It’s been ten years since I first went to The Gambia as a Year 12 student." reflected Beacon Alumna Emily. "Returning as a member of staff — first in 2019 and again in 2024 — has been an incredible opportunity."

"What stood out to me most this year was the level of development we saw throughout the country." continued Emily. "One particularly striking example was in the village of Geniere. In 2015, the local school consisted of a single classroom with no floor, no desks, and ultimately no pupils. This year we saw a modern, functioning school building with students engaged in learning. It was a powerful testament to the impact of internal factors within the Gambia itself - such as a more stable, democratic political climate- and external factors including the work of international organisations. I hope that in another ten years' time some of this years students might be able to return to continue to witness the rate of progress being made. The Beacon students this year were thoughtful, curious and engaged. They showed sensitivity, respect and enthusiasm for local customs culture and really pushed themselves to embrace new experiences. It'll be great to see some familiar faces and lots of new ones for Gambia 2025!"

Interested in being part of the next Gambia trip?

We are proud to continue Beacon’s legacy of action, empathy and global engagement, building friendships and opportunities that stretch far beyond borders.

Students currently in Years 11 and 12 who are interested in being part of the next Gambia trip should contact Mr Howarth at c.howarth@beacon-academy.org for more information.