Dear Friends and Partners
Welcome to our Q2 2026 update from Kunning Gambia and Great Minds Skills Training Centre (GMSTC). This quarter has focused on strengthening community partnership, celebrating student progress, and building confidence through practical skills development in Gunjur.
"Together, we are building skills, confidence and futures for students in Gunjur."
Community Partnership in Action
Over recent weeks, Kunning Gambia and GMSTC hosted two important community events: a Parents Afternoon on 14 June 2026 and a student Fun Day on 31 May 2026.
Both events reflected the growing impact of the programme and the value of bringing students, families, and the wider community into the work. The partnership continues to focus on education, empowerment, and hands-on skills training that can support future income-generating opportunities.
Students and community members gathered during the Q2 2026 programme activities in Gunjur.
First Parents Afternoon
Our first Parents Afternoon brought parents and guardians together to hear updates on student progress and strengthen the connection between the training centre, students, and families.
Parents were given a clearer picture of what their children are learning, how they are developing, and why regular attendance matters. Students across the programme have shown strong engagement, growing confidence, and improving practical ability.
A key message from the session was that consistent attendance creates long-term benefits. Families were encouraged to support students in attending regularly, even when home responsibilities create pressure, because the skills and discipline being built now can open meaningful opportunities later.
Practical Skills and Entrepreneurship
Students are currently learning tie and dye, soap making, jewellery making, sewing, and tailoring. These areas were selected for their practical value and their potential to support entrepreneurship.
The programme is not only teaching students how to make products. It is also helping them understand that their skills can become a pathway to income, independence, and opportunity.
- Tie and dye
- Soap making
- Jewellery making
- Sewing
- Tailoring
This practical approach helps students see themselves as capable, creative, and productive while building confidence, professionalism, and enterprise skills.
Preparing Students for Public Engagement
Parents were also updated on the standards being encouraged among students, including regular attendance, discipline, respect, and professionalism.
As students continue to develop their skills, they will increasingly engage with customers and members of the public. That means the training is focused on the whole student: helping them produce good work, communicate well, present themselves confidently, and understand customer service.
Fun Day Celebrates Students, Culture and Community
On 31 May 2026, students and team members came together for a Fun Day filled with enjoyment, celebration, and community spirit. The event gave students time to relax, connect, and be recognised for their commitment to the programme.
As part of the day, students were given Salibo, a meaningful cultural tradition in The Gambia often shared during Eid Al-Adha as a way to spread joy, strengthen bonds, and build community.
Including Salibo made the event even more meaningful. It helped students feel appreciated, recognised, and included, while reminding everyone that development is also about belonging, encouragement, and shared joy.
Support Needed
The recent events show what is possible when training, family support, and community involvement work together. Continued support helps Kunning Gambia and GMSTC provide practical training, materials, and opportunities for more young people, especially girls and women.
If you would like to support the programme through donations, materials, volunteering, or partnership, we would be glad to hear from you.
Looking Ahead
By involving parents, celebrating students, and respecting local culture, Kunning Gambia and GMSTC are building more than a training programme. They are creating a supportive environment where young people can grow, contribute, and prepare for a stronger future.
We remain committed to helping students build skills for life in Gunjur and to strengthening the partnerships that make this work possible.
Contact Information
If you are interested in supporting any of the programme activities, please contact:
Dodou Barrow
Founder, Great Minds Skills Training Centre
Tel: 310 1268
Jalika Jatta
Founder, Kunning Gambia
Tel: 220 209 9045
Email: kunninggambia21@gmail.com
Website: www.kunninggambia.org
Warm regards,
Jalika and the Kunning Gambia / Great Minds Skills Training Centre Team