This report was written by volunteer Siobhan about her placement in The Gambia.

The first question I am always asked is why?  I wanted to share my skills and experience in a school and country where that type of support was genuinely needed, somewhere I could help in a small but meaningful way. I spent a long time looking for the most appropriate placement, as many opportunities focused on teaching English or doing crafts.

There was lots of correspondence before leaving for Gambia but the most useful pre-departure preparation came from the Zoom meetings with People and Places representatives and with Lisong Bah (Mary’s Little Lamb’s Headteacher) and Michelle Mendy (the school’s manager).

I was glad I had arrived over the weekend as it gave me time to find my feet. Musufing (People & Places volunteer coordinator) was wonderful company and helped me learn the route that I would walk  to school, organise taxis (including how to haggle), and find ATMs, money exchange points and a SIM card, all of which helped me feel settled very quickly.

On my first day I was introduced to everyone and spent time sitting in all the classes to observe, and I was also given curriculum books for each class so that I could prepare more effectively for planning meetings with each teacher. These meetings went very well and were something I enjoyed very much; we shared ideas openly and I always made it clear that everything we did would be a partnership. After each meeting I wrote a topic plan based on the notes from the meeting and then worked alongside teachers in the classroom to put ideas into practice.

During my career I worked as a teacher and head teacher, and the school asked me to support staff in developing topics of learning that incorporated different curriculum areas, as well as helping to create a School Improvement Plan. I also worked with Michelle to observe lessons and give feedback to support teacher development. I brought with me a range of books that I had previously developed activities around, lesson observation templates, a large “Big Book” with examples of topics built around big questions and the learning that had been generated, and a folder of ideas for active, hands-on learning. In addition, I brought specific resources such as measuring tapes, colouring pencils, chalk and a beautiful poetry book illustrated with paintings of animals and trees, all of which were used meaningfully during my time there.

One of the challenges was the lack of technology, although this was something I grew to enjoy. Everything was handwritten, including the School Improvement Plan, class plans and workshop resources, and I found that this actually reduced unnecessary paperwork and allowed us to focus more clearly on learning. In the classrooms, the only electrical items were the lights and fans, and electricity regularly went off. Teaching was largely teacher-led, with children answering questions and copying from the blackboard, and I was in awe of how hard the teachers worked and what their working day involved. 

There were many wonderful moments throughout the placement. Highlights included Prep 2 performing The Three Little Pigs in small groups, children drawing maps of the local area on the playground, and Prep 1 delivering an anti-litter campaign in assembly.

Prep 6, in particular, worked with real focus and determination, showing high levels of motivation and engagement as they designed and created different learning areas in the garden, including a reading area, mud kitchen, puzzles and an art space. They carefully planned their ideas, worked collaboratively and took great pride in what they were creating. Their final presentation to Lisong, Michelle and Frances was a genuinely proud moment for them, as they confidently explained their ideas and the impact these areas would have on the rest of the school.  They then went on to host the younger children, welcoming them warmly to explore and play in the spaces they had designed.

Towards the end of my placement, I delivered a workshop for all staff which gave us the opportunity to pause and reflect on what had been achieved during our time working together. It  felt important to recognise the teachers’ commitment, creativity and willingness to engage with new ideas, and the session became as much a celebration of their work as a professional discussion. We also spent time thinking ahead, beginning to shape a whole-school topic around Independence Day in February 2026, considering how this could bring together learning across the curriculum while celebrating Gambian history, culture and identity. The workshop was collaborative and thoughtful, with staff sharing ideas openly and building on one another’s suggestions, and it felt like a meaningful way to bring my time at the school to a close while leaving space for future development to continue. 

Outside of school, my leisure time was always busy, with visits to Katchikally Crosodile Pool, Bijilo Forest Park, Abuko Nature Reserve, Kotu Beach, Tanji Fishing Village, Sanyang Beach and Fathala Wildlife Reserve in Senegal. My accommodation was excellent, and having a swimming pool and a restaurant on site, made a huge difference. The staff were wonderful, and as I was travelling alone, staying at Riyan Apartments meant that I never felt lonely and always felt comfortable.

I would like to end by offering my heartfelt thanks to the staff and children at Mary’s Little Lambs School for welcoming me so warmly and making me feel part of their school family from the very beginning. The children were wonderful — polite, friendly and full of warmth — and the staff were equally kind, generous and supportive. As I worked alongside the teachers, sharing ideas, planning together and learning from one another, I hope that, in some small way, this was helpful; whether through shared planning, new approaches to learning, or simply the time spent reflecting and working alongside one another.

I would wholeheartedly recommend volunteering with People and Places. Being able to share my skills and experience as a teacher and head teacher was extremely important to me, and travelling on my own, it was reassuring to know that support was always available if I needed it. The Gambian people are truly fabulous, and this placement was both professionally fulfilling and personally enriching.

To learn more about volunteering at Mary’s Little Lambs take a look here.