Education in the Gambia, a small West African country dates back to the colonial era. Formal education was introduced by Christian missionaries in the early 19th century, primarily for the purpose of religious instruction and literacy. The first government school was established in Bathurst (now Banjul) in 1822. After independence, The Gambia inherited an education system that was largely influenced by British colonial policies. Ever since the colonial masters brought education to Africa, it is a known fact that education is a fundamental human right and a critical driver of social and economic development. Also, education system plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future.
The Gambian education system is structured into three main levels: Basic Education, Secondary Education, and Tertiary Education.
Basic Education
Basic Education in The Gambia is divided into three stages. The Early Childhood Development (ECD) stage caters to children aged 3 to 6 years and aims to provide foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social development. The Lower Basic Education (LBE) spanning grades 1 to 6, this stage is mandatory and free for children aged 7 to 12 years. It focuses on basic literacy, numeracy, and the introduction of subjects such as science and social studies. Each students spend 6 years in this stage.
The Upper Basic Education (UBE) covering grades 7 to 9 aims to consolidate the knowledge gained in LBE and prepare students for secondary education. It includes a broader curriculum with subjects like mathematics, English, science, and technical studies. Lower basic education continues for another 3 years leading to a junior school certificate.
Secondary Education
Those students whose parents can afford the cost of ongoing education can then proceed to 3 years at senior secondary school. This three-year cycle (grades 10 to 12) prepares students for tertiary education and the labour market. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering subjects such as science, arts, commerce, and technical vocational education and training (TVET). At the end of grade 12, based on their performance in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), students can choose to enrol in the Technical Training Institute for vocational and technical education, attend Gambia College for pre-service training for teachers, nurses, public health officers, and agricultural supervisors, pursue university education, or enter the labour force.
Tertiary Education
Tertiary education in The Gambia includes universities, colleges, and technical institutions. The University of The Gambia (UTG), established in 1999, is the primary institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Other notable institutions include the Gambia College, which provides teacher training, nursing, agriculture, and public health courses, and the Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI), which focuses on technical and vocational education.
However, the Gambia, like many other African countries, is facing a learning crisis. Data from UNICEF suggests “just 13% of children possess fundamental reading skills, with urban areas showing a slightly higher rate of 16% and rural areas lagging behind at 7%. Moreover, when it comes to basic numeracy skills, only 4% of children meet the standard, with urban regions at 5% and rural areas at an even lower 1%”.
Despite the limited resources available in the education sector, the Gambia has made significant strides in improving access to education. The introduction of free basic education has led to a significant increase in enrolment rates, particularly at the lower basic level. Gender parity has also improved, and more girls are now attending school compared to previous decades. Literacy rates have also steadily increased, with the adult literacy rate rising from 41% in 2004 to 55% in 2020. This improvement is largely attributed to adult education programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting literacy among women and rural populations.
Efforts have been made to enhance the quality of education through teacher training and professional development. Education in The Gambia has made notable progress over the years, especially in terms of access and enrolment.
Finally,the journey of education in The Gambia, from its colonial origins to present-day challenges and achievements, reflects a narrative of struggle and progress. Introduced by missionaries in the 19th century, the Gambian education system inherited British colonial influences after independence. Structured into basic, secondary, and tertiary levels, the system aims to provide foundational skills and prepare students for higher education or the workforce. Despite facing a learning crisis with low literacy and numeracy rates, the Gambia has made significant strides, including increased enrolment, improved gender parity, and rising literacy rates. Efforts to enhance education quality through teacher training and professional development underscore ongoing commitment to improving access and outcomes.
